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BARB PALAZZOLO, Office Manager
(734) 981-1333, x13
barb.palazzolo@abecket.org

I grew up in Westland, and have lived there most of my adult life. I started to attend STAB in the 80’s with my sister and her kids who were living in a subdivision just the other side of Cherry Hill. I was a cradle Catholic who had fallen away from the church after a divorce, and I thought this was a good way to get back – by sharing the mass with the niece who is also my goddaughter, the nephew who I sponsored in Confirmation, and my oldest sister (my "other mother"). It was a good decision. They were the only ones I knew here at the time, and about a year later their family moved to Chicago! Since I didn’t know anyone else, I started to volunteer and met some wonderful new friends! I guess that would be my advice to newcomers - volunteer! Meet some great people!

I have two beautiful daughters – Chelsea and Erin - both smart and beautiful! We live in a “zoo” - at least it feels that way with all the animals we’ve loved and kept over the years (cats, dogs, rats, mice, rabbits, geckos, fish, turtles, degus, guinea pigs, hamsters, and Chelsea even saved a baby bird by feeding it pieces of worms with an eye dropper!).

I started working as a secretary at GM when I was 18, and was there for 17 years before coming to St. Thomas a’Becket. I wanted a job where I was helping people, and I thought about the church – but I thought the staff were all volunteers! I took a buy-out from GM, and in the following two years I took classes to learn medical transcription and was also asked by Fr. Kelly to be an evening secretary. But just as I finished school and started looking for a full-time position as a medical transcriptionist, Fr. Kelly offered me a full time position in the parish office. The rest is history – I’ve been here since 1993.

I love my job! As Office Manager I do my best to keep the main office running smoothly, and help parishioners with their questions and concerns or point them in the direction to get help. I am responsible for scheduling all the meetings and events on the church calendar - a BIG job! I also put together the Chancellor every week. I think that’s one of the best parts of my job. I enjoy reading it every week - there’s some great info in there, written by some caring and passionate parishioners.

I’m so proud of this parish - where we started and how far we’ve come. I love that there are so many parishioners who care about the welfare and faith formation of our families, and a lot of families from other communities, too. We should be very proud of ourselves – but don’t stop! I’m sure there is so much more for us in the future!

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