40 Years of Loving Service: St. Joseph Parish in Salida honors longtime office manager Mary McGlasson

By Amy Ringer

SALIDA. “A woman of valor, who can find?” Here at St. Joseph Parish in Salida, the name that comes to mind is our beloved office and business manager of 40 years, Mary Guccione McGlasson. She has grown from a teenager to a savvy business manager with a heart full of love. On Aug. 2, our parish honored Mary with a “workiversary” celebration to express our gratitude for her commitment, dedication, and the unique brand of joy she brings to each of us. The theme for the evening became, “What’s the best thing about Mary?”

Mary graduated from Salida High School in 1985, ready to follow the dream she had had since 6th grade of becoming a cosmetologist. She set out to save money by working at the Patio Pancake Place, a popular Salida establishment. One fateful afternoon, however, Mary’s mother Ruth heard from Father Joe Halloran, then pastor of St. Joseph, that the current office manager was planning to retire. Ruth immediately instructed Mary to apply for the job. Two days later, the Parish Council met and Mary was selected from the eight other applicants.

On Aug. 12, 1985, Mary began the journey which continues to this day. Within the first few hours at her new job, Father Halloran handed her two long pieces of paper and stated, “This is the paper for the bulletin, type it and mail it.” With no training whatsoever, Mary asked, “What goes into the bulletin?” “You will figure it out,” Father Halloran responded. And figure it out she did! The grace of God guiding her, she dove in headfirst, digging through filing cabinets and receiving instructions from Sister Constance for Mass Intentions, “I trained myself here at this job.” Mary says.

No two days as a parish office/business manager are the same. There’s paper correspondence, accounting, all parish and sacramental data, planning baptisms and funerals. When trying to reach a deadline while the office demands won’t stop, Mary says that she “pauses, takes a deep breath, makes the Sign of the Cross three or four times, and cries out  ‘Jesus, please help me,’ and he always does!” 

Mary walks with parishioners through all stages of life, ministering to those going through a hard time and giving them hope in times of need. “The people of the parish, the friendships, the love; they are my extended family” and her favorite part of the job, she said. In hindsight, she sees her career path as providential. 

“Had I moved to Denver for cosmetology school I wouldn’t have met my husband and given birth to my two awesome sons. I have one grandson, and another grandson on the way. What I’d like to say to God is, ‘All the glory goes to you.’ I’m thankful for my job, the nine priests I have served, and the parishioners. My heart overflows with gratitude, I’m so blessed!” 

Last June, during a meeting with the Faith and Family Committee and the Social Fun Committee, Father Joe Dygert, the current pastor of St. Joseph, pointed out that Mary’s 40th anniversary of working at the parish was coming up “Let’s honor her with a big party!” he exclaimed.

Father Dygert’s idea took flight. Suggestions for food, dessert, wine, and decor circulated, and the planners chose the theme, “What’s the best thing about Mary?” A feast of Italian food was planned along with a large “Mary Cake” with her picture on it. Topping it all off would be a parish toast to Mary.

After three months of anticipation, planning, and cajoling Mary into agreeing to be the center of attention for one night, we were ready. The Faith and Family Committee, the Social Fun Committee, along with other volunteers cooked and decorated for two days. Then came the big reveal.  When she entered the room filled with the aroma of rich Italian cuisine and black and gold décor, she was moved to tears and so were we.

Mary hugged each of the 140 guests who came to show their love and appreciation. Special guests included Mary’s mother Ruth Guccione, brothers Frank and Pete and sisters Carolina and Mirella. Her sons Fabian and Gianni, grandson Nikolai, and niece and nephew Eric and Kaylee were also in attendance. 

Several parishioners took to the microphone to share stories of how Mary has touched their lives. Father Jim Williams, former pastor of St. Joseph, recounted cherished memories of their 12 years working side by side. Father Dygert spoke of getting to know Mary and discovering she is a “human Rolodex” who can rattle off the addresses and phone numbers of both past and present parishioners at the drop of a hat. 

The room quieted as Mary was presented with the book entitled “What’s The Best Thing About Mary?” In it, parishioners had written personal messages about how she touched their hearts, walked through painful seasons arm in arm with them, celebrated their joys, and dried their tears throughout the last 40 years. “I read the book on Sunday and cried and cried, tears were falling and the love I felt on those pages was indescribable,” Mary remarked. “In the end,” Mary conceded, “I was very happy that I had a party.”

(Amy Ringer is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Salida and head of the Social Fun Committee.)