Celebrating the Retirement of Mary Ellen Mahoney
After more than 12 years of faithful service, the Diocese of Norwich is celebrating the retirement of Mary Ellen Mahoney, who joined us on March 13, 2013, and quickly became one of the most trusted, steady, and mission-driven members of our diocesan family.
Mary Ellen began her work in the Office of Development and, through commitment and leadership, eventually became the Executive Director of the Office of Development, overseeing the full range of diocesan development functions that support our parishes, schools, and ministries. Her work helped ensure that every corner of the Diocese had the resources needed to continue serving those in need.
Her influence extended well beyond development. When we transitioned the Four County Catholic from a newspaper to a magazine, Mary Ellen was an essential partner in the process. She understood immediately how important it was for the Diocese to expand its reach and communicate more effectively with every household. Her support and guidance helped bring the vision to life and shaped the publication we know today.
Throughout her service, Mary Ellen brought a spirit of calm, professionalism, and genuine care to everyone she worked with. She strengthened relationships, supported pastors and parish leaders, encouraged staff, and made our diocesan community stronger by her presence.
At her retirement celebration, Andrea Hoisl shared the following poem, which beautifully captures Mary Ellen’s heart and impact.
“The Gift of Mary Ellen Mahoney”
In gratitude we gather on this momentous occasion, to celebrate Y O U!
As recipients of your dedicated, unyielding service to others,
we want you to know how much you are loved!
Your continuous service and outreach for the faith,
helps weather the storms that continuously batter our world & our Church.
Your dedication serves as a beacon of light for so many that feel lost & unmoored.
You never wavered in your determination to move our Church forward.
You hard work inspired others to rise to the occasion, more times than we could count.
Together we supported one another through unprecedented tough times.
Your life’s work is a living legacy of God’s unconditional love for us.
A love that never gives up and never gives in.
It endures and brings about positive transforming change to the whole world.
Your work reminds us that God continuously brings order out of chaos,
good from evil and right from wrong,
a reminder we all need especially during unsettling times.
Cheers to you, your amazing spirit and your beautiful witness of faith!
You will be sorely missed but also remembered in extra special ways.
May God continue to bless you in ways unknown, today, tomorrow and always.
Andrea’s poem captured exactly what so many of us feel. Mary Ellen did not just serve the Diocese. She carried it, steadied it, and loved it through some of the most challenging years we have faced.
Mary Ellen, thank you.
Thank you for your more than 12 years of dedication.
Thank you for your grace and patience.
Thank you for showing us, day after day, what quiet, faithful service looks like.
You may be retiring from the Diocese, but your impact remains with the ministries you strengthened and with the many of us who are better because we had the privilege of working with you.
We wish you joy, peace, and God’s blessings in the days ahead.
You leave with our deepest gratitude and warmest prayers.
By Wayne Gignac