Kathy Freiburger Announces Retirement After 41-years of Service
One of Our Lady of the Wayside’s most well-known parishioners and staff members announced her plans to retire before the end of this year.
Kathy Freiburger began her OLW service in 1979 as part-time Religious Education Office secretary. This later grew into a full-time position. In 1985, she was promoted to Parish Secretary/Director of Office Services — a position she faithfully served in for 35 years!
“It has been a long and very wonderful time and experience, but it is more challenging in these days when we can’t meet and visit parishioners every day, and we have to wear a mask and stay behind a protective glass wall,” Kathy said.
During her 41 years of service, Kathy served under five pastors: Fathers Richard Ehrens, Martin Barnum, Vincent Costello, Edward Fialkowski and, since January of this year, Father Arthur Marat.
“It has been a wonderful experience with each pastor — all of whom are men of deep conviction and dedication to God and to the people of our parish,” Kathy said.
One of the major “challenges” during her years of service was the transition of the Parish Office from the Rectory into the current Parish Center in 2002. The Parish Center, previously the OLW Convent, was renovated and expanded to accommodate office space, meeting rooms and the OLW Pre-School. This project took place during Father Vince Costello’s tenure as pastor.
Since the move, Kathy was usually the first person to greet OLW visitors — who ranged from parishioners and guests, to UPS and USPS delivery people, to visiting priests and bishops — as her office was located on the first floor, nearest to the main entrance.
| Kathy Freiburger is a dedicated women of faith who went over and above the call of duty to serve God, the Archdiocese of Chicago and Our Lady of the Wayside Parish. We wish her good health and happiness in her retirement.
–Father Ed Fialkowski Kathy is a marvelous lady who worked with me and all the priests who have came through Our Lady of the Wayside. She watched over us. She guided us. She protected us. She opened the hearts of the people around us so we could share the good news with them. –Father Dan Brady As the first deacon at Wayside, Kathy helped form a professional ministry relationship focused on a service-first attitude. Kathy helped me in so many ways – assisting so I could help others. I am reminded of the love and guidance she provided to dozens of high school part time receptionists. –Deacon Don Grossnickle |
Thank you Kathy Freiburger for 41 years of dedicated service to our Parish. We wish you all the best in your upcoming retirement!
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