VOICES
Jill Maria Murdy made an unexpected leap of faith in 2019 after her church ministry job was eliminated.
“God is incredibly good. Every step of my life has led me here.” –Jill Maria Murdy
It was harder to keep that promise of the high road when dealing with others. When a parishioner came up and was sad or mad, I frequently ended up ministering to them. Perhaps some of the most difficult things had to do with reading the job description of how I was going to be “replaced” and to see discarded many of the things I had poured my lifeblood into.
When I realized finding a position meant I would likely have to leave the town and state, it was a big discernment. I have had several “do-overs” in my life, but it gets more challenging as you age, and I really had to discern both which ministry would be the best fit and the most life giving to me, as well as which one would be the most financially secure. I was not looking for a temporary quick fix. As I said in at least two interviews, “I am not just looking for another job. I am looking for another community, another home.”
What got me through it was faith and trust in God and the incredible love and support of family, friends, parishioners and professional peers, support groups, and NPM. Te two lines I probably prayed the most were: Jeremiah 29, “I know the plans I have in mind for you. Plans for peace not disaster”; and Julian of Norwich, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, all manner of things shall be well.”
What also got me through was the incredible kindness of the Adrian Dominican Sisters and my co-workers in the transition. One of the things I kept hearing when I came to the new ministry was “We’ve been waiting for you for so long.” I had to hope and trust in the process.
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Along the way, I realized God indeed was in every step of the journey. My house sold before I even got it to the market. I was going to a marvelous place, I found an apartment just down the street from work, and though the position and expectations would be very different it was “of God” and would allow me to really use some of my gifts and strengths. I thought I would be retiring from the parish in West Bend, and as difficult as the whole process was, I have landed extremely well, and God is incredibly good. Every step of my life has led me here.
To stay connected to what mattered to me, I used my support systems. Te phone has been a huge friend, as well as staying in touch with family and friends and peers via social media. I have also used my music to get to know people in the town, county, and broader area by volunteering for some communal events, and playing out at open mics and gigs. Add to that, personal prayer, making an apartment home, and returning at night to a beloved, slightly neurotic cat!
Today, I find great joy/satisfaction in . . . all that I do. I am the full-time liturgical ministries coordinator for the Adrian Dominican Sisters. My work involves encouraging Sisters, co-workers and volunteers to use and share their gifts in the liturgy as they are able. I love being in the feminine presence, and spiritually, have been placed in exactly the right place and time to use my gifts, feed my soul, and help me minister to others.
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