One of a Kind
MAPS Alumnus Installed as Parish's First Pastoral Minister

Sacred Heart alumnus Victoria Beck is the new pastoral minister of St. Constance Parish in Taylor, Michigan. Vickie is the first woman to fill this role in the parish, officially taking up her responsibilities on July 1. Bishop Earl Boyea, auxiliary bishop of Detroit, presided over the formal installation ceremony at St. Constance on September 14, 2003.

God's Guidance
Vickie graduated summa cum laude from the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) program in April 2003, and was the recipient of the seminary's Brownson Award for excellence in catechetics. Vickie entered the MAPS program in 2000, taking courses in the evenings while working as a manager for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. She was awarded a Lilly Endowment Grant that allowed her to leave that position and study full-time with the wholehearted support of her husband, Bob Bahm.

"I had tears in my eyes when I walked out of the seminary after getting that grant," Vickie recalls. "I saw God's hand in all of this."

Welcomed in the Parish
Fr. Leo Sabourin, pastor of St. Constance Parish, is enthusiastic about Vickie's appointment.

"The seminary has taught her well, and she also brings with her many experiences in the journey of life," says Father Leo. "Vickie has great maturity blended with deep compassion for people. I know that I will learn much from her."

Prior to her staff appointment, Vickie interned in the RCIA program at St. Constance. "The people here have been very welcoming. They all tell me they are glad I am here," she says. "I feel privileged to assist in the ministerial duties at St. Constance." Her duties as a pastoral minister include assisting at Masses, funerals and baptisms; leading marriage preparation and RCIA classes; facilitating prayer and Bible study groups; and making sick calls.

Active Ministry
Born and raised in the Detroit area, Vickie is a graduate of St. Cecilia High School. She and Bob enjoy traveling, gardening, and rooting for the Lions and Tigers. They have been active members of St. Hugh Parish in Southgate for the past fifteen years, where she served as lector, Eucharistic minister, CSA coordinator, and a member of both the Ladies' Guild and the choir.

Vickie also serves as a prayer group leader at Light of Christ Prayer Group, which is hosted by St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Melvindale, and volunteers at the Oakwood Commons, where she does pastoral visits and conducts prayer services.

A Special Perspective
Though Sacred Heart trained her in all aspects of lay ecclesial ministry, Vickie says that being a married woman helps her to identify especially with the experiences and difficulties of other married women in the parish.

"I really enjoy working here and being able to touch souls in the name of God. I just love what I do—and I get paid for it! The training I got at Sacred Heart has been very helpful. The faculty and staff really encouraged me to follow the call to serve the Church as a lay person."

The entire Sacred Heart community wishes God's blessing on Vickie and her new ministry serving the people of St. Constance.