PARISHIONER SPOTLIGHT: CINDY CRAFT

A Life of Faith, Service & Teaching

For Cindy Craft, serving at St. Pius X has been a journey of faith that began nearly 30 years ago. After moving to the area with her family in 1995, and joining St. Pius Cindy asked about youth ministry and discovered that there was no active program at the time. Rather than simply ask when one would begin, Cindy stepped forward, and that moment became the beginning of many years of ministry.

Over the years, Cindy has served our parish in many ways. She has been a Youth Minister, Pastoral Associate, and Director of Religious Education, and she spent seven years working in these positions as well as RCIA, now OCIA. She completed the Diocese of Trenton’s Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and was commissioned as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in 2004. Cindy later completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies.

In 2020, Father Richard asked Cindy to serve as our Director of Religious Education, a position she held for five years. Today, Cindy continues to share her faith as a Religious Education teacher, Rosarian, and Eucharistic Minister.

A Heart for Sharing the Faith

When asked what inspires her to serve, Cindy shared, “I love the youth and teaching them about their faith and the truth of our faith.” She also treasures being a Rosarian because of her love for Our Lady and the opportunity to pray with others in our parish community.

One of the greatest blessings of her years in ministry has been seeing the young people she once taught grow into adults. Cindy says it touches her heart when former youth recognize her, stop to talk, and share their lives with her. Those moments remind her that the seeds planted through ministry can continue to grow for years to come.

Through both the joys and challenges of ministry, Cindy has learned to remain diligent in teaching the truth of our faith. She credits God with giving her the grace to persevere when ministry was difficult.

God Has a Place for You, Too!

Cindy never planned on a life in parish ministry. She originally wanted to become a nurse, but she believes God had another plan for her.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that God calls each of us to serve in different ways. You may not know where your gifts can be used, or you may feel that someone else is better suited, but sometimes all it takes is saying “yes.”

Whether you can teach, pray, welcome, organize, serve, or simply lend a helping hand, there is a place for you in the life of our parish. Consider sharing your time and talents by becoming involved in one of our ministries. Serving others is not only a gift to the parish,it is a blessing to you.

Cindy’s favorite things outside of church include boating, spending time with her husband , children and grandchildren, and enjoying time at her Florida home. But as Cindy puts it, “Church is my life.” 

Thank you, Cindy, for your many years of faithful service to St. Pius X and for saying “yes” to God’s call!