SICKLERVILLE — Mary Exler never planned to be a church lady.
When she attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, she was an interior design student. She became a model, something she tried for a few years. That interest in fashion grew: She is known for the stylish outfits she wears to work here as director of religious education for the past 17 years and, for the past two, as pastoral associate at St. Charles Borromeo Parish.
The transition from model and interior designer to church minister began as an emergency stopgap when, as a parent volunteer teacher, Ms. Exler was called upon to take up religious education director duties. She expected it to be a temporary part-time job to fill an immediate vacancy. Surely, she thought, the parish would find a more suitable director, more immersed in the rarefied air of theology than comfortable with the material world of fashion and interior design.
At the time, Ms. Exler admits, she had little training but lots of enthusiasm. Now her training has caught up, yet the enthusiasm remains unabated, after nearly two decades working for the parish.
“It’s not a job. This is who I am, this is who I am called to be,” she says during a recent interview at the parish.
Now a student in the diocesan Faith Formation program, she has bolstered her education and her confidence. The program allows her to study theology at Georgian Court University. Tuition costs are split among the Diocese of Camden, the parish, and her own pocket. Classes are conveniently offered at the nearby retreat center in Blackwood.
Her classes flow into her work seamlessly, particularly one she is taking on pastoral counseling. Known for her vivaciousness, love for Italian cooking, and warm manner, she immerses herself into the role of helping people with their problems.
“It’s like being a therapist for Jesus,” she says, noting that as an associate at the parish, she finds herself frequently talking to adults struggling with personal and faith issues.
“The best thing I learned is that most of my job is to listen,” she says. Having worked for the parish for more than 17 years, “when problems happen, like divorce and death, they come and talk to me.”
At 50, she finds herself frequently listening to couples in her age group contemplating divorce, sometimes referring them to professional therapists. She is a listening post in the parish, gauging where the needs are and trying to respond with innovative programs or a willing ear.
“She has the gift of the Energizer Bunny. She keeps going and going,” says Msgr. James R. Tracy, pastor of St. Charles. Because of her long work in religious education, she has familiarity with the parish families, he says.
“She knows most people by name,” he says. “She gives herself completely and they totally respect her.”
The education offered through Faith Formation makes a difference, says Ms. Exler.
“For me it’s empowering. It helps me to be able to speak and feel confident in what I’m doing. It gives the parishioners a definite sense that we are serious about giving the best we can.”
This is the third in an occasional series of articles on how Faith Formation is making an impact in the diocese. For more information about the diocesan Faith Formation program, call Linda Robinson at 856-583-6116.
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