Messenger - Vol. Grabowski, who completed a master of arts in theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia last summer, is the first woman who's not a nun or a native Alaskan to work as a pastoral minister for the Catholic Church in the villages of Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay and Chevak. Despite drastic lifestyle changes and periods of loneliness, Grabowski says she has fallen in love with the region and its people.
Life is so different here.
Working in a team with another woman, Sister Susan, Grabowski visits villagers, conducts worship services and offers counseling as needed. It is hard to find words to express the spiritual rewards I receive by sharing my life with them. They look to me for guidance and trust me. Grabowski is responsible for counseling the youth in the villages. Connecting with them is a challenge.