Get to Know Our Administrative Assistants, Krista Putman and Christine Meyer
Here at St. Francis Solanus, we are so blessed to have two administrative assistants — Krista Putman and Christine Meyer — who perform an essential role in facilitating the day-to-day business of our parish. We are welcoming Christine in this role as a new member of our staff, while Krista has served in this position for several years.
Christine has enjoyed the opportunity to serve both our parishioners and the parish itself.
“I’m helping to connect parishioners to the many offerings that could help them build or strengthen their faith, which will benefit the parish too, because there’s lots to be done around here!” she says.
Prior to taking on her new role at St. Francis Solanus, Christine worked for a large library district in East Lansing, Mich.
“I thought coming to work at St. Francis would be a new experience, with a chance to learn some new skills, since I put together the bulletin,” she says. “I joined St. Francis in July 2022. Previously, I have taught PSR and volunteered extensively in the school when our three daughters attended. Also, my husband is a past Grand Knight, so I helped out at lots of fish frys!”
“People call you looking for help with all sorts of things, and you realize how blessed you are in everything God has given you,” she says. “But to whom much is given, much is expected in return, and we tend to lose sight of that too easily.”
A major part of Christine’s work is keeping parishioners up to date with opportunities for spiritual growth here at St. Francis Solanus.
“Part of what I do involves informing people about happenings that could make a difference in their spiritual lives, or possibly help them find comfort, or services that could improve their lives or help them better deal with a life-changing event, such as grief, divorce or a troubled marriage,” Christine says.
As Christine notes, God calls all of us to have compassion for others and awareness of what they are going through — she strives to bring this compassion and awareness to her work.
“People call you looking for help with all sorts of things, and you realize how blessed you are in everything God has given you,” she says. “But to whom much is given, much is expected in return, and we tend to lose sight of that too easily.”
A parishioner for the past 11 years, Krista previously worked at an insurance company before taking time off to be with her four children. When her youngest child entered kindergarten, she took a job in landscaping while her kids were in school.
When her oldest was in second grade, Krista helped with the Parish School of Religion (PSR).
“It was fun to help the coordinator and teachers while getting to know families as well,” she says.
Little did Krista know she would later have another role on the parish staff.
“Fr. Bob Barko approached me one evening at PSR and asked if I would like to work in the parish office,” Krista says. “I was not looking for a job, but I thought it cannot hurt to at least interview to see what was being offered.
“I like getting to know people and making them feel at home here.”
“During the interview, I talked to the current staff members, it felt like I was already hired, I felt at home,” she says. “I walked away with a smile on my face knowing there was a reason I was asked to interview.”
This position has been a great fit for Krista, and she is grateful to be in this role. While the tasks she needs to do for her role vary, Krista is thankful to have the opportunity to play a part in our parish’s operations.
“At the end of the day, walking away from this beautiful church and the many wonderful people that keep it functioning, I know that doing my small part in this big world here, is where I belong,” she says. “I always say, if you cannot be happy working at a church, where would you be happy working?” Krista adds. “I like getting to know people and making them feel at home here.”
