01/10/2026
Each year at St. Mary, Mother of God, we recognize a parishioner whose life reflects Christ’s light through quiet, faithful service. The Sharing the Light of Christ award is not about visibility or titles – it is about presence, compassion and a willingness to serve wherever God calls.
This year’s recipient is a model of this sentiment. Much of what they do happens quietly, behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition.
This person has helped care for the beauty of our parish grounds as our church gardener, lovingly tending our outdoor spaces. This person also serves St. Mary’s as a Sacristan and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, faithfully preparing and assisting so that the rest of us may worship without ever wondering how everything came together. They simply make sure it does.
But as with all those honored with this award, the most powerful witness is often unseen.
During the final months of Carl Savage’s life, this individual – along with others – walked closely with him, offering presence, care and compassion. This kind of service came naturally, rooted in deep faith and lifelong vocation as a nurse.
Her life of service began early. Married here at St. Mary in 1980, she and her husband were quickly drawn into parish life, becoming Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion almost immediately. Her nursing career took her from public health and oncology to volunteer leadership at the Matthew 25 Clinic, where she served patients with dignity, advocacy and love – and even stepped in as clinic director when needed.
Later, through decades of oncology and palliative care, she walked with countless patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Patients described her as someone who greeted them with warmth, listened deeply, spoke honestly and kindly, and created spaces of hope. When praised, she would simply say, “This is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Scripture tells us: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40
This parishioner has lived those words through a lifetime of quiet faithfulness – at church, in hospitals, in gardens and in relationships. It is with deep gratitude and great joy that we present the St. Mary Mother of God Sharing the Light of Christ Award to Susan Berghoff.
