On Dec. 16, the Diocese of Birmingham’s Chancery welcomed Jane Baldwin as the new Director of Catechesis and Christian Initiation. The position, which was created following a restructuring earlier this year, oversees all sacramental preparation for baptism, penance, Holy Communion, and confirmation; parish catechetical and formation programs for children and youth through high school; catechetical and formation programs for Catholic school students; and parish programs for the Christian Initiation of Adults.

In an effort to introduce herself to the faithful of the diocese, Baldwin took a few minutes to sit down with the One Voice and answer a few questions.

What brought you to the diocese? 

“I am very excited to work at the Diocese of Birmingham as the Diocesan Director of Catechesis and Christian Initiation. I’ve worked in the Catholic Church for over twenty years in a variety of roles: Catholic school teacher and assistant principal, spiritual life coordinator, stewardship coordinator, and director of religious education. I moved from Venice, Florida. With the various roles, I gained amazing experiences and insight into how I could assist others on their faith journey. Along with these things, I realized that I could have a larger impact on others if I worked at the diocesan level. When I saw the position and met with the Diocese of Birmingham’s team, I knew I had found the perfect place to not only work, but to help others. I’m so glad that the team felt the same way.”

Based on your previous work experience and your vision for the diocese, what are your goals?

“As a newbie, I have lots to learn about the diocese, my role, the community, and the team. It is exciting and challenging. Therefore, I need to remember something a former pastor and friend told me, “Always forward.” So, as I move always forward, I need to focus on learning, listening, organizing, and prioritizing everything that needs to be done. Since I have been in many roles in schools and churches, I have some knowledge of what the needs and challenges of the roles are. As with everything I do, I will take it to God, prayer, and Scripture.

“I will focus on two of my favorite Scripture [verses], knowing that God has a plan for me and how essential it is for me to do service in the Lord: ‘For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.’ (Jeremiah 29: 11) and ‘Be strong and steadfast and go to work; do not fear or be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or abandon you before you have completed all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.’ (1 Chronicles 28:20)”

Since you recently moved from Florida, have you found a parish yet?  

“I have enrolled at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish in Birmingham. I had planned on attending a few different parishes, but once I attended St. Peter the Apostle, I knew I found my parish family.”

Now that you have joined the Chancery staff, what do you look forward to most? 

“Let me first say that I am so excited to be here. Birmingham is a beautiful city and people have been so warm and welcoming. I am mostly looking forward to becoming an integral part of the Chancery team and working with all that do ministry work throughout the diocese. My hope is that I become a blessing to the diocese as much as I feel blessed to be here. 

“A few years ago, at a retreat we developed personal mission statements that focused on what we wanted to do to live out our lives as children of God. I stay focused on my personal mission statement: "I live to bring the light of Christ to others, so they find the peace and love of Christ now and in life eternal." That mission statement hangs proudly in my office.”

Would you like to share about your family? 

“I just moved to Birmingham on Friday, Dec. 13. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love to read and watch movies. I’ve recently lost my beloved golden retriever, Ivy. So, I’ve already signed up to be a volunteer at Adopt a Golden – Birmingham and will be getting lots of puppy kisses until I am ready to adopt another dog.

“I have been blessed with two adult children. My daughter lives in Ohio with her husband. My son lives in Florida and will be getting married to his fiancée at some point. I’m far from both of them, but I enjoy talking to them regularly and visiting as often as possible.”