Lee Bedard is a receptionist at St. James Cathedral. She writes:

I am a part-time worker at the St. James rectory, responding to telephone and drop-in callers. Although the actual duties are uncomplicated, the variety of needs can be amazing, and often heartbreaking. Fortunately we are usually able to provide at least some resources, whether a meal or a referral to a social service agency, including our nearby Solanus Casey Center.

My ministries since coming to St. James in the fall of 2001 include serving as a reader, a breakfast cook for the men's shelter, a member of the Hospitality Committee for funeral receptions; and as a member of the Cathedral Guild. I have also been an RCIA sponsor.

Most of my career, until retirement in 2003, was in community newspapers as reporter or editor. I also worked for a public school system as an information officer. One of my favorite, and most offbeat, jobs was as an industrial purchasing agent for a Japanese firm, helping to recruit American vendors for a new technology venture in Tokyo.

My degree in political science is from the University of Colorado; I also have an A.A. degree from Green Mountain College in Vermont.