An Interview with Sue Switalski

by Gordon Nary

Gordon: What is one of your favorite memories when you were growing up?

Sue: I grew up on the South Side of Milwaukee and being the 4th child in a family with 5 kids, some of my favorite memories involve big family holiday gatherings. I have two brothers and two sisters and holidays and birthdays involve celebrations with tons of cousins, aunts and uncles. Modest size homes of that time meant for close-knit gatherings and have gifted me fond memories that have deeply influenced my own priorities for family, community, and tradition.

Gordon: Tell us about your family when you were growing up.

Sue: Each of my brothers and sisters have taken very different paths on our journey to adulthood. We are all very different people with different gifts and different interests. My mom and dad allowed us to be our own people and encouraged us to contribute positively to the world in our own way. My father used to say that no matter what you decided to do in life, the most important decision was to contribute happily to the betterment of the world. As an adult, I believe in the value of diversity and the importance of collaboration offered to create a richer, and more compassionate world where everyone’s unique contributions are valued and celebrated.

Gordon: What is your favorite book and why is that book your favorite?

Sue: A favorite book? That is impossible for me to narrow down. Books are my kryptonite and it would be impossible to narrow down one book. I am often reading three or four books at the same time depending on the mood I am in. I do love to read both non-fiction, spiritual books and historical fiction. I suppose “Let Your Life Speak” by Parker Palmer is one that I have read over and over again. I also really liked Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson and “We Need to Build” by Eboo Patel." Also, ”The Time is Now: a Call to Uncommon Courage." by Sister Joan Chittister is pretty great too. Having just finished my doctoral dissertation, I read and thoroughly enjoyed many books on transition, Catholic Church Doctrine, and change. One book? Impossible.

Gordon: You have attended several Universities and a Theological School. Please list them and the degrees that you earned,

Sue: University of Wisconsin Milwaukee - Bachelor of Fine Arts - Music Education

Carroll University - Master of Science - Educational Leadership

Catholic Theological Union Chicago - Master in Pastoral Studies with a concentration in Biblical Spirituality Tiffin University - Tiffin Ohio - Ph.D in Global Leadership and Organizational Change

Gordon: Tell us about your doctoral dissertation.

Sue: My Doctoral dissertation sought to understand how pastoral leadership transitions in Catholic parish communities impact the staff, parishioners, and clergy. Through a case study methodology, I examined how leadership changes affect parish life, spiritual engagement, and the organizational health of a parish. I also looked to identify strategies that were rooted in leadership theory and Catholic tradition that supports smooth and fruitful transitions. I hope to develop practical approaches that help parishioners, priests, and staff through inevitable pastoral transitions that can help foster continuity, trust, and a renewed sense of mission.

Gordon: When and where did you serve as Director of Liturgical Music?

Sue: I served as the Director of Liturgical Music at St. Boniface parish in Germantown, WI and at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Hartland WI. Both experiences helped deepen my understanding of prayer and spirituality through the celebration of community, spirituality, and vibrant worship. It helped foster a beautiful connection between faith and my everyday life.

Gordon: Who is your favorite Religious Composer and why is that composer your favorite?

Sue: Remember the question about the books? Well, this one is ten times as hard. My favorite composer varies by liturgical seasons, and asking me to choose just one is like asking me to pick a favorite hymn. My preferences change with the liturgical calendar and with the flavor of coffee in my cup (also changing with the seasons). Advent lends itself to the beauty of Taize, Easter to the jubilant bursts of Handel, Lent to the rich and prayerful harmonies of Palestrina (Sicut Cervus comes to mind). And summer? Songs like “Gather Your People” or “These Alone are Enough” are created from a summer, casual style. The choices are truly endless.

Gordon: You currently serve as Pastoral Associate - Mission Integration and Director of Formation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Community Berlin, Wisconsin.. What are your primary responsibilities?

Sue: As Pastoral Associate for Mission Integration and Director of Formation, I help our parish listen for and respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all we do. Whether in faith formation, pastoral care, or community outreach, my role is to nurture discipleship, deepen prayer, and ensure our ministries reflect the Gospel at the heart of our mission.

Specifically, my ministry centers on ensuring that our parish life, ministries, and decision-making remain deeply rooted in our Catholic mission and values. I help integrate our faith identity into every aspect of parish life including, but not limited to: strategic planning, liturgical celebrations, community outreach, or volunteer engagement and anything in between.

In my role as Director of Formation, I oversee lifelong faith formation for all ages. This includes developing and leading programs for adult sacramental preparation, adult faith enrichment, spiritual retreats, and opportunities for spiritual growth and parish community outreach. I mentor and walk with ministry leaders, support catechists, and foster collaborative leadership so that every parishioner has a pathway to grow in their discipleship.

Day to day, my responsibilities blend pastoral care, organizational leadership, and formation which helps our community live the Gospel not only in the church but in the world.

Gordon: Who was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton?

Sue: I love this question because before I came to this parish, I had never heard of her.

I love this question because before I came to this parish, I had never heard of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was the first American-born saint, a convert to Catholicism, and a pioneer in Catholic education, founding the first free Catholic school in the U.S. She became Catholic after a deep and personal encounter with the Eucharist. Her legacy inspires our parish’s commitment to supporting both local and global educational efforts, continuing her mission of forming minds and hearts in the light of the Gospel. I really enjoy sharing her story with the many OCIA candidates that we have in our parish. There have been over 100 people who have participated in the OCIA (formerly RCIA) process. Her story brings them great solace and joy that is unprecedented.

Gordon: Thank you for a beautiful interview.