Cecilia Richardson – Bio

Cecilia Richardson has been involved in catechetical ministry here at St James since 1997, when Fran Riley, the previous DRE, asked her to be a hall monitor for the Sunday morning RE program. That one day of hall duty segued into co-teaching a 4th grade class. After a few years of teaching 4th grade, Fran asked her to take over the RE program so that Fran could concentrate on evangelization. When Fran became ill, Fr. Joe Miller asked Cecilia to step in as DRE in 2004.

In the 17 years since she first started as a volunteer, St James has grown and changed tremendously. The RE program has more than doubled in size, has expanded to 2 sessions and has dramatically increased the number of adult and teen volunteers involved in this very rewarding ministry. In addition to the RE program, Cecilia also directs our sacrament preparation program for Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Communion, and along with Miss Lori, develops programs for parents and their young children.

Cecilia grew up all over the world as an Army brat, but primarily lived in Springfield. She attended Catholic elementary, high school and college. She is thrilled that her youngest daughter is now attending Rockhurst, the university that she once attended. (Go Hawks!) She’s been married to her husband, Jim, for 30 years this year, and together they have 5 children—James, Cynthia, Sarah, Lisa & Emily.

While her primary work experience was in the financial industry, she left the work force to be a stay-at-home Mom to Sarah, Lisa & Emily. During that time, she became highly involved in Mommy & Me, the PTA at Alexander Doniphan, and the PTAs at South Valley Middle, Junior High, and the Liberty PTA Council. For many years, she was a substitute teacher for the Liberty Public School system. The knowledge and experience gained in working with young children and their families was a good preparation for working with the families of St James. She loves the time spent here in working with the children, their families and our wonderfully gifted group of volunteers.

To Contact Cecilia Richardson  816-781-4343 x208