Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Hoffmann.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a music director in the Catholic church for the bulk of my professional career, starting in my hometown of Waseca, MN, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In 2011, I moved to the western suburbs to start my family. Shortly after, I got a job at St. Joseph Waconia as the Music and Liturgy Director. When that wasn’t a good fit, I moved to St. Victoria Catholic Church in Victoria, MN, where I stayed for almost 5 years. In 2017, my husband died at the age of 26 in a motorcycle accident, turning our world upside down. At the time, our son was 4 1/2, ready to enter preschool in less than a month. I continued to work at the church in my more than 9-5 position for a year; I had a network of people who would watch Calvin for me when I needed to be at church, and I got a nanny to help me continue to work. Unfortunately, just over a year after my husband passed away, I realized my son needed me more than the church, although leaving the position was heartbreaking. I wasn’t able to balance my time between a demanding job and his needs, and I didn’t want him to grow up and remember a nanny raising him instead of his mother and I knew he needed extra love and care after losing his dad. I began working for a heavy equipment dealership in MN, where I proved myself in a male-dominated workforce, finally leading a team of 12 Rental Coordinators in Central MN. I thought I had achieved “success,” but it always felt like something was missing or that I was pretending to be something I wasn’t. Finally, after 5 years and suffering health from stress, I left and returned to ministry in a cemetery in the metro area. I loved working with families who had experienced the same kinds of losses I had endured and I wanted to send the message that there was always another chapter in our stories, as long as we were willing to turn the page. After about a year and a half, I was recruited back to church ministry in the very church I had accepted a position in 10 years prior. I’ve been at St. Joseph Waconia for over a year now and feel more at home in my skin than ever before. I’ve built a program that includes talent of all ages and abilities—the strongest I have ever built in my career. I am grateful for the opportunity to do the job I was called to do and still be present to my family; I’ve remarried and my husband adopted my son from my first marriage. He is now almost 13 and a big brother to the spunkiest 3 year old little sister. I always had an idea what success looked like; when I finally achieved it, it didn’t feel the way that I thought it would. Instead, I find great fulfillment in ministering to others and being present to my beautiful family. Both is possible. I still hope to impart to others that life is a series of chapters; sometimes the best chapter is the next chapter, as long as we’re courageous enough to turn the page. Thank you for reading my (cliff notes version) story!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. I’m not sure how far back you want me to go, but I experienced many struggles along the way. I had an eating disorder at the end of my senior year of high school; I wanted to go to college, so I agreed reluctantly to take an antidepressant a family doctor insisted I had to take in order to go to college in September. That misdiagnosis snowballed and, ultimately, stole 5 years of my life. I left the college of my choice and fought to get my degree closer to home. I eventually went off all meds with the support of my family and never looked back, other than to wonder what might have been if I hadn’t been misdiagnosed. I got married at 25, but unfortunately, my husband was addicted to drugs. I think somewhere along the lines, I knew, but I maybe didn’t want to see it. I stayed with him for 2 years, got him to treatment, and then wished him well and went my own way. I met my son’s dad at a TEC retreat and married him. My dad passed away in 2015 at the age of 68, my grandma passed away in 2017, and my husband passed away just three months later. At that moment, I think I finally grew into the person God intended me to be. My son needed me and we had something to prove to the world; life was NOT going to get us down and we were NOT going to give up. Hard as they were, we are both better for our trials.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been the musician all of my life. Before I was adopted at the age of 5, I would sing to escape the scary reality of life. I started singing in church when I was in elementary school, was a solo cantor in 7th grade, and took over the program just out of college. I’ve sung at more than 100 weddings and more than 300 funerals. Today, I am a Director of Music, and our Parish Office Coordinator. In addition to keeping things organized in the office and being the first face people see when they visit the office, I also direct a Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, Youth Handbell Choir, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and Adult Choir. I choose music and create liturgy, along with other staff, especially our fearless leader, Fr. Stan Mader. When I came, there were only a handful of singers participating in the program; today, there are more than 80. I have been playing piano since I was 8, and it is a large part of my job here, but my main instrument is my voice. I love sharing music in the context of liturgy and creating something that reaches every single person in the pew, sending them off ready to conquer the week. This year, we’ll do our first Christmas Concert, featuring all of our musicians and weaving in a pageant. The concert is based on the concept of “wonder” and explores the wonder of each of the characters in the “Nativity,” as well as the wonder of Christmas through a child’s eyes—the true meaning of Christmas. Building this program, and having my own children participate with me, has been so gratifying. I once had someone tell me that I am a leader others want to follow; those words have stuck with me for many years and I strive to be that in my work every day.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m really laid back and approachable; while independent, I work well on a team. I’m typically the person who stays quiet and processes a conversation, and then adds to it when I have something I’m sure is worth adding. I’m the team member that sees all sides and can help to come up with unconventional solutions.
I am conflict-averse, but I’m learning to speak up for myself as I get older.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stjosephwaconia.org
