By Deacon Eric Gurash
Judy Zolc, retired Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Regina’s Lay Formation Program passed away on Wednesday, December 14 at the age of 72. Judy provided wise and compassionate assistance and leadership of the Lay Formation Program for nearly two decades. She began her ministry within the Archdiocese of Regina in 1996 serving in the Liturgy Office. By 1997 she moved from the Liturgy Office to a half-time position as Coordinator of the Lay Formation Program, before taking on the role full-time in 2003.
Upon her retirement in 2015, Judy reflected on the great and surprising gift that walking through the doors of the Lay Formation Program had brought her remarking, “Truthfully, it was so amazing and quite an honour” to share in the faith journeys of so many people over the years. “I have journeyed with over 300 of you. What an awesome gift that was for me!”
Judy treasured her time with the Archdiocese and the gift of being able to work with “so many awesome and faith filled people.”
Throughout the diocese, whether through her leadership in summer liturgy workshops, through her calm and wise guidance of the Lay Formation Program, or as a Spiritual Director, Judy touched the lives, hearts, and souls of everyone she met. Former students of the program were unanimous, when asked, in sharing experiences of her loving kindness, her willingness to answer any question, and her spirit-filled capacity for listening to the personal challenges others shared.
Judy inspired many with an honest sharing of her own experiences and “used her often quite funny stories to bring home whatever point she was making.” Though health challenges often made things difficult, Judy continued to offer her listening ear and companionship to friends and family after her retirement.
Judy was predeceased by her father and mother, Herb and Betty Ambrose and her husband, Richard. Judy is survived by her daughter Amber (Aurélien) Effeuze and her special granddaughter Naomi. Prayers will be held at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, SK on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., also at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church.
The Archdiocese of Regina joins her past students, coworkers, friends and family in praying for Judy that she might share in the tender embrace of Jesus Christ now and always.
