By Emily Chaffins -
Archbishop Thomas Wenski speaks at Sister Elizabeth Worley’s 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center in Miami Shores. Sister Worley is the archdiocesan chancellor for administration and chief operating officer.
Sister Elizabeth Worley, Archdiocese of Miami chancellor for administration and chief operating officer, enjoys her 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Pastoral Center in Miami Shores.
Sister Elizabeth Worley (far left), Archdiocese of Miami chancellor for administration and chief operating officer, enjoys her 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Pastoral Center in Miami Shores. Seated at her table are Archbishop Thomas Wenski (center) and Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado.
Archdiocesan staff celebrated Sister Elizabeth Worley’s 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center in Miami Shores. Sister Worley is the archdiocesan chancellor for administration and chief operating officer.
Archdiocesan staff penned birthday messages for Sister Elizabeth Worley’s 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center in Miami Shores.
Sister Karen Muniz (left), director of the Archdiocese of Miami’s Office of Catechesis, and Sister Karla Maria Icaza, executive assistant to the archbishop, celebrate during Sister Elizabeth Worley’s 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center in Miami Shores. Sister Worley is the archdiocesan chancellor for administration and chief operating officer.
Photography: EMILY CHAFFINS | FC
MIAMI SHORES | Although Michael Casciato has served the Archdiocese of Miami for 35 years, until Sister Elizabeth Worley arrived on the scene, he did not know the meaning of mentorship.
On the occasion of Sister Worley’s 80th birthday this January, chief financial officer Casciato praised her for her tremendous impact on the Miami Catholic community. “I thank God every day that she arrived here in 2010,” he said.
Speaking of her role as archdiocesan chancellor for administration and chief operating officer (COO), he said, “She doesn’t ask anyone to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. She sets lofty goals with realistic expectations. She’s very cognizant of people around her and their well-being.
”Sister Worley’s list of accomplishments runs a mile long. At age 17, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine. She has been a religious for more than 60 years. She taught chemistry at Catholic schools including Immaculata-La Salle High and Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory. She has demonstrated her leadership ability in a variety of roles, including as chair of the Mercy Hospital Board, CEO of Catholic Hospice, and chancellor and COO of the Diocese of Orlando.
On January 23, Archdiocese of Miami staff held a surprise party for her 80th birthday at the Pastoral Center in Miami Shores.
“I’ve never seen anyone with the energy and work ethic to do what she does,” said Casciato. “She has always handled stressful situations in business with professionalism and calm. She is a tremendous example of how everyone should act.”
Photographer: Emily Chaffins
Archbishop Thomas Wenski speaks at Sister Elizabeth Worley’s 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center in Miami Shores. Sister Worley is the archdiocesan chancellor for administration and chief operating officer.
Before the birthday party, Archbishop Wenski noted during Mass at St. Martha Parish that Sister Worley’s actual birthday, January 25, intersects with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.
St. Paul “was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians” when Christ changed his heart, explained the Archbishop. “After his encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, he would be on their side from then on. Sister Elizabeth certainly has some of that zeal that was in St. Paul – and so we all want her to be on our side as well!
”He highlighted that “religious sisters are, in a very real way, the Church concentrated, through their witness,” to the reality of God’s love.
“Her love of the Church, and her work ethic and dedication, are truly inspiring,” said David Prada, senior director of the Building and Property Office. “She makes everyone around her want to work harder for the Church.”
During the party, attendees enjoyed pizza and cake, engaging in trivia led by Casciato. He joked that he would be keeping track of how many wrong answers the former schoolteacher gave. The result? A mere two incorrect answers!
Sister Worley’s associates shared fun facts about her. Prada praised her eye for photography, mentioning her flower and wildlife photos. Mayra Rossell shared that Sister enjoys anything with coconut. She has worked with Sister Worley since 2010 and serves as administrative assistant to both Sister Worley and Msgr. Dariusz Zielonka, chancellor for canonical affairs.
“One of my favorite memories with Sister Worley is working with her on designing stained glass windows and landscaping for new churches,” shared Prada. “For landscaping, it’s about picking out plants and trees – and that’s something she loves to do as someone who loves gardening.”
In fact, during the party, Sister Worley received a bouquet of flowers!
Photographer: Emily Chaffins
Sister Elizabeth Worley, Archdiocese of Miami chancellor for administration and chief operating officer, enjoys her 80th birthday party on January 23 at the Pastoral Center in Miami Shores.
Sister Worley described her life thus far as “a great adventure.”“I’ll share with you a piece of wisdom,” she said, reflecting on a conversation she had with her former pastor when she was a teenager about to join the Sisters of St. Joseph.
“He said, ‘If ever you think you want to leave the convent, don’t do it on a cold, dreary day. Wait until you have a day as beautiful as this one,’” she recalled. “I said to him, ‘I can see why you’re saying that. On a day as beautiful as this one, how could I say no?’”
“There has never been a time when the frustrations of life have caused me to question my vocation, by the grace of God,” she added. “That doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes follow God kicking and screaming, but the Lord has led me to where I am now.”
“It’s been glorious.”
