Several weeks ago, Fr. Jim asked me to write about one half of one of my favourite couples, then, as some of you know, my computer went 'toes-up' and had to be replaced. So, with an apology for the delay, I'll just mention that the next Spotlight will feature the other half of the couple….Billy Steen…Senior Warden and Georgia Bulldog fan extraordinaire! Having said that, this month:
Spotlight
On
Denyse Steen
Denyse was born to Bette and Roland DuBois in Lawrence, Mass. August 19th, 1968. When she was just a few weeks old, the family moved from their home in Plaistow, N. H. to Greensboro, N. C. courtesy of her father's job as an electrical engineer for a large corporation. Three years later, the family moved back to Plaistow where Denyse lived until her college years.
Of French/ French Canadian heritage, the DuBois family members were good Catholics, Roland was the loving father figure with Bette being what Denyse calls the 'God factor' in their home, teaching her children that God is in all things. It is a loving family - Denyse has an older brother, Roland, and a younger sister, Melissa - and all are strongly supportive of each other.
Educated first at Pollard Elementary, then Timberlane Junior High, followed by Timberlane High School, Denyse laughingly admits that school was not her favourite place, with the notable exception of anything to do with music or the band. Part of a very musical family, naturally gifted, she played the flute whenever she got the chance, and in the 11th grade was selected for All State, then All New England. She played extremely well, was very confident and so got into the habit of not worrying overmuch about studying the set pieces required for the band. It was at the All New England performance that she received a huge wake-up call regarding the importance of preparation when, during the actual performance she suddenly realized - for the first time - that she had a solo.
After graduation from High School, Denyse went to Westbrook College in Portland, Maine, where she gained an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene. In 1988 she began working as a dental hygienist in Methuen.
One miserable, snowy day in 1990, Denyse felt the need of a holiday in the sun. She went to the mall and found a book about the U. S. Islands. Looking through it, her imagination was captured by the description of St. Thomas - one of the Virgin Isles. Being young, carefree, with available funds, she decided that St. Thomas was the place to holiday and set about persuading her friends to accompany her. All except one declined for various reasons, nevertheless, flights were booked, a house rented, and the two friends set off for their holiday in the sun. On arrival, they consulted a guide book for fun places to visit; deciding to go to a gathering place called the Greenhouse….where Denyse saw Billy Steen tending bar…..and was instantly 'wowed'. As she is recalling the meeting, Denyse's face reflects the huge emotional impact it had on her. The two friends chatted with Billy during the evening, enjoying his company and getting acquainted. Each day during their holiday, the two friends would enjoy the sights and sounds of St. Thomas, and then end their day at the Greenhouse where they would talk and laugh with Billy. Although Denyse had a boyfriend in New Hampshire, and there was just friendship between her and Billy, Denyse realized that the new friendship was something very special, meaning more to her than any other. When the holiday was over, she returned home, and broke-up with her boyfriend. Four weeks later, she returned to St. Thomas for another holiday, this time spending more time with Billy. In September, Billy returned to Charleston, and in January of the following year moved to New Hampshire. Denyse and Billy were married in a castle in Massachusetts in May of 1993. Denyse married the 'man of her dreams' as she still calls him. The following year they returned to Charleston, where Billy went to work for his father and Denyse began working as a dental hygienist. In February 1996 they were blessed by the birth of their son, Christian Blake, and further blessed in November 1997 by the birth of their daughter, Sara Madison. When Blake was born Denyse gave up her paying job to be a stay-at-home mum.
When the children were small, Denyse had time for one of her favourite hobbies, photography. She loves to take pictures of children and nature. She loves the innocence and enquiring minds of little children, and the joy they find in all things. She speaks of walking by the water one foggy morning, and as she looked at the waters edge seeing dolphins very close by, then being able to capture the moment on camera. She speaks of learning that there is more than one way to look at things, a lesson that she values highly. She speaks of harmony and line….and the joy of her subject is once again reflected in her face.
Our conversation moved along to her job as Director of Christian Faith Formation at St. Thomas church. When asked how she came to be DCFF, she simply answered "Nancy Wooldridge." A couple of times Nancy (then DCFF) had approached her about considering working in the position, but Denyse's children were small, and she simply wasn't sure about taking on the task. Then one year she volunteered to do VBS work with Nancy Carson. Unfortunately, Nancy's small son, Barton, was sick which meant that Denyse had to work by herself. The first feeling of shock was quickly replaced by the joy of working with the children, so much so that she volunteered to teach Sunday school. As her confidence increased, she realized that the Lord was leading her to do much more. She went to a Faith Formation conference, and attended meetings with Nancy Wooldridge. In 2003, when Nancy Wooldridge stepped down as DCFF, Denyse agreed to take the position. At the time, Father Porcher was Interim Rector at St. Thomas, he and Denyse had long talks about Christian Faith Formation, and he gave her good direction. Following in the footsteps of the Directors before her, Denyse has continued to build on their good work. She speaks of feeling so strongly supported by Father Jim and the parish family, and of the overwhelming kindness of the people who help fund the programmes offered each year. It all helps her feel that she is on the right path. She feels that when she is given tasks, while seemingly 'off the wall' or overwhelming, they are always 'God led', and He always helps her accomplish the work.
Denyse's work at St. Thomas led to work in the Diocese; she was involved with the Refresh Retreat and the Grow Conference, two highly successful events. Working with Peter Rothermel and his assistant, Amy, workshops, conferences and bi-monthly meetings are all important ways for each DCFF to learn, offer ideas, to grow in confidence as leaders, and - together - to strengthen the Christian Faith Formation programmes in the Diocese. Denyse and Billy are excited about the upcoming 'Visionary Parenting' programme which will be offered at St. Thomas in the New Year.
(For more information: www.visionaryparenting.com or contact Denyse and/or Billy)
Our conversation returned to family. Denyse speaks of feeling so very blessed in her marriage and her family. She speaks of her joy in shared family activities: they always dine together; they have family movie nights; they love to go boating, shrimping and fishing.
Asked about the things she would like to do, Denyse responded that she would like to learn to play the Cello; to have more time for photography; and to be able to balance family life and ministry.
When asked what she feels is her greatest accomplishment in her work, Denyse answered: "The realization that I am of value to God - that I have worth."
As always, there isn't room to write Denyse's entire story, much had to be left out, but one thing is certain, Denyse is of great value to our parish family. She does indeed have worth, she is treasure.