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DC 37 staffer answers her spiritual call

Dorothy Lorenzo, assistant director at the DC 37 Clerical-Administrative Division, was ordained as a minister of her church last October.

About her ordination at the Love of Jesus Family Church in Orange, N.J., Lorenzo said, "Other than the birth of my child, this is my happiest achievement." She became a minister after about a decade of studying while balancing responsibilities as a mother, a union worker and activist, and as a member of her born-again, non-denominational Christian church, which has 1,000 members in its congregations in New Jersey and Africa.

"What wasn't involved?" Lorenzo joked when asked about her studies, which covered religious history, theology and biblical analysis. As a minister, Lorenzo will be busy conducting Sunday and other services, performing marriages, administering the sacrament and presiding over funerals.

Lorenzo became a born-again Christian in 1983. She joined the church with her sister, who was going through a bout of depression after a fire destroyed her apartment. As Lorenzo's faith deepened over the years, she became a deacon and then an elder, eventually deciding to pursue the ministry.

She has enjoyed a convergence of her love for the union and the church.

She performed the funeral services for the mothers of both Clerical- Administrative Employees Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez and Clerical-Administrative Council Rep Pilar Oquendo. When she senses it is appropriate, Lorenzo offers religious support for members who seek help at DC 37.

Lorenzo is active with the New York Labor, Faith and Community Outreach Program of DC 37's national union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.