For Mary Ann Looby, retirement has been anything but slowing down. Instead, she has poured her gifts and professional experience into serving the Church through St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, offering hope and healing to those in need.

Mary Ann’s connection to Catholic Charities began more than ten years ago. She started volunteering occasionally at fundraisers and programs that would later become known as Marisol Family. At the time, she was still living in the mountains and working full-time, but she already sensed that one day her heart would be fully invested in this mission.

“I just kind of knew. I was starting to see retirement in my future and thinking, you know what? I really do want to volunteer at Catholic Charities,” Mary Ann recalls.

With a background as a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor, she brought decades of professional experience in mental health, human resources and consulting to her role as a volunteer. When she and her husband moved back to Denver, and after speaking with her pastor, Monsignor Ed Buelt, she began serving as a volunteer school counselor at Notre Dame Catholic School in Denver.

“It was something I always wanted to do in my career and never did,” Mary Ann said. “I really enjoyed working with the kids, families and staff. It was a total gift.”

For four years, she counseled students one day a week, addressing not only mental health concerns but also social-emotional learning and what she calls “success skills” — planning, organizing, self-control and perseverance. These skills, she explained, are essential for young people navigating school, relationships and, eventually, adult life.

In 2022, Mary Ann shifted her volunteer role to the clinical side of St. Raphael Counseling, serving clients directly at their Englewood clinic. For the past year, she has been part of the grief support program, which she now plans to focus on more fully.

“What I love the most is working in a Catholic mental health environment,” she shared. “Most people who come to us have faith, and that is such a huge source of hope. It’s been beautiful to help clients set goals, take care of their health and grow spiritually.”

Mary Ann has witnessed firsthand how faith breaks down barriers that often surround mental health care. In her experience, clients are remarkably honest about their struggles, perhaps because Catholic culture already encourages awareness of sin, virtue and the challenges of human weakness.

“People are glad we can talk about these things in therapy within the framework of our faith,” she said.

Looking back on her years of service, Mary Ann is grateful for how her volunteer work has deepened her own faith.

“Prayer is so prevalent in this environment, and spirituality is nurtured in every part of the mission,” she said. “It’s been enriching and given me great community. Sometimes I wish I had one more career left so I could serve as a full-time employee.”

For now, she continues to give generously of her time and heart to the work of Catholic Charities, convinced that those who seek help at St. Raphael will find a place of compassion and trust.

“You’re going to find love and acceptance, and that is alive in our Church,” Mary Ann said. “Our diocese and Catholic Charities are here to serve, and I feel blessed to be part of that mission.”

For her unique love and care for those suffering from mental health concerns, Mary Ann Looby has been recognized as this month’s Disciple of the Month.

Do you know someone who is an exceptional steward? Nominate them here, and they could become the next Disciple of the Month!

The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal supports a wide range of ministries that are sharing the Gospel every day.