Rev. MJ Romano

I'm Rev. MJ Romano, but, back at the U of A, most everybody knew me as Missy. I graduated with a major in Anthropology back in 1991 and cast about for several years before entering Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1999, I received my Master of Divinity degree and was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). I'm currently working toward my Doctor of Divinity degree through McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.

I'm serving a church now in the small town of La Junta, Colorado, on the edge of the grasslands in the southeast corner of the state. Life on the prairie--and life in a small town--has certainly been an adjustment from Tucson and St. Louis, but it's been a joy, too. My husband, Christopher Ludwig, and I have two children, Eleanor and Karl.

If there is a word of wisdom I have to offer, it's to any young women who might be considering entering a non-traditional career, as ordained ministry has been for me. Since moving to La Junta in 2004, I've received a multitude of strange reactions when telling people who I am and what I do. I've gotten everything from blank stares and disbelief, to outright confrontation from those who have rejected my ordination completely as a woman. Nevertheless, it's been the quality of my work and the compassion with which I have treated my neighbors that has opened a way for me. Ironically, given my less than warm welcome by the community during my first year here, I was voted "Pastor of the Year" for 2007 in the town's newspaper. So, young women with less than traditional aspirations, please persevere and do with intelligence and vigor whatever it is you're led to do.