Ernestine Ujah, a long-time member of St. Alban’s, serves as the Lay Pastoral Associate for our priest. Originally from Mississippi, she moved with her husband, Chuks, from Chicago to Columbus in 1972. Chuks was a faithful saint of the St. Alban’s community alongside Ernestine until his passing in 2003. After becoming a resident, she earned a degree in social work from Ohio Dominican University. 

Ernestine collaborates with Pastor Beth to meet the spiritual needs of the church community, serving as the convener of the pastoral care team. In this role, she maintains the weekly prayer list for worship and coordinates the efforts of the Eucharistic Visitors, who are sent forth to offer prayer and support while sharing Holy Communion with parishioners unable to attend church services.

Ernestine has a remarkable ability to support others in their prayer lives and provide spiritual guidance. Aware that people trust her with their stories and seek her prayers, she completed a three-year ecumenical program in spiritual direction with Wellstreams through The Spirituality Network in Columbus. Visit our page on Spiritual Guidance for more information on how to benefit from Ernestine’s presence on staff. 

Before retiring, Ernestine dedicated 30 years to serving the people of Columbus as a social worker focused on protecting elders from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. She continues to utilize these skills as the coordinator of St. Alban’s Open-Door Ministry, which offers social, emotional, and financial support to those in need within the broader Columbus community. Ernestine meets with these neighbor-clients at the church, which provides benevolence funding for the assistance she offers.

To learn more about the Open-Door Ministry or to make an appointment with Ernestine please email here.

Ernestine articulates her passions beyond work: “I love Jesus, solitude, time spent with family and friends, music, cooking, gardening, writing prayers and poetry, seeking Christ in everyone, and sharing the love of Christ with all.” She and Chuks have one son, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.