Parish Bulletin for February 26, 2012

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Mail to P.O. Box 860, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421 Located at 501 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande, Ca
(805) 489-2680
Fax (805) 489-1316 WWW.STPATSAG.ORG
Monday-Friday/lunes a viernes
9:00 am-Noon/Medio-día ~ 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
PARISH OFFICE/OFICINA PARROQUIAL
Pastor Rev. Kenneth J. Brown
489-2680
(for appointments & non-emergency messages)
MISSION STATEMENT
As a Christ—centered family, rich in tradition and cultures,
we are called to live God’s Word by welcoming,
loving and serving all people as we joyfully witness,
worship and grow in our Catholic Faith.
DECLARACIÓN DE NUESTRA MISIÓN
Como una familia centrada en Cristo, rica en tradición y
culturas, estamos llamados a vivir la palabra de Dios
acogiendo, amando y sirviendo a toda la gente
al tiempo que celebramos con alegría damos testimonio y
crecemos en nuestra fe católica.
Marriage/Bodas & Quinceañeras - Call for appointment
with the pastor 6 months prior to ceremony. Hablar con el
padre minimo seis meses antes de la ceremonia.
Business Manager / (habla español)
Cristina Curzi
489-2680
(#16)
Administrative Associate / Bulletin / Records
Cherie Kritz
489-2680
(#12)
Administrative Associate / Registration (habla español)
Corie Taylor
489-2680
(#10)
Hispanic Ministry Coordinator/Boletín (habla español)
Andrea Torrejón
489-2680
(#14)
Senior Adult Ministry
Pat Osuch & Dee Mass
489-2680
Music / Wedding / Liturgy Coordinator
Kathy Sugishita
489-2680
(#18)
Outreach (habla español)
Katie Hilton, Anita James, Margot Ochoa
489-2680
(#31)
Director of Religious Education / Children’s C.C.D.
Stacy Huck
481-2990
Adult Religious Education (R.C.I.A.) / Adult Confirmation
Jerri Fife / Director
459-2535
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
489-2680
(#28)
Sarah Provence
Confirmation Coordinator
489-2680
(#28)
Sandy Mershon
Junior High Ministry
Denise Barcus
489-2680
(#37)
Individual & Family Counseling / Marriage Preparation
Terri Bledsoe, L.C.S.W.
489-2680
(#15)
St. Patrick’s School (Preschool - 8)
Maureen Halderman, (Principal)
489-1210
St. Patrick’s Shamrock Thrift Shop
Alanna Owen (Manager)
481-0612
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH MASS SCHEDULE / HORARIO DE MISAS
Please see Lenten Mass Schedule inside the Bulletin
WEEKEND & WEEKDAY ENGLISH
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday
5:00 pm
Sunday
7:30 am
9:00 am
10:30 am
6:00 pm
DAILY MASS
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:00 am
5:30 pm
7:00 am
7:00 am
7:00 am
(#12)
MISAS DE FIN DE SEMANA Y
SEMANALES
Sábado
Domingo
Domingo
Martes
Miércoles
Jueves
Viernes
7:00 pm San Patricio
9:00 am Oceano
12:15 pm San Patricio
7:30 am
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
San Patricio
Oceano
San Patricio
Oceano
First Sunday of Lent  February 26, 2012
Primer Domingo de Cuaresma  Febrero 26 de 2012
REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL
Lent is the time of year we devote to scrutinizing our lives in the
light of our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Today’s
readings are a nice shorthand catechism of what our baptized lives mean.
As Noah passed through the waters of the flood to a covenant with God,
so did we enter into a covenant, a promised relationship with God
through our baptism.
Peter’s letter gives an explicit explanation of what our baptism
means: it is an appeal we make to God for a clear conscience. How do
we obtain this clear conscience? The words proclaimed by Jesus immediately following his temptation show us the way: ―Repent, and believe
in the gospel‖ (Mark 1:15). It might be a good spiritual exercise to keep
these readings before us throughout the entire season of Lent, a means to
help us return to a life lived by our baptismal promises.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
THE COMPLETE LENTEN MASS SCHEDULE IS PRINTED WITHIN THE BULLETIN
2/27
MONDAY
LUNES
7:00 AM
2/28
TUESDAY
MARTES
7:30 AM (SP) AG
2/29
WEDNESDAY
MIÉRCOLES
† PEGGY PORTER BY PAT OSUCH
5:30 PM
† CATHERINE HENRY ( FR. JIM’S MOTHER) BY ST. PATRICK’S STAFF
7:00AM
† FRED HALSTEEN BY PAT OSUCH
6:30PM (SP) OCEANO
3/1
THURSDAY
JUEVES
7:00 AM
† OLIVE RYAN BY THE FINUCANE FAMILY
6:30 PM (SP)AG
3/2
FRIDAY
VIERNES
7:00 AM
† MICHAEL EGAN BY SHEILA
6:30 PM (SP) OCEANO
3/3
SATURDAY
SABADO
5:00 PM
† LOU DELANEY BY HIS FAMILY
7:00 PM
RECONCILIATION IN ENGLISH: SATURDAY AT 3:30PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
CONFESIONES EN ESPANOL: SABADO A LAS 5:30PM EN LA CAPILLA O POR CITA
3/4
SUNDAY
DOMINGO
EUCHARISTIC
ADORATION
FRIDAYS FROM
12:30-5:30PM
IN THE CHAPEL
7:30 AM
† PEGGY PORTER BY MARK HINOJOS
9:00 AM
LIVING & DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
9:00 AM OCÉANO (SP)
ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
10:30 AM
† SEVERINO DOMINGO BY THE FAMILY
12:15 PM (SP) AG
† ROBERTO BUENROSTRO DE LA FAMILIA
† PATRICIO Y EVA RECIO DE LA FAMILIA
6:00 PM
† ADALGISA SANTILOCCHI BY PERRY & JERRI
Welcome Visitors ~ Please join Us Again Soon ~ May God’s Peace Be With You
REPORTE DE LA COLECTA DEL DOMINGO
Sunday Offerings
February 19, 2012
Electronic Donations:
$12,778.44
$1,024.27
Needed to meet weekly budget:
El presupuesto de cada semana es de:
$14,780.00
+Pray for the following who have asked
for our prayers:
+Orar por la sanación y bienestar de
los enfermos y aquellos que necesiten
nuestras oraciones:
Donna Sterling
Henry Beard
Christine Millikan
Monique Enriquez
Abbot David Geraetz
Jeanette Williams
Ena Proctor
Fred Mase
Fred Velazco
Colleen Mc Bride
David Schmidt
Marian Ramos
Katie Molinari
Bonifacio Pérez
Jim & Fran Kritz
Vicki Simpson
Jose Alfaro
Felix Leon
Imelda Gomez
Yilian Pastrana
Salvador Diaz
Omar Diaz
Guillermina Alvarez
Villubalda Olmedo
Nicholas Marracco
Richard Tolson
Emma Aguilar
Jeff Silva
David King
Stella Chaney
Jody Fisher
Pat Smith
Carey Gallagher
Kimberly Fernandez
Jayne Kuchak
Denise Duncan
Margie Askeland
Shirley Albrecht
Pray for the souls of the recently departed and
their families and friends who are grieving:
+Orar por las almas que fallecieron recientemente
y sus familias y amigos que están sufriendo:
† Robert Manuel Garcia
† Jeannette Hazel Silva
† Margie Hunstad
† Roy Castilleja
† Henry Sullivan
† John McAuliffe
† Lois Mobery
† Sarah Holden
† Catalina Silva
† Katie Henry
† Theresa Thiel
† Evelyn Souza
† Ethel Marsalek
† Sharon Hamilton Weisenberger
† Sidney Wagner
† Maria Cruz Partida
† Helen Posson
† Michael Egan
† Claire P. Brown
† Dottie Rheingans
† Fredrick Trujillo
† Dr. Robert Liechti
† Doris Rofrano
† José Valdez López
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light
shine upon them; and may the souls of all the
faithful departed rest in peace. Amen”
LECTURAS DE HOY
Primera lectura — Dios estableció una alianza con Noé y sus
hijos y les prometió que nunca más habría un diluvio devastador (Génesis 9:8-15).
Salmo — Descúbrenos, Señor, tus caminos
(Salmo 25 [24]).
Segunda lectura — Aquella agua representaba el bautismo
que ahora nos salva (1 Pedro 3:18-22).
Evangelio — Después de los cuarenta días in el desierto, Jesús
viene a Galilea proclamando el Evangelio de Dios (Marcos
1:12-15).
LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA
Lunes:
Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ma 25:31-46
Martes:
Is 55:10-11; Ma 6:7-15
Miércoles:
Jon 3:1-10; Lc 11:29-32
Jueves:
Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7:7-12
Viernes:
Ez 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26
Sábado:
Dt 26:16-19; Mt 5:43-48
Domingo:
Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Sal 116 (115);
Rom 8:31b-34; Mc 9:2-10
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — God’s covenant with Noah when he was
delivered from the flood (Genesis 9: 8-15).
Psalm — Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who
keep your covenant (Psalm 25).
Second Reading — The water of the flood prefigured baptism,
which saves you now (1 Peter 3:18-22).
Gospel — This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God
is at hand (Mark 1:12-15).
The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997,
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Mt 25:31-46
Tuesday:
Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15
Wednesday:
Jon 3:1-10; Lk 11:29-32
Thursday:
Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7:7-12
Friday:
Ez 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26
Saturday:
Dt 26:16-19; Mt 5:43-48
Sunday:
Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116;
Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
First Sunday of Lent Weekend of February 25 / 26
In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges his listeners to do two
things: to believe in the Good News and to repent. The
steward is called to repent: to acquire an openness to begin anew, to change existing attitudes and habits, and to
act with faith in the Gospel. In this season of Lent, now is
the time to ask ourselves whether or not we truly believe in
the Gospel; and if we do, to what extent are we willing to
change our prevailing habits and be more faithful to the
2012 Bishop’s Ministry Appeal
We are glad to report a great start for this year’s
campaign! We have received $16,117.00 in pledges
and collected $8,967.00 towards our goal of $50,400.00.
Remember that all money received after we reach our goal
will be returned to the parish for our local projects.
February is the month of LOVE!!
OUTREACH
This month we would like help with
the following items:
The Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) at
St. Patrick’s Church will be hosting Fish Fries
Coffee/Tea/Canned meats/
Shampoo/Deodorant/Toothpaste/
Dental floss/Paper towels/Toilet Paper &
Bars of soap.
during Lent. Mark your calendar and join us for a
delicious fish & chips and coleslaw dinner. Fish Fries will
be held on the following Fridays: March 2, March 9,
March 23 and March 30 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in
the church hall. Prices are $5 for a 1-piece fish dinner;
March 4th
$7 for a 2-piece fish dinner; $9 for a 3-piece dinner and
after all Sunday Morning Masses.
Support youth ministry - all proceeds
will go toward our youth day trip to
Anaheim!
Thank you so much!
Please remember that we have a religious
articles cabinet for gift purchases in the church
vestibule. Please stop by and
see what we have.
$11 for a 4-piece fish dinner. Take-outs will be available.
Beer, wine, soda and bottled water will be available for
purchase and desserts will be available for a donation.
All proceeds benefit the ICF academic scholarship
program and other local charities.
For more information, call 489-2680.
St. Patrick’s Day
Corned Beef Dinner
Donation by
Eleanor Kinsella
In Memory of
†Eleanor Kline
Donation by
Joan Bogle
In Memory of
Husband
† Bob’s
Birthday
Birthday &
Anniversary
Presented by St. Patrick’s Church
501 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande
Saturday, March 17th, 2012
4 to 7 P.M. in the PARISH HALL
CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS & DESSERT
Adult $7 / Senior $6 / Child (under 13) $3
OR
Donation by
The Kritz Family
In Memory of
†Mildred Kritz
Remembering
With
Flowers
HOT DOG DINNER
WITH CHIPS & DESSERT
WIN ONE OF THREE CASH PRIZES
1ST PRIZE = $1,000
2ND PRIZE = $500
3RD PRIZE = $250
Drawing in parish hall at 7 p.m. March 17th, 2012
Donation by
Pat & Norm Michiels
In Memory of
†Christiane Michiels
Birthday
Raffle donation $5 each
Winners need not be present
BEER, WINE & SODA WILL BE AVAILABLE
AT AN ADDITIONAL COST
TAKE-OUT DINNERS AVAILABLE
TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR!
ARREPIÉNTANSE Y CREAN EN EL EVANGELIO
La Cuaresma es la época del año que dedicamos a
examinar nuestras vidas a la luz de nuestro Bautismo en la
muerte y Resurrección de Jesús. Las lecturas de hoy son un
catecismo abreviado de lo que significa estar bautizados.
Como Noé pasó por las aguas del diluvio a una alianza con
Dios, así también nosotros entramos en una alianza, una
relación con Dios, mediante nuestro Bautismo.
La carta de Pedro da una explicación explícita de lo
que nuestro Bautismo significa: un llamamiento que
hacemos a Dios para que nos dé una conciencia tranquila.
¿Cómo podemos obtener esta conciencia tranquila? Las
palabras proclamadas por Jesús inmediatamente después de
su tentación nos muestran cómo: ―Arrepiéntanse y crean en
el Evangelio‖ (Marcos 1:15). Podría ser un buen ejercicio
espiritual mantener estas lecturas ante nosotros durante todo
el tiempo de Cuaresma, un medio que nos ayude a volver a
una vida vivida por las promesas bautismales.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Primer Domingo de Cuaresma
Fin de Semana de Febrero 25/26
En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús impulsa a quienes
le escuchan a hacer dos cosas: a creer en las
Buenas Nuevas y a arrepentirse. El
corresponsable es llamado al arrepentimiento, a
adquirir una apertura para un nuevo inicio, para
cambiar las actitudes y los hábitos existentes, y
para actuar con fe en el Evangelio; y si lo
hacemos, ¿en qué medida estamos dispuestos a
cambiar nuestros hábitos prevalecientes y a ser
Febrero es el mes del AMOR!!
Este mes necesitamos su ayuda con lo
siguiente:
Cafe/Te/Carnes enlatadas/Shampu/
Desodorante/Pasta Dental/Hilo Dental/
Toallas de Papel/Papel Higienico y Barras
de jabon.
Gracias
¿Está Usted Buscando a
Dios?
Un sacerdote relató esta historia para ilustrar cuán
importante es identificar lo que usted valora
verdaderamente y cómo trata de lograrlo.
Él era un adolescente, dijo, él y su primo jugaban
basquetbol en la entrada de la casa de su primo.
Repentinamente, su primo se percató que había
perdido sus lentes de contacto. Esto fue antes de que
los lentes de contacto fueran desechables. Volviendo
a aquellos días, usted compraba un par de lentes de
contacto y los conservaba hasta el siguiente examen
de sus ojos en su visita al oculista. Estos eran
costosos, y la gente frecuentemente debía inclinarse
y buscar en el piso el lente perdido.
Lo mismo sucedió al futuro sacerdote y su primo.
Ellos palparon con su mano en la entrada y aún en el
pasto de los alrededores sin ningún resultado, no
encontraron el lente. Entraron a la casa a tomar una
soda y dijeron al padre de su primo lo que había
sucedido. Él salió, e inmediatamente comenzó a
buscar el lente.
“Nos pareció que había estado afuera por siempre,”
dijo el sacerdote. “Él miró, miró, y miró. Y
asombrosamente, él encontró aquel lente de
contacto. ¿Por qué él encontró el lente de contacto
perdido y nosotros no? Porque mi primo y yo
buscábamos un lente de contacto, pero lo que mi tío
buscaba eran cien dólares.”
Para el sacerdote, este recuerdo sostiene una
profunda verdad: cuando nosotros conocemos el
valor de algo, y lo deseamos lo suficiente, seremos
incansables en nuestra búsqueda por ello.
Para los corresponsables Cristianos, la búsqueda de
Dios en nuestras vidas no puede ser nunca una
respuesta carente de entusiasmo, o tibia. La
respuesta debe ser, todo o nada. La búsqueda es un
compromiso de toda la vida. Thomas Merton: ofreció
un principio fundamental de corresponsabilidad: “Una
vida es totalmente espiritual o carece totalmente de
espiritualidad.”
¿Cuál es la pregunta de corresponsabilidad para mí?
Todos los VIernes de la Cuaresma en
el salon Parroquial de San Patricio,
tendran venta de pescado frito. De
4pm a 7pm, puede llevar para la casa
o comer alli.
Usted puede llamar a la oficina parroquial al 489-2680 para dar el nombre de la persona que necesite oración.
Lenten Schedule 2012
DAILY MASS DURING LENT
(Weekday Masses –St. Patrick’s Chapel)
Stations of the CROSS
5:30pm—Fridays during lent





March 2nd — Stations led by:
RCIA- Jerri Fife / Rose Varela
March 9th — Stations led by:
Hispanic Ministries
Juanita & Jimmy Castilleja
March 16th — Stations led by:
Liturgy Committee
March 23rd — Stations led by:
S.A.M.—Senior Ministry
March 30th — Stations led by:
Jr. & High School Youth Groups
7:00am
7:30am
5:30pm
6:30pm
- (Mon. Wed. Thur. Fri.)
- Tuesdays (Spanish)
- Tuesdays (English)
- Thursday (Spanish)
(Weekday Masses—St. Francis, Oceano)
6:30pm - Wednesdays
6:30pm - Fridays
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Annual Communal Reconciliation Service
Monday March 26th - 7:00pm
(Bilingual)
Weekly Reconciliation times:
Saturdays— In the church 3:30-4:30pm (English)
In the Chapel 5:30-6:30pm (Spanish)
Extra Holy Week time: Tues. April 3rd: 11am—12pm
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Come, Holy Spirit, Enkindle in us the fire of Your love!
SENIOR ADULT
MAVERICKS
Wednesdays at 10:00am
Meeting Room #3
(unless otherwise announced)
All are Welcome!
SHAMROCK THRIFT STORE
is in need of donations. We can
use household goods, knickknacks, kitchen items, gently used
clothing, and furniture. Pick up of
large items can be arranged by
calling 481-0612
Thank you for your help.
If you have received your first two Sacrament of Initiation;
BAPTISM AND FIRST EUCHARIST, participate in the Sunday Liturgy
Jesus, you proclaimed boldly
that your Father’s kingdom was
near at hand. Help us to see the
workings of your Holy Spirit;
empower us to cooperate with
The bulletin board above the glass case in the Vestibule is used to display pictures of loved
ones serving in the Armed Forces. Please bring in a picture, name and where your family
member is serving so that the parish community can pray for him or her. We need to continue
to pray for God’s protection over our troops until we bring them home.
your Spirit in doing our part in
furthering your reign. Fill us with
you justice, peace and joy.
R. C. I. A.
YOU MAY WANT TO ASK YOURSELF:
HOW AWARE AM I OF OUR PARISH ELECT AND CANDIDATES?
CAN I FIND OUT THEIR NAMES AND PRAY FOR THEM EACH WEEK AS THEY JOURNEY
TOWARD FULL INCLUSION IN OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY AT THE EASTER VIGIL?
WE HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU!
THIS LENTEN SEASON WE HAVE THEIR PICTURES DISPLAYED IN THE VESTIBULE ALONG
WITH PRAYER CARDS WITH THEIR PICTURES AND NAMES. IF YOU TAKE ONE NAME AND PRAY
FOR THAT PERSON EACH DAY, IT WILL MEAN SO MUCH TO THEM DURING THIS
HOLIEST OF SEASONS. THESE PRAYERS WILL STRENGTHEN THEM ON THEIR SPIRITUAL
JOURNEY OF CONVERSION AND CONNECT THEM TO OUR WHOLE PARISH COMMUNITY.
MAY THIS LENT BE AS MUCH A TIME OF CONVERSION
FOR US AS IT IS FOR OUR ELECT AND CANDIDATES!
LENTEN BLESSINGS TO ALL.
CATECHUMENS
Justin Ruiz
Adam Ruiz
Skyler St. Marie
William Bowen
Candy Luenser
Loretta Walker
Suzette Hernandez
Brayan Ortega
Richard Ortega
Yesenia Ortega
Esaul Prado
Martha Rodriguez
CANDIDATES
Mindy Cooper
Raj Cooper
Jimmy Coughlin
Jonathan Garcia
Carl Leazott
Brenda Mercer
Janice Norman
Jackie Sutton
Rosalba De Jesus Roman
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
AND THE CHILDREN’S CATECHUMENATE
On February 25 at the 7:00 p.m. Mass, the R. I. C. A. Catechumens and Candidates celebrated the
Rite of Sending.
At the 10:30 a.m. Mass, February 26, the R. C. I. A. Catechumens and Candidates celebrated the
Rite of Sending.
On Tuesday, February 28 our Catechumens (the unbaptized) will celebrate the
Rite of Election
and our Candidates (the baptized) will celebrate the
Call to Continuing Conversion
with Bishop Richard Garcia at Old Mission Church, San Luis Obispo.
This begins the period of Purification and Enlightenment, the Lenten season,
which will strengthen the Elect as they journey to
the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
This is also the time for the Elect and Candidates to go deeper into their spiritual journey as they
approach the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist
If you attended the Rite of Sending, take some time to reflect on your experience and
share it with your family or a friend.
1. What moved you in the Rite of Sending?
2. What did the Rite say to you about who God is, what the Church and what it means
to be elected by God?
3. What is one way God is inviting you to live in Christ’s light more fully?
4. Take a moment to ask God for this grace.
Please continue to pray for our children and adults as they continue to grow in faith and understanding.
Thank you and God Bless,
The R.C.I.A. and R.I.C.A. Teams
RCIA 2011-2012
Jackie Sutton
I was born and raised in Indiana. I have lived in California for many years
and for many of these years I lived in San Luis Obispo where I am a part
owner of a hair salon. Recently I moved to Grover Beach but continue to
commute to the shop in San Luis Obispo.
I grew up in a very devout Protestant home, but as much as I embraced
that religion, I wanted to be Catholic. Since I was about ten years old, I
have had this fascination that did not pale over the years, though I did
nothing about it.
My friendship with Rose, who is a parishioner at St. Patrick’s, led to discussions that intrigued me. I decided that this was the right time to accomplish
a lifelong dream.
Loretta Walker
I have lived in Arroyo Grande since 1964. I have two sons and one
grandson.
The person who has influenced me the most to become a Catholic is my
fiancé, Matt.
Carl Leazott
My name is Carl Leazott and I am 28 years old. I moved to the Central
Coast about eight years ago from San Bernardino, California. I have been
married to my beautiful wife, Desiree, for eight years now and we have two
sons (Cash and Dresden), and a little girl on the way (Lorelei). A am a barber by trade and when I’m not cutting hair, I am spending time with my
family or wrenching/riding my Chopper. I was baptized at a Protestant
church in Arroyo Grande in May of 2011, but I have had a serious relationship with God for almost two years now.
A Catholic friend of mine told me to attend Mass sometime to see what I
thought about it. Ever since I attended I have had a strong draw to the
Catholic Church. I love everything about it, and I truly feel God’s presence
here. The Lord has done so much for me and has saved/changed my life
in so many ways that I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for
me on my faith journey.
Candy Luenser
My absolutely wonderful daughter Kylie (familiar with Jesus, but new to the
Catholic Church), most amazing boyfriend Rudy (Confirmed Catholic), and
myself (in the fantastic RCIA process here at St. Patrick’s) are all at different
stages but still learning and growing together every day in the Catholic faith.
It is beautiful.
So many people have influenced me to become Catholic and don’t even realize it. If I were to choose one person, it would be my Grandma. Every visit
to see her in southern California has come with an invitation to attend Mass
(from the time I was a small child and to this very day). Still every holiday
and birthday brings a card from Grandma reminding me that “Jesus Loves
You.” Her consistently loving, generous, forgiving and strong character has
always been and continues to be an inspiration.
Jonathan Garcia
I was born in Orange County and eventually settled on the Central Coast in
2000 with my father and two sisters. I have a fairly large extended family
with whom I am close. Many of them reside in the Los Angeles area and
Mexico. I am engaged to Ruby Trejo, whom I met and began dating since
high school. We are set to be married July 14, 2012.
When we became engaged, Ruby and I both decided that we wanted to be
married in the Church. We felt that the best way to start our marriage was to
have our marriage blessed by God. We knew since we didn’t have all our
sacraments, we reached out to the Catholic Church to help us with our journey to be closer to Him.
Erica Schlageter
I am from Grass Valley, California, and came to San Luis Obispo to attend
Cal Poly. I am in the teaching credential program and am currently student
teaching in the area. I hope to become a primary grade teacher, and I love
working with kids. My family still lives in Grass Valley; and although I was
not raised with a religion, we are very close. I enjoy spending time with my
boyfriend and taking my dog to the park.
My life has become full of changes and I felt the need to seek guidance from
a power greater than myself. My boyfriend is Catholic and introduced me to
the Catholic faith. From the first moment I stepped into the Church I felt a
sense of peace. I knew that becoming Catholic would be easy for me as the
Church’s beliefs match my own.
Janice Norman
I was born in Bakersfield, California. I met my husband at Bakersfield Jr.
College. We were married in Christ the King Catholic Church (a Church my
husband helped build). We lived in Woodlake, California, for almost 40 years
and raised three children.
I’ve wanted to be a Catholic most of my life. My Catholic grandmother taught
me prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Hail Holy Queen) before I went to school.
I’ve wanted to come to the RCIA sessions for several years, but I travel a lot
and could not come every week. I am so glad I asked Jerri!
James Coughlin
I was born in Silver Springs, Maryland, in 1972 to Edith and Warren
Coughlin. My father’s job caused us to move every six months to a year
and I ended up in California in 1983. I was raised in private schools in the
Seventh Day Adventist faith.
By my junior year of high school, I had become completely anti-religion,
anti-church. I abused myself for a long period of time and eventually
calmed down with age. In 2004 I met a Catholic , Jason Delaney, from
Sydney, Australia. We immediately clicked; both of our families were Irish.
In our Bible conversations Catholicism came up over and over again
throughout history.
I went through another difficult period in my life and ended up in London
and met some Irishmen who invited me to Dublin. A group of Irish lads
changed my life. As time passed, I started connecting the dots and it
seemed to me my most faithful friends all came from Catholic backgrounds. I decided to check out Catholicism for myself. The Catholic
Church has given me the substance that other churches have not.
Katie McNeill
I grew up in southern California and moved to the Central Coast to attend
Cal Poly. My husband, Patrick, and I met at the Water Board in 1994. We
now have two daughters who are in elementary school. We enjoy the
beach, camping in the forest and playing board games. I spend my days
working, driving my girls to dance class and playing with our three dogs.
We look forward to having dinner together as a family most every night.
My Aunt Jo from Ireland has always been an inspiration to me. Every year
as a child we would spend Christmas Day at her home with family. I’ve
always admired the Catholic practices and felt they were a part of me. I
want to receive the other sacraments to feel more fully a part of the Catholic Church community and to embrace Catholicism for my family.
Patrick McNeill
I’ve been married to my best friend, Katie, for 11 years. We have two great
kids—Samantha and Jessie, ages 10 and 6. The girls attend St. Patrick
School and both are talented dancers and athletes. We live by the beach,
and in our free time you can find us surfing and biking. I came to the Central Coast in 1989 and attended Cal Poly and earned a degree in engineering and made the Central Coast my home.
My wife’s sister, Maryanne, is an active member of the Catholic community. Over many years we have joined Maryanne and members of Katie’s
family for celebrations at their parish. The feeling of peace I feel when being part of their family faith-centered events is a major influence on my decision to become a Catholic.
Brenda Mercer
My husband Ralph and I have been married for 30 years. This is my greatest accomplishment. We have a daughter, Autumnskye. She is a loving,
kind human being who is talented and gifted. I love having an extended
family that supports me. I am a Gerontologist; my focus is to optimize the
quality of life and functional ability for seniors and their families.
My friend, JoAnn Lozano, influenced me to want to become a Catholic.
She has a forgiving spirit, a loving spirit and a Christian heart. I am
amazed with her inner and outer beauty. She is a very modest person; I
simply could not have gotten through many years of spiritual struggle without her constant love and support. She is my sister.
William Bowen
I came to California in 1931. I went to school in Los Angeles. After high
school I went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad. I met my future wife
and we became engaged. When World War II began I joined the U.S.M.M.
After three years I was gone and the War was over. We married and had
three sons all baptized in the Catholic Church. We were married for 61
years. My lovely wife now dwells in the house of the Lord.
The first thing that influenced me to become a Catholic was I wanted to
renew my faith in God. The second influence was my immediate family.
They are very happy for me.
Mindy Cooper
I am happily married to Raj Cooper and we have a busy two year old
daughter, Lily. We live in Arroyo Grande, and I work as an RN at Arroyo
Grande Community Hospital. We enjoy hiking and going to the beach.
Being a new mom influenced me to become Catholic. I want to be a strong
spiritual foundation for myself and my family.
Raj Cooper
I have been married to my wife, Mindy, for three years now. We live in Arroyo Grande with our two year old daughter, Lily. I am Chief Warrant Officer in the Army National Guard and my wife, Mindy, is an RN at Arroyo
Grande Community Hospital. We’ve both lived in the area for over 15
years.
The person who influenced me to become a Catholic—to be honest—was
the night I was overcome by the Holy Spirit to make a change in my spiritual life. This led me to going with my wife to a number of churches to find
the best fit. I felt at home in the Catholic Church. It was divine intervention...literally.