It was a special evening for some of us volunteers to break bread with our priests and the bishop.
The Second Confirmation
To accommodate the families of the candidates, we had to organize two services. This Friday, Bishop Timothy Freyer confirmed the remaining candidates. The service was just as beautiful as the last, with Bishop Timothy sharing his journey into his vocation. His humble beginnings remain evident as he graciously took time to answer our questions at dinner.
The Dinner
I was the first to arrive at the rectory because the dinners were mistakenly delivered to the ministry center. While the younger members of our team, “Vision,” were busy transferring the dinner to the rectory, I ended up being the only one there to welcome our priests and the bishop.
Before we served the meal, I noticed there were different choices for the main course: salmon with vegetables and pasta with chicken parmigiana. After serving the Caesar salad, I asked our guests what they preferred—salmon or pasta. To my surprise, they all chose the pasta. After serving our guests, we discovered several dishes of lasagna, and I felt responsible for not offering this option to them.
Humility
Before the meal arrived, Father Erialdo mentioned that the kitchen appliances were outdated and some weren’t working. Even with a microwave, heating each meal individually would have been challenging. Our dinner was barely warm, yet no one complained. I, on the other hand, tend to complain, and if my meal isn’t up to par, I send it back immediately! These gracious men taught me a valuable lesson in humility—that it wasn’t the meal that mattered, but the rich conversation they shared.
Patty, our Confirmation and Youth Ministry Coordinator, truly operates in the grace of God. An introvert by nature, she surprised me with how effortlessly she engaged in conversation with Bishop Freyer. Patty asked him if he played a musical instrument. He replied, “No, I do not.” This provided the perfect opportunity for me to share that Patty was part of an all-girl Mariachi group. The Bishop was pleasantly surprised and inquired further into her experiences as a Mariachi. The quiet and humble demeanor of this young lady is a testament to how she will lead many to Christ. I thank God for her dedicated service.
Dinner Conversations
I found myself mostly listening to the dinner conversations, keeping many of my thoughts to myself.
Our parish is truly blessed to have Father John as our Pastor. The following morning, he was set to leave with the 8th-grade class on their trip back east. Father John mentioned that arrangements had been made for him to celebrate Mass at various cathedrals. Saint Patrick Cathedral in New York City and Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Washington, D.C. are a few where Mass will be celebrated.
Cats
When the conversation turned to cats, I joined in and shared about Prudie, my beloved cat who is over twenty years old. About two years ago, I prayed for the Lord to grant Prudie five more years, and she is indeed living up to my prayers. Whether you’re a cat lover or not, stories about Prudie always bring a smile. One more important fact: Prudie is gently being love by us. I feel that God blesses those who take care of elderly pets and the way we treat them is how we will be treated once we get up in years.
World Youth Day
Pope Leo XIV has just announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3rd to 8th. Patty is working diligently to prepare the Vision team for this momentous event.
Vision
Vision, an organization born from our parish, is led by Patty. Under her guidance, these young men and women dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to supporting the Youth Ministry. Initially, I struggled to understand how they could effectively teach classes given their youth and limited life experience. With the Holy Spirit guiding Patty’s gentle hand in shaping these young minds into servants, I’ve witnessed firsthand their dedication and transformation as they inspire others to live a life filled with joy.
Patty’s Family
During COVID I shared a Blog mentioning Patty’s family (Keeping The Faith). They faithfully attended outdoor Mass during this time and took up eight seats! They are devout and together are a force for holiness. Patty’s two younger siblings attended the Confirmation and assisted as altar servers.
Father Erialdo shared with the bishop that Patty’s brother was in seminary studying for the priesthood.
Since we were the first parish on the list for Confirmations in the Diocese of Orange, we have two more classes left to finish the program. Hopefully the students will attend so that we can bid them a proper good-bye.
I will be back the following year because Jacob, our youngest grandson, will be starting the two-year program. So, God willing, I will be around for two more years. Pray for me!
My Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunity to serve and guide the youth through our volunteer efforts. I pray that all the students who have completed their Sacrament of Confirmation may be sealed for life in service to You. Lord, move mightily over the Vision group and continue to grant them revelations to better serve our community. Amen.
