Catholic Charities 2012 – 28th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner
Each year, the San Gabriel Region of Catholic Charities invites Holy Family Church to recognize some of its distinguished volunteers. Holy Family is blessed to have so many truly honorable volunteers that it is always difficult to choose just a few people, but certainly no one could disagree that the volunteers chosen this year are particularly worthy. They are: Naomi Distaso, Ramon Lacson, Mike McDonagh and Evan and Rowena Wyatt. Please join us in congratulating these faith-filled and loving servants.
HONOREE: Naomi Distaso
Naomi and Frank Distaso
Naomi Distaso, and her husband Frank, have belonged to Holy Family Church for over 30 years.
Naomi is active in many different aspects of parish life, including; participation in the 50+ club, “stuffing” the Sunday bulletin (when that was needed), assisting with the Sunday collection counting, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and helping wherever her talents are needed. Naomi began her varied volunteer life at Holy Family as the “Yard Lady”, watching over the Holy Family school children while they played. She loved watching the children and would volunteer to do so while teachers had meetings, etc. Naomi continues to lend a hand to many ministries, including supporting the bereaved by providing hospitality for every funeral reception held as part of the “Friends Who Care” Ministry. Naomi and Frank joined Holy Family because of its warm and friendly atmosphere and they continue to bring that legacy of welcome to others. Naomi, we at Holy Family salute you as a faithful and faith-filled member of our church. Thank you for your many years of loving service. You have been and continue to be a true blessing to our faith community.
HONOREE: Ramon Lacson
Ramon Lacson
Ramon Lacson has been an active parishioner at Holy Family Church for many years. His beloved wife, Estela Lacson, was one of the founders of the Filipino Catholic Association (Fil-Am) of Holy Family Church. When she passed away in 1998, Ramon took over as Coordinator of the group. With Ramon at the helm, the folks in this beautiful ministry have organized many important Holy Family traditions and events, including; the Block Rosary and Divine Mercy Prayer Meeting, First Friday Mass for Healing, the Filipino Food Booth at the Annual Parish Fair and the much-loved Annual Simbang Gabi (Christmas Novena Mass and reception). Ramon was instrumental in partnering with “Bukos Loob Sa Diyos” to create a very successful Annual Dinner Dance, which he chairs. In addition to his dedicated service to the Filipino Ministry he is always willing to lend a hand where-ever needed, as a Sunday collection counter, at the Parish fair and for parish-wide fundraising events such as the auction and “Divine Dinners”. It is a privilege for Holy Family to recognize in a small way the many contributions that Ramon has brought, and continues to bring, to members of Holy Family and to the greater community. He truly embodies what it means to live his faith. When asked why he has worked so diligently all of these years for Holy Family and the Fil-Am Ministry in particular, Ramon replied, “ALL IN FOR THE LOVE AND GREATER GLORY OF THE LORD AND MAMA MARY”.
HONOREE: Michael Mc Donagh
Mike McDonagh
Michael Mc Donagh has been a parishioner of Holy Family Church since 1976. He has served as an Usher for most of those years. Michael has generously served in the position of “Head Usher” for the 6:30 am, Sunday Morning Mass for over 20 years. His wife, Sheila, was the cook for the priests of the parish for many, many years (until she passed away). Michael is a great example of servant leadership. He always assists at more than one Mass on the holy days of the Church. And, while Michael is considering “retiring or at least slowing down” as a regular Usher for the 6:30 Sunday Morning Mass, he continues to be a living example of what is best about Holy Family. That is, the loving community of beloved disciples, worshiping and serving their God together. Michael, we thank you for your many years of selfless service to Holy Family.
HONOREES: Evan and Rowena Wyatt
Evan and Rowena Wyatt
Evan and Rowena Wyatt joined Holy Family in 2006, but looking at the list of their many contributions to the parish, one would think that they had been members for much, much longer. Last year, 2011, was the first year of a new parish-wide fundraiser, Divine Dinners. Evan and Rowena graciously agreed to co-chair the event. It was an incredible challenge and required many hours of selfless planning, marketing and executing. Not only was the event successful, due in no small part to the creative genius of Rowena (designing the marketing pieces, etc.) and the always good-natured and tireless efforts of Evan, but it actually exceeded all expectations and is now woven into the fabric of Holy Family’s future. They are also active in the Sunday Preschool Ministry with Evan serving on that board as well as on the Safeguard the Children Committee. Their 5-year old boys attend Holy Family school. Rowena shares her motivation this way, “for me, volunteering at Holy Family means I’m living the teachings of Jesus, reaching out help others in my community and beyond. Being a volunteer adds significance to my life and sets an important example for my children to follow.”
And Evan says that “by being a volunteer at Holy Family I feel closer to God and to my ‘goodness’ rather than just my ‘self’. I put into practice the word of the Lord by choice, not because I was told to but because I want to.”
Evan and Rowena are a beautiful example of a couple truly living their faith, not only for their children, but for the entire Holy Family Community. Thank you.
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