Could you give us an example of your participation in the parish?
​I serve as Music Ministry Coordinator for our four English-speaking masses here at St. Luke Parish. In addition to singing and playing piano for our masses, I work with our vocal ensembles at our 9:30 am and 11:00 am masses, and hope to increase our parish participation in music through the use of more instrumentalists!  
 

​ What do you feel nourishes your Catholic Spirituality?
In addition to Mass, frequent scripture reading on my own and listening to great talks is a way I help stay connected with the Lord, especially through the business of Graduate School at ASU! God is always present, so carving out intentional prayer time is important and always gives me a sense of connecting with the Creator of the Universe. 
 
Can you give us an example of something you treasure at St. Luke?
I truly treasure our musicians here at St. Luke and their openness always to try new things! You don't always have that blessing everywhere, so I am extraordinarily grateful for it! 
 
Could you name one or two persons who have been influential in your Catholic faith? Why?
My parents have certainly been the most influential "practitioners" of the faith. Their genuine, heartfelt love for God and to see us all raised with an understanding of a Biblical worldview helped me face many challenges the world presents us with. My father is a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church and has been a Pastoral Administrator (the parish leader) of parishes in the Diocese of Rochester for over 20 years.

 What is your favorite Scripture passage?
 "For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 [Amplified version]

If you at all have a desire to share your time and talent with our music ministry, please contact me! Together, we can create relevant, engaging music for our liturgy that draws our community closer to the love of God, challenging us and changing us to become the person He desires us to be. 

Could you give an example of your participation in our parish?
As Pastor, I try to support anything and everything that seems to be in the spirit of our parish mission. An element of my participation that may be less known or visible is that – on a regular basis - I pray for all the parishioners that God sends to us to minister to.


What do you feel nourishes your Catholic spirituality?
It may vary from month to month and year to year. In general, it is meditation, Mass, the Bible and the prayer groups that I participate in.

Could you give an example of something you treasure about St. Luke?
It never ceases to amaze me that God can do wonderful things in our lives without much fanfare and unnoticed to the world at large: during confessions and conversations, during Bible group sharing or while playing games with peers in Religious Education, etc.

Could you name one or two persons who have been influential in your Catholic faith? Why?
First off, my parents and my grandmother with their efforts to live Christian lives on a daily basis. Then many others: e.g. Charles de Foucauld with his emphasis on the simple life of the Holy Family.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
It depends on the day or on the month. Psalm 131 – almost always.

Could you give an example of your participation in our parish?
I am also active with "That man is you" men's group. I have just recently  started as an usher at the Sunday morning Mass.



What do you feel nourishes your Catholic spirituality?
My spirituality has been nourished by seeing so many other catholics becoming involved in the various activities being offered here at St. Luke's.  i.e' Bible studies prayer groups and many other ministries.  

Could you give an example of something you treasure about St. Luke?
St. Luke's is not a large church where one could get lost in. The smaller setting gives me a feeling of closeness or coziness you can find in a family setting.

Could you name one or two persons who have been influential in your Catholic faith? Why?
Number one person who has been influential in my catholic faith journey is my wife Karen. We spend countless hours talking about the faith journey. She is my angel and is always there to keep me focused. Another person who is very special is author Max Lucado. I would highly recommend his writings to anyone who has any questions about their faith. Mother Teresa and Saint John Paul are my two favorite people that have lived their lives as Jesus taught us.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
My favorite scripture passage is: Phillipians 4;13 "I have the strength to do all things by the power that Christ gives me".

Additional comments?
I love the celebration of the Mass. To be able to celebrate the last supper with Jesus and the apostles and conclude this with the Holy Eucharist is a spiritual high.

Could you give an example of your participation in our parish?
I am the Front Office Secretary, plus I also help with the Ministries such as EM’s, Lectors, and Money Counters.



What do you feel nourishes your Catholic spirituality?
The lord, my god, nourishes my spirit. Receiving him in the holy communion, praying, and listening to him thru the bible.

Could you give an example of something you treasure about St. Luke?
Being able to be close to the lord every day, and the people from St. Luke. Everyone is so great and so welcoming.   

Could you name one or two persons who have been influential in your Catholic faith? Why?
My father and Padre Pio have influenced me the most. The father always like to spread the word of the lord. When he got sick from cancer that is where I think he showed me that nothing can separate us from the lord. He told me “ Nothing can every stop me from being close to the lord, I will forever praise him and adore him, no matter what happens.” Padre Pio to me was such an amazing man, just knowing about his life and realizing what tribulations and prosecutions he had to go thru and still did not turn his back towards the lord. Makes me realize that when I go thru difficult times no matter what, never turn my back to the lord because he is always there with me. The lord will never put me in a situation that I cannot handle. It may not seem that way at the time but he is there, guiding me.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Matthew 14:29-31 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?