Sunday August 11, 2024
Fr. Robert is getting to know our parish families. Meet a Parish Family… The Macias Family!
How long have you been in the parish and what do you like about the parish? We, Felipe and Elida Macias, have been here 32 years. We come because it is the closest Catholic Church to us, we like the preaching and the feel or ambiance.
Tell us about your family: work, hobbies? We have four daughters. We enjoy family time together, often gathering to talk over tea. Their grandmothers were parishioners at Saint Joachim and taught the girls their prayers and why we do what we do in the Catholic rituals. Later, the oldest girls cared for their aging grandparents and one another. The grandmothers emphasized faith and education. Natalie has a public health degree and works for Altamed. Janet has an Master’s degree in Business and Health Administration and works for CHOC. Kimberly earned a Bachelor’s in Childhood Development and Counseling from Cal State Fullerton. Karla recently graduated with a degree in Psychology and also works for Altamed. I, Felipe, have worked in sales for water treatment systems in the home the last 28 years. Elida works every day in the home and also cleans houses a couple days a week.
What role or difference does faith make in your life? Felipe says that faith places him in right relationship with God. When he is right with God, all his other relationships are good, maintaining respect for each member of the family. He used to be more anxious and stressed but now has peace through faith in Jesus. Elida says that when she is sad her faith helps her know God is close. She feels confidence through the embrace of God. Natalie says faith grants her peace of mind, that there is something, someone greater than what science can explain. Even the impossible can be made possible through faith and alignment with God’s plan. Janet says faith is the center of everything, without God she could not accomplish anything. Kimberly says faith gives her the motivation to keep going: “If I have not failed, then I have not learned. Faith gives me the perseverance to know eventually I will get to where I want to go.” Karla says faith takes us beyond our limitations and those set by others.
In Christ,
Rev. Robert P. Capone