Sunday June 9, 2024
Father Robert is getting to know our parish families. Meet the Serafins!
How long have you been members of St. Joachim Parish and what do you value about the parish?
We’ve been members of St. Joachim since 2018, when we moved to the U.S. from Italy with three children: Caterina (10), Paolo (8) and Elena (6), and since then we’ve welcomed two more: Ilaria (3) and Giacomo (1). We were looking for a place to “land” and since Karla’s sisters were already parishioners at St. Joachim, we gave it a try and have not looked back. Caterina, Paolo and Elena all say they love the friendships and community they’ve created at St. Joachim. They love how easy it is to meet new people because of how friendly everyone is. As soon as we get to the Church parking lot, they can’t contain themselves and they’re ready to run out to greet and play with their friends before the start of mass. We love that we have a group of Christian friends at St. Joachim who have become like family to us and can support us in our faith. We are members of the Neocatechumenal Way.
What do you and your family members do: Occupation, Hobbies, Studies, and what do you enjoy doing together as a family?
Karla is an attorney and has her practice near downtown Santa Ana. Stefano has a degree in Philosophy from the University of Ca’ Foscari in Venice, Italy. He worked as a baker before moving to California in 2018. Together we’re growing Karla’s law practice. However, our real dream would be to open up an Italian bakery in Orange County.
Caterina is in the 100-mile club and is the fastest girl in her school, she’s run over 180 miles this school year. Paolo likes challenging himself with math questions and testing the rest of his family members with math problems. Elena likes fashion, dressing up, and having tea parties. Ilaria and Giacomo have adventurous little souls, and like climbing and creeping into places they shouldn’t be in.
Mostly, our family loves relaxing on weekends at home, inviting friends over to enjoy a home-cooked meal, good wine, and good company.
What difference does faith make in your lives?
Caterina says sometimes she feels like she has a hole inside, and that coming to the Eucharist helps her feel at peace. I think the rest of us echo these sentiments, it’s like St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Our faith gives us this rest we’re seeking, it animates our lives and helps us to trust that God is our Shepherd and that He’s leading our little family home to Him.
In Christ,
Rev. Robert P. Capone