Know Your Fellow Parishioner (Page 3)
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Max Buondonno
Everyone in the parish has noticed the new and improved look of the church bulletin and website over the last several months. Now it is time to meet the dynamic man behind the changes: 19-year-old Max Buondonno. One day last spring, Max came home from Mass wondering if his social media skills might be of use to the parish. “Facebook. Instagram,” he was thinking. “Something to attract the younger crowd.” So he called Father Michael Rush and found a receptive…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Adalberta Zurita and Patrocinio Vega
When Adalberta Zurita and her husband Patrocinio Vega were growing up in rural Mexico, they would be called to church by the sound of the bells. Perhaps there was a wedding or a baptism or a feast day, or maybe the traveling priest was present to celebrate Mass. “Everyone would walk or run toward the church,” Ada recalled. “When the third bell rang, it was time to start.” Little did Ada and Patrocinio know as children where life was going…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Barb O’Brien
Barb O’Brien has gotten used to being nudged by the Hand of God. “God is very good at getting you to do things even if you don’t think you are prepared for them,” she said. Barb was nudged to help with communion calls to the homebound. She was nudged to travel to the Holy Love Ministries in Ohio, and, most recently, she was nudged to organize weekday Adoration in St. Damien Parish. As one thing has led to another, Barb’s…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Dot and John Lynch
On any given Sunday you might notice Dot and John Lynch serving the parish at opposite ends of St. Augustine Church. Dot tends the religious article counter in the vestibule before and after the 9 a.m. Mass. John might be at the ambo, taking a turn as lector. Of course, married for 61 years, they are use to teamwork. Dot does all the ordering of religious articles that are on sale at her counter. Rosaries are the biggest sellers, especially…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: The Schramm Family
Joan and Bill Schramm have learned a lot from their two sons. The most important lesson, according to Bill, is that “Life does not need to be perfect to be wonderful.” Billy, 27, and Patrick, 25, were born to Joan and Bill with similarly severe mental and physical disabilities. They also were born with strikingly joyful and generous spirits that they share openly with St. Damien parish and the Ocean City community at large. “Billy and Patrick are apostles of…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Roberto Bautista
Christ seeks disciples in various ways. For Roberto Bautista, it was through music. Roberto was adrift as a younger man. His band had recently broken up and life was difficult. Occasionally he would agree to play at the Hispanic mass at St. Frances Cabrini, when his percussion skills were needed. “But I would just go and play and then leave,” he said. “I did not feel comfortable. I knew nothing about Jesus,” he admitted. “Others would encourage me to come…