By Deacon Sal Lema
Our newsletter staff works so very hard researching, finding, interviewing and writing about our community and how they serve each of us, that sometimes they decide to pass on writing about the news and become the news. Such is the case with four of our past writers. Each went on to do something that they felt called to do. Even though we lost great talent, we are blessed that they will serve God and the community in still better ways.
Chris Martin is an energetic man who changed parishes a few years ago and came aboard to help us. According to him, he felt that he did not know a lot about our religion, but that was not the case. He in fact became an excellent researcher and article writer. Chris wrote articles in the first two newsletters. We were sad when he left our team, but happy that he was seeking another ministry to hang his hat on.
Grand Knight and writer Dan Kudulis joined the staff at the beginning. Dan felt it was a good time to use his degree in English. He brought many ideas to the table including the side bar where an additional article in the same vein as the main story is developed. The side bar articles now appear in every issue. Dan has been appointed to serve on the higher Knights of Columbus council as he leaves his duties as Grand Knight in July. While thanking him for his generous gift of time and talent, we welcome GK Mike Wooldridge, who has been elected to serve for this coming year.
When I first contacted Maryalvin Gonzales and asked her to write for us, she said no. As a matter of fact, she said no several times until she relented. Among her writing talent was her knowledge of the parish and the ability to speak Spanish. Her interviews were of great help. But now she has a very important different role to play, that of Grandma to her new grandbaby. This of course takes precedence in her life. We thank her for her assistance and wish her the happiest of baby-sitting fun.
Kate Schmidt, another marvelous writer, juggled full-time work with writing. Prior to COVID, she served as a minister of care. She always mentioned that she would want to go back to it when it opened up again. This Spring, she retired from her huge career with Banner Health, opting for a more relaxed time with family and friends. She was also planning to return to the care ministry which she loved. We thank her for her generous time, talent and effort in service to our community.
While we thank each of them for their service, they have cut our staff to almost half. For this Summer issue, the remaining staff have each worked harder to provide this issue. Love them all for their writing abilities. But they should not have to work as hard as they have for this issue. I call upon our community members to consider writing for The Family Seton. We only publish 4 issues a year. I only ask for one year; if you wish to stay longer after that, it’s a bonus for the team. All of us will help you, so please help us. You only need to possess the desire to share the news with the community far and wide. Our snowbirds depend on hearing the news and it is our responsibility to share it. Please consider joining our team. Those interested are asked to contact me. My email is in the bulletin.
