What is your relationship with OLPH? Family? 

I have been a member of the parish since 2000. When my family and I arrived, the OLPH community welcomed us with open arms, even though the language was a barrier for us at the time. From the very beginning, we felt received, embraced, and accompanied. Over the years, this parish has truly become our spiritual home and family.

 How and why did you become a Minister? How did you get started? How long is your tenure? 

At the beginning, it was out of necessity. The Spanish Mass was just starting, and there was a need for ministers to serve. A priest asked if we would be interested in helping, and I simply said yes. That “yes” became the beginning of this ministry in my life. I have been serving since 2006.

What is the most important aspect of being a Minister? 

When I first began to serve, I realized how important it was that there were enough people committed so the Mass could be celebrated in Spanish. That awakened in me a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to serve faithfully. Little by little, the Lord began to shape me. Through formation and experience, He taught me to love and reverence the Body and Blood of Christ more deeply. Serving as Minister of the Eucharist has transformed the way I experience the Eucharist. I learned not only to distribute the Eucharist, but to cherish it, to adore it, and to understand the immense gift we receive. Now, after nearly 20 years, every time I am called to serve, it is a profound joy. It is a privilege to continue being part of this ministry. The Lord has allowed me to share His Body and Blood with my brothers and sisters in faith. Seeing the reverence with which each person prepares their heart, where the Lord dwells,  teaches me and strengthens my own faith. This ministry is beautiful, but it is also human. At times we encounter lack of understanding, lack of reverence, or even lack of faith. Yet even in those moments, the Lord continues teaching us patience, humility, and love.