If you go back to the very beginning of Saint Michael’s Parish, you will see Evalynne Moon, who became a member in 1965. Stan Moon is a convert to the Catholic faith and became a member in 1982. Either way you look at it, both Stan and Evalynne have been members for a very long time!
As one can imagine, over the years, they have been part of many ministries. For Stan, that includes the Finance Council, Pastoral Council, Parish Center Building Committee — the list goes on! There are a few ministries, though, that have stood the test of time, and he feels blessed to still be serving. Deacon John’s Helping Hands group is a favorite — the members do what they can to keep people living in their homes, from building a handicap ramp to repairing a roof. This is Stan’s favorite ministry in which he’s served.
“I remember one time a lady in a wheelchair went out onto her ramp,” he says. “She cried because she was so thankful to have her freedom back. The people are always so thankful for the help. It brings me joy to serve them.”
Stan is also involved in the Event Helpers — members help set up and take down for special events — and he is second-in-command for his men’s small group.
“I so enjoy being part of my small group,” Stan says. “We’ve been together a long time — we are family.”
Stan also serves in the Landscape Group and as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Evalynne brings the Eucharist to those who are homebound.
“Those who receive the Eucharist are so joyful and appreciative,” Evalynne says. “It’s special for me to be able to do that.”
The Pregnancy Aid Ministry is where Evalynne gave her time for many years. She recently stepped down from this work, but it was always such a blessing to her to help families in need with diapers, clothing, food, and more.
“The women often came with children,” Evalynne says. “It was so fun to see the children and always such a joyful time.”
In addition, Evalynne serves meals as part of the Funeral Receptions Ministry.
Stan and Evalynne love the community at Saint Michael’s. They are so thankful to Fr. Jim Lee for his strong example of faith and all he does for the parish as he battles ALS.
“With all he is going through, he models true faith and trust in the Lord,” Evalynne says.
Coming into a faith community like ours may feel overwhelming at times because of the size. That’s why Stan and Evalynne say it’s important to get involved in a small group or ministry.
“It’s easy to feel like a little fish in a big sea,” Evalynne says. “But, when you get involved, the community gets smaller.”
“You should get involved to connect with others,” Stan adds. “I always want to pitch small groups as part of that involvement. Our parish is large, and it means more when you get one-on-one with people and develop personal relationships.”
And Stan says with all the ministries here, there is something for everyone.
“There are so many ministries that are active,” he says. “People serve others in the community. They want to help people.”
Evalynne agrees. She loves how involved parishioners are in all ministries, from the choir to Bible study.
Stan and Evalynne have one son, Gary, who has three children. We are blessed to have Stan and Evalynne as part of our parish family and we thank them for sharing their gifts in our faith community.