A Shining Example for Our Youth

Written by Father JC Paguaga

Dear Parish Family,

It gives me great joy to highlight one of our young parishioners whose witness of faith and dedication has touched my life in such a beautiful way. Every Sunday at the 8:30 AM Mass, and often at the 10:00 AM Mass as well, you will find Ciaran serving alongside his brother PJ and his father Patrick. Together, they remind us of the beauty of family life centered on the Eucharist, offering their time and talent to the Lord and the community. They welcome parishioners, assist families, help with the offertory collection, and share their shining presence, always with big smiles on their faces.

From left to right: PJ, Patrick, and Ciaran.

Beyond the parish, Ciaran has also represented our community and our country with great distinction. Recently, he was one of only 15 young Americans chosen to compete at the International Sailing Competition in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, where youth from across the world gathered to represent their nations. Out of this extraordinary field, he finished 9th place overall, a remarkable accomplishment worthy of celebration!

 What makes this achievement even more inspiring is the way Ciaran continues to keep his priorities grounded in faith and service, always with great humility. In fact, the way I first learned about this honor was when I didn’t see him at Mass and asked his dad where he was.

As his family shares, “he is a gentle soul, kind, compassionate, and truly well-rounded.” He reminds us that success in life is not measured only in medals, but in living each day with simplicity, gratitude, and devotion to God.

May his example encourage our young people to discover their own gifts, to cultivate them with effort and dedication, to place Christ at the center of their lives, and to let their light shine in service to others.

With gratitude to God for the gift of such families in our parish.


Sincerely yours,

Fr. JC Paguaga