Talent Show night at Young Adult Ministry in August 2024. It was my very first time attending YAM Monday night session, and what did I find but a talent show happening. Sarah Bacon was kind enough to let me borrow her ukulele, and Nathan Trelease was kind enough to let me sign up last-minute, despite me having just met everyone for the first time. They allowed me to perform in the lineup, and it made me feel like a part of the group. It was a great time, and I'll never forget it. Since then, more musical experiences such as through Les' leadership in the Adult Choir have enriched my St. Lawrence experience and community. I couldn't be more thankful.

One of my special memories at Saint Lawrence Martyr was Rene Ayala being my choir teacher when I first joined the 5:00 p.m. Life Teen Choir during my Senior Year of high school over at South Torrance High School and teaching me all of the different church songs and hymns, and teaching me how to sing almost 20 years ago this September 2025, and I remember meeting Wendy Alvarado and having her help me prepare for my baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion, and being baptized by having Father Paul Dotson and Jim Egnatuk officiating the ceremony and Eve Moir stepped in to help after Wendy Alvardo, who was in charge of RCIA over at the time, had retired and moved away from California to Colorado, and having my First Holy Communion almost 20 years ago next July 2026, as well. I also remember when Bob and Donna Gervais were in charge of the Life Teen Program before Jim Egnatuk was ordained a deacon 20 years ago.

Today Dave and I continue to have the friends we made when we were in CFM….this wonderful family organization can help families navigate this challenging world. The trick is to concentrate on family issues but make it fun to belong. CFM like SLM needs to support family values but present them without veering to the agendas of the right or left. Above all SLM has been a constant light in my life and Dave and I will celebrate our 54th anniversary there this summer. Thank you SLM