August 2024
Larry and Teddi Ann Roy
Larry and Teddi Ann Roy
Family of the Month of August 2024 Thank you for this nomination as the K of C Family of the Month for August 2024. My full name is Lawrence Joseph Roy, but I go by Larry and my wife is Teddi Ann (Chopski) Roy. (Really her name; her dad, Ted, wanted a boy) We have been married for almost 40 years and have 6 children: 3 boys and 3 girls. Four children are married, all to wonderful spouses, and we are anticipating our 8th grandchild at the end of August.
I was born in Idabel, Ok but grew up in Stillwater since age 3. (Go Pokes). Teddi was born in Nebraska City but grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa. She moved to Oklahoma with a job change and we met on my 25th birthday in 1981. I had completed medical school at OUHSC and was in my residency training in Anesthesiology when we married. We were both raised as Catholics, and we married at Our Lady’s Cathedral in OKC but attended St. Eugenes as a family. We moved to Edmond in 1990 and have been members of St. John the Baptist since then. I have been in private practice in OKC since completing my residency. After marriage, Teddi worked for about 3 yearsand then was able to become a full-time mom and homemaker. All of our children attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton school. We are usually at the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass these days.
In our parish, I have worked in the past as a member of the Peru Board, as a Sunday reader, and the Confirmation prep for adolescents. Additionally, I was a volunteer basketball coach for many of our children at SEAS. I currently serve as an Extraordinary Eucharistic minister, as a board member of the “In the Father's Footsteps” Men’s Conference, as a member of the School of Leaders for the Cursillo movement, as a sponsoring family in the Peru F2F program, as a member of the Thursday morning men’s fellowship group, and a regular Eucharistic Adoration member.
When our children attended SEAS, Teddi was a homeroom mom, a cub scout leader for one year, a volunteer volleyball coach as well as the volleyball coordinator for many years. We were both co-chairpersons for the St. Johns Parish Auction (which meant that Teddi did most of the work) for one year. We have both been sponsors in the RCIA ministry.
Teddi currently is also an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a regular Eucharist Adorer, and a server on the Funeral Dinner team. Teddi served 13 years as a volleyball coach at BMCHS where she initiated a prayerful approach to sports and we were chairs of the BMCHS auction committee for one year. Outside of parish activities, we also financially sponsor a young girl in the Philippines through the Unbound program. |
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June 2024
Deacon Zsolt and Eva Nagykaldi
Deacon Zsolt and Eva Nagykaldi have been selected as Family of the Month for June. He is a professor and does research at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. They are one of the most active couples in our Parish. They have been married for 30 years and have five children and one grandson. They have been members of St. John the Baptist since 1997. Deacon Zsolt is involved in many ministries in the Parish including liturgy, catechesis, education, sacramental and marriage preparation, and music ministry. In addition, he serves in Archdiocesan liturgical ministries and vocational ministries. Eva is an early childhood educator and the Director of St. John's NEST Children's Day Out Program. She is a Sacristan and a Eucharistic Minister. She also participates with Zsolt in our parish marriage preparation program. Interesting things that they do to spread the Gospel includes evangelizing as professed members of the Holy Family Institute, which is part of the Pauline Family. We are so blessed to have Deacon Zsolt and Eva in our Parish. Their family usually attends Sunday, 11:30 AM Mass. When you see them at Mass, please thank them for all that they do for our Parish. |
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May 2024
Ray and Irene Haefele
Ray and Irene Haefele have been selected as Family of the Month for May. Ray and Irene are one of the most active couples in our Parish. They moved Edmond and joined St John the Baptist in 1984. They have two daughters, Amy, and Anna. Their daughter Anna has 4 children and is married to Lt. Colonel Nick Baranello. Ray serves on the Board at Catholic Charities. He is a founding member of the Men of St. John’s Ministry and is the Conference Director for the Oklahoma Fellowship of Catholic Men Annual Men's Conference, " In the Father's Footsteps”. He also serves on the OCIA team as a Break Open the Word Facilitator and is a leader in the English Cursillo Movement in the Archdiocese. Irene is Director of OCIA at St John’s and is a docent at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. They usually attend Sunday, 9:00 AM Mass. When you see them at Mass, please say Congratulations and thank them for all that they do for our Parish. |
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April 2024
Joel and Rosario Rodiguez
Joel and Rosario Rodiguez have been selected as Family of the Month for April. Joel has been a Knight for 3 years and is a 4th Degree Sir Knight. Joel is very active in our council. Whenever we need volunteers, he always steps up. He has become our Council’s Photographer. Joel has been married to his wife, Rosario, for 21 years and they have a blended family with 5 children and 10 grandchildren. Joel was born and raised in Oklahoma City. Rosario was born in Mexico City and immigrated to Oklahoma at the age of 3. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone for 37 years and Rosario worked for Southwestern Bell Yellow pages for 33 years. They were transferred to Dallas, Texas and lived there for six years before returning to Oklahoma. They are both enjoying retirement. Rosario has been a member of St John’s for over 40 years and Joel for over 16. They both serve in the Time Out and Funeral Dinner ministries, Rosario heads up the Ida Freeman Ministry and Joel servers on the board for the Peru Mission Ministry. They have attended the ACTS retreat (Women and Men) and are active in spreading the word and assisting on conducting this event. Joel also attends the Men of St. John’s Thursday Morning Ministry and for over 30 years he has been involved as an adult leader for the Last Frontier Council – Boy Scouts of America. Joel will be going again to Piura, Peru this June as a translator for the Medical and Dental Misson teams. They attend 9:00 AM Sunday Mass. When you see them at Mass, please say Congratulations! |
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March 2024
Peter and Jane Gray
Peter and Jane Gray have been selected as Family of the Month for March 2024. Peter has been a Knight for two years and 4th Degree Sir Knight for one year. He serves as Faithful Pilot for our Assembly 2004. Peter is very active in our council. Whenever we need volunteers, Peter steps up. Peter has been married to his wife, Jane, for 45 years. They are blessed with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. He is a retired Physician Assistant. He worked in ENT cancer surgery for 31 years and skin cancer surgery for 8 years. Jane is a retired professor of dental hygiene from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. They have been members of St Johns for 42 years. They have been involved in many ministries at St John’s. That includes Neighborhood Parish, Small Faith groups, Religious Education, Marriage Prep, Adoration, Eucharistic Ministry, Usher, Lector, RCIA, Lectio Devino, and Peru Mission. Jane is an accomplished seamstress and has used her talent to create over 450 dresses for the little girls at our sister parish in Peru, as well as teaching sewing skills to girls and boys. They adhere to the philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words". They attend 7:30 am Sunday Mass. When you see them at Mass, please say Congratulations! |
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February 2024
Chris and Holley Lagerleft
Chris and Holley Lagerleft have been selected as Family of the Month for February 2024. Chris has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 9 years and is very active in our council. He has been married to his wife, Holley, for 10 years. They have been blessed with three children: August Christopher 5 years old, Magnus Oscar 3 years old, and Soren Gregory 2 years of age. Like many of us, work brought Chris to Oklahoma. He was hired right out of college as an electrical engineer for Tinker AFB. He and Holley have been members of St John’s since Easter of 2018. At St John’s, they were in the Alpha Program and in the Search for many years. They also do the Holt Family Institute with Deacon Zsolt and they both volunteer for Vacation Bible School. In addition, he is a lector and participates in the Knights of Columbus Exodus90. Their family participates in Cub Scouts and Children’s Adoration. Outside of St John’s, they served in NICU hospitality at Mercy, Exodus90 at the Discipleship Conference and Cub Scouts. They participate in Saint Mary’s Catholic Home School in Guthrie. Holley is a teacher there and occasionally Chris subsititues there. Interesting things that they do to spread the Gospel. They participate in a Bible study group. They handout Rosaries around town and invite their friends to Catholic activities outside the church. (Catholic Men’s Conference, Mass at TAB, etc.) They attend the 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday. When you see them at Mass, please say Congratulations |
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January 2024
Deacon Richard and Monica Rosencrans
Deacon Richard and Monica Rosencrans have been selected as Family of the Month for January 2024. Deacon Richard has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 31 years and is supportive of the Knights. He has been married to his wife, Monica, for 41 years. They were married in a small Methodist Church in Northeastern Indiana. Monica joined the Catholic Church when they lived in Houston, TX. They were excited to put their four children in Catholic schools and join a vibrant Catholic community. Richard worked as a geophysicist in oil and gas exploration for nearly 38 years. They lived in Wyoming, Texas, and Oklahoma and retired from the O&G industry in May 2021. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in November 2021. He joined the Knights when they lived in Cody, Wyoming, and helped with activities there and here at St John’s when commitments allowed. Through the years, Richard has facilitated confirmation classes and participated in Mass ministries and various community outreach programs. Much of his work as a deacon is as a liaison between the priests, deacons, and various ministry groups. In addition to his Parish work, he is an advocate for the Marriage Tribunal and a spiritual director. Richard also works with Oklahoma Catholic Radio (OKCR) to spread the Gospel across Oklahoma. Monica has been the stable anchor on the home front through the years. She worked for 12 years at SEAS in Miss Nan’s classroom, nurturing young boys and girls to be good people and Catholics. She has been involved in many volunteer activities in the past and currently volunteers with the WILLOW Pregnancy Center and processes donations for Oklahoma Catholic Radio. They both love to spend time with their three soon-to-be four granddaughters as they support their two middle children who live in the OKC area. Their oldest daughter is a member of a cloistered Carmelite order in southern Indiana, and their youngest son is beginning his medical career in Michigan. When you see them at Mass, please say Congratulations |
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December 2023
Deacon Frank and Cindy Alexander
Deacon Frank and Cindy Alexander have been selected as Family of the Month for December 2023. Deacon Frank joined the Knights of Columbus a year ago and has been very supportive of the Knights. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 32 years. They have 2 daughters Franchesca and Caramia. Franchesca was married this past summer to Britton. Both are serving in the U.S. Military as JAG Officers. Their youngest is now a student at the University of Alabama. Her time with the St John’s High School Youth Group was instrumental in forming her faith life! Deacon Frank and Cindy are both retired after serving in the military as well as working for the US Government and in healthcare. They joined St John’s in May 2021. Parish activities include being members of the Peru Mission Team and as founding members of the St John’s Vocations Ministry Committee where they encourage support and promote vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Orders. Deacon Frank is a member of the Men of St. John’s and has assisted with Masses for Timeout and St Elizabeth Ann Seaton School. Deacon Frank is also co-assigned to Epiphany of the Lord Parish as a Deacon. Cindy was “The Swim Team Mom” at Mount Saint Mary Catholic Hight School until their daughters graduated. They support a variety of charitable organizations and activities at St John’s as well as Willow, Catholic Charities and St. Jude Hospital. Interesting things that they do to spread the Gospel is a daily activity for them. Often guests in their home find themselves being fed body and soul as they discuss their lives and futures. Outside of the home, they share their faith with those they encounter. They usually attend the Sunday evening 5:30 Mass. When you see them tell them Congratulations |
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November 2023
Bing and Nancy Martin
have been selected as Family of the Month for November 2023. Bing has been Knight for 21 years and is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He has been married to his wife, Nancy, for 59 years. They have 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Bing is a true blue burnt orange Texas fan. He graduated from the University of Texas and Baylor Dental School in Dallas. Bing is very active in the Knights. He has been a regular volunteer for the Buffet Breakfast and coordinator for 40 Days for life for many years. When we need help, always volunteers. Bing was a Dentist in private practice, in the VA and with the Army Reserves. He was transferred here, which is where Nancy’s family lives. Bing and Nancy have been a part of the St John’s Parish for nearly 40 years. They have been very active in the Parish. Both are involved in the Peru Family 2 Family Ministry and Bing went to Peru with Deacon Lee Hunt. Many years they were in Deacon Lee Hunt's Small Faith Group. Bing is also involved with Time Out where he serves as MC. He is a master storyteller. In addition, he participates in 40 Days for Life and the Thursday morning men's group. Nancy has been a volunteer at the Samaritan House since 2005. She was Eucharistic Minister at Mass and to the home bound. Nancy was also with Martha's Ministry for several years. She still enjoys helping with Funeral Dinners. Their service does not stop with St John’s. They are members of a "Small Faith Group" at Epiphany Church. Bing has taught adults through "Project Read". He was a Boy Scout Leader as a teenager and as an adult. Nancy volunteered with Birth Choice for many years and helped with Provide A Ride before Covid. When I asked them how they spread the Gospel they replied: Nancy has been with her Cursillo group for many years and when possible, passes out care packages from the Samaritan House to people on the street. Bing visits and helps a gentleman he befriended through "Project Read”. He also tries to minister to the women and men who come to Planned Parenthood with alternatives to terminating a pregnancy. They usually attend the 11:30 Mass on Sunday. When you see them tell them Congratulations! |
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October 2023
Jeff and Cecilia Henley
Jeff and Cecilia Henley have been selected as Family of the Month for October 2023. Jeff joined the Knights in 2015 and is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He has been married to his wife, Cecilia, for 12 years. He met Cecilia in 2009 in Southern California. One of his coworkers gave him her business card and asked him to call her. Jeff’s coworker and Cecilia both belonged to a Filippino Rosary Group. After meeting, Jeff and Cecilia dated for 2 years before they were married. Jeff is a software engineer for Boeing. A year after they were married, he transferred to the Apache program and they moved to Phoenix, Arizona. In 2014 and 15, Jeff went through the RCIA program and became Catholic. He came into the Church on Easter, 2015. In August 2015, Jeff joined the Knights of Columbus. He became a 3rd Degree Knight in October 2015. In 2017, they moved back to Southern California to begin a new program with Boeing. At the council in Southern California, Jeff served as Outside Guard in 2019 and became Warden in 2020. In May 2020, Jeff became a 4th degree Sir Knight. In the Fall of 2020, he was transferred to a Boeing program here in Oklahoma. Jeff worked remotely until they moved to Oklahoma in late July/early August of 2021. Once they started attending mass at St. John’s, they met our current District Deputy, Richard Baker. He began the process of getting Jeff transferred to our council. Since joining our Council, they have been very active. They have been volunteers for the Lenten Fish Dinner, KOC Breakfast Buffets, and part of Eucharistic Procession. Recently they have signed up to be adorers for the Blessed Sacarament Chapel. Jeff and Cecilia are greeters and Cecilia is an assistant with the Children’s liturgy. At previous parishes, they were alternate adorers in the continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Arizona, and in California, they were on the counting ministry up until the start of the pandemic.
So, when you see them Saturday at 5:30 PM Mass, say congratulations!
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September 2023
Inslee and Susan Bennett
Inslee and Susan Bennett have been selected as Family of the Month for September 2023. Inslee is a Lifetime Member of the Knights of Columbus. He is celebrating his 38th year as a Knight. He has served as the Casino Night Team Leader and is currently Advocate for our Council. Inslee and Susan have been married 45 years! They are blessed with two children, daughters Charity Ann Vance and Jocelyn Rebecca Bidlack and four grandchildren, Joseph Inslee Kai Vance, Kaileigh Marie Mae Vance, Charles Inslee Bidlack, and Andi Staub. They moved to Oklahoma in 1997, where Inslee was a defense contractor after retiring as a Major from the USAF. While Vice President for Contracts for Leader Communications, Inslee went to law school at OCU graduating in 2007. He practices law predominantly in Contracts, Family Practice, and Estates. Susan has served as Past St. Johns Kitchen Monitor. They have been members St John the Baptist Parish for 26 years. They are very active in our Parish. Here are the ministries at St John’s in which they participate. They include the following ministries: • Choir Members since 1997 (Both) • Members of Small Faith Groups (Both) • RCIA Sponsors (Both) • Founded "Cooks Night Out" at St Johns and three other local churches (Both) • Knight of Columbus Member - currently Advocate - PGK at Prince of Peace in San Antonio (Inslee) • Streams the daily mass and funerals for St. John The Baptist Church (Susan) • Eucharistic Minister for the Home-Bound (Susan) • Keen-ager Supporter and Lecturer (Both) • Wednesday Morning Mass Hospitality Facilitator (Susan) Susan also serves as a Regular Cook at Breakfast on Broadway. So, when you see them at the 11:30 AM Mass, say congratulations! |
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August 2023
Deacon David and Melody Ashton
Deacon David and Melody Ashton have been selected as Family of the Month for August 2023. David is a 3rd Degree Knight and joined the Knights of Columbus in December of 2022. Shortly after joining the Knights, he brought his son, Josh Ashton to the Knights. He has been married to his wife, Melody, for 31 years. They have 3 sons, Chaz, Zach, Josh and a daughter, Lauren. They are blessed with 4 Grandchildren: Kyler, Mason, Hayden, and Rhett. They have been a member of St John’s since they moved to Oklahoma in 2010. Besides being a Deacon, he and Melody belong to the Marriage formation team and teach Baptism Prep. On Fridays David serves as Deacon at the 11 O’clock Mass at Catholic Charities. Melody works full-time on the Parish Staff. She was instrumental in the moving Fr Ray and Fr Novak. She also helps plan events for the Parish. David enjoys helping her plan events. They were involved in community programs, especially things that involved their kids when they were in local schools. With their busy schedule they attempt to stay involved and volunteer their time when able. Interesting things that Deacon David and Melody do spread the Gospel: As a Deacon he is always spreading the Word and provides spiritual guidance to others. They attend various Sunday Masses at St John’s depending on his schedule as Deacon. When you see them at Mass tell them congratulations. |
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July 2023
John and Cheryl Pierce
Congratulations John and Cheryl Pierce! Family of the Month for July 2023John and Cheryl Pierce have been selected as Family of the Month for July 2023. John has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 24 years and is a 4th Degree Knight. He has been very active in the Knights. John has held the following leadership position in the Council, Assembly, and State. They include the State Deputy, State Secretary, State Executive Secretary, GrandKnight, Financial Secretary, Faithful Navigator, Faithful Purser, Faithful Admiral, and Trustees in Council and Assembly. They will celebrate their 51st Wedding Anniversary in August. Their daughter, Christine and her husband, Ryan, live in Greensboro, NC with their 11-year-old granddaughter, Elli. They moved to Oklahoma in 2002 from Charlotte, NC to join the Benham Constructors. John worked as a Design-Build Construction Project Manager and retired in 2018. Cheryl also contracted with Benham Constructors as a Healthcare Planner. She retired in 2020.They have been a member of St. John's since 2002. They are both very active in the ministries at St John’s including the Peru Outreach Ministry, Weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Eucharistic Ministers. In addition to their St John’s ministries, they are Cursillistas and members ofthe OKC Cursillo School of Leaders. They are also members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the Archdiocese’s Assembly of Catholic Professionals. John serves on the Board of the Center of Family Love as Secretary.Interesting things that John and Cheryl do to spread the Gospel: through their participation in the Peru Outreach Ministry and Knights of Columbus, there are many opportunities to get others involved in serving the poor and ministering to the disabled and neglected. Twice a year, St. John’s and Christ the King join forces to ship a 40-foot container of donations to Peru. When the call goes out for volunteers to help prepare and load the container; John reaches out to the Knights and St. John’s Cursillo communitywhile Cheryl turns to the many medical, dental and parish team members that she has taken to Peru over the last 20 years. This same network is alsoused during the year to provide help at the combined Knights/Peru Mission bi-annual garage sales.They attend Sunday Mass at 5:30 PM. When you see John and Cheryl at the Sunday 5:30 PM Mass tell them Congratulations |
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June 2023
Rick and Amy Feuerborn
Rick and Amy Feuerborn have been selected as Family of the Month for June 2023. Rick has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 26 years. He has been very active in the Knights. Rick has held the following leadership position in the Council orAssembly. They include Warden, Faithful Captain, Outside Sentinel, Inside Sentinel,and Family Director. Rick is also the coordinator for the Liberty Fest 4th of July Parade and Does the National MS Society Bike Ride fund raiser.They have been married for 27 years. They were married at St. John's in1996. They have two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Cara, who were raised in the parish and attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School. Rick is a native Oklahoman and was raised in Oklahoma. They have been a member of St. John's since 1968. Rick is a molder operator for awood supplier in Oklahoma City. He creates custom moldings for commercial companies and individuals and enjoys woodworking in his shop outside of work. Amy is a director of payer enrollment for a local medical group.Rick currently serves as Usher. In addition, he and Amy serve as Greeters, and in the Communion Minister Ministries at St. John's. Rick enjoys participating in the Knights of Columbus and Amy is involved with the Funeral Ministry. In the past, they have been involved with youth ministries and Con;rmation. They usually attend Sunday Mass at 5:30 PM. They are blessed with a wonderful community of friends at St. John's. Amy and Rick try to live their faith by example and, in general, be the hands and feet of Jesus.When you see Rick and Amy at the Sunday, 5:30 PM Mass tell them Congratulations |
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May 2023
Richard "RJ" and Gloria Schulte
Richard "RJ" and Gloria Schulte have been selected as Family of the Month for May 2023. They have been married for 56 years and have 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, all of which are a joy and a blessing for them. They both grew up in central Missouri, met in high school and were married in Mary's Home, MO. They moved to Oklahoma with his job in the insurance business. After 26 years with his company, RJ started his own insurance agency which he has operated for the past 30 years. Gloria taught high school for the first 9 years of their marriage and then had a long career with the State of Oklahoma. They joined St John the Baptist Catholic Church in 1971 when they first moved to Edmond. It has been a great relationship with the parish and the many friends at St John's. Gloria is involved with the Time Out program and enjoys Bunko with some of the other ladies of the parish. RJ is an usher and does Eucharistic Adoration, as well as being very active with the Knights of Columbus. He joined the Knights in Missouri when he was 18 and while playing baseball for the team that the local council sponsored. He was the Grand Knight of the council in Missouri before moving to Oklahoma. The Knights became a blessing for them in meeting new people when he moved to Oklahoma, and he has developed many lifelong friends through this association. St John's didn’t have a council when he moved to Edmond in 1971. He and a few other few men started our council in 1973. RJ was the charter Grand Knight of the new Council 6477. The Knights have been a major part of their family's life for many years. RJ is an Honorary Lifetime Member. He has celebrated 59 years as a Knight and 40 years as a 4th Degree Knight. He has held many offices in our council including being our first Grand Knight 50 years ago. He has also served as Warden, Treasure, and Trustee. RJ has also held many offices in the 4th Degree Assembly. He has been Faithful Navigator, Trustee and Recorder. At the State level RJ has been State Deputy, State Secretary, State Treasure, State Warden, and State District Master. When he was the Fourth Degree Vice Supreme Master of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, Gloria was able to join him in traveling all over Oklahoma and Texas. Their children grew up around Knights activities and it became a very important part of their lives. Although he has been involved with other civic organizations, the Knights by far has made the most impact on him and his family. RJ has been the face of the Center of Family for many years. Currently he is Center of Family Love Support Director for the Oklahoma State Council. He is also part of the Fundraising Committee that works year-round to raise funds for the residents at Center of Family Love. Their largest fundraiser is the annual Center of Family Love Gala which raises over $1 million for the Center. RJ helped start the Gala concept and he has been part of this Fundraising Committee for the past 11 years. In addition, RJ is part of the Exemplification Degree Team for our Council. Being the Ceremonials Chairman for our council’s Degree Team allows him to have an impact on bringing new members into the Knights of Columbus. He is involved in helping indoctrinate them on the "Catholic" nature of our teachings and life as a Knight. Gloria has a very interesting hobby of entering "sweepstakes", which she has been doing for many years. She spends hours working at it, and has had a great deal of success, winning numerous prizes over the years. Her "sweepers club" also does some charity work through their local membership. They normally attend the Sunday, 9:00 or 11:30 AM Mass and he alternates ushering at both Masses. They love being a part of St John's, especially being part of the local council. When you see RJ and Gloria at the Sunday 9:00 or 11:30 Masses, tell them congratulations!
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April 2023
Dale and Connie Moore
Congratulations to Dale and Connie Moore for being selected as Family of the Month for April 2023. Dale and Connie have been married 16 years and had seven grown children between them, when they got married. Their children are scattered over several states. They have been blessed with 15 grandchildren, who range in age from 6 to 30 years old. Dale has been very active in the Knights of Columbus. He has held several offices including Grand Knight. He is also a 4th Degree Knight. He works the Knights Breakfast Buffet and volunteers when the Knights need help. Dale moved north of the Red River from Texas to Oklahoma in 1965. He worked as an electronic technician servicing business machines. He liked Oklahoma so much that he decided to stay. Dale’s wife, Connie is a semi-retired Licensed Professional Counselor. She continues to work past her intended retirement age because she views it as a ministry. Her current focus is working with trauma. They have been a member of St John’s Parish for 16 years. They have been very active in our Parish. Besides being very active in the Knights of Columbus, Dale also serves as usher at the 9 AM Mass. Connie is a spiritual director, a sacristan, a communion minister, and a lector. She also helps in a prison ministry. When you see Dale and Connie at the 9 AM Mass, please tell them congratulations.
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March 2023
Wayne and Pam Costa
Wayne and Pam Costa have been selected as Family of the Month for March. Wayne is a 4th Degree Knight and has been a Knight for 26 years. They have been married for 19 years and have two children, Bradley and Evelynn. They migrated to Oklahoma from New Mexico because of work and following God's plan for their family. Wayne works at getting closer to God, protecting his family from evil and getting his wife and kids to heaven. He also employed on the engineering and construction side of a midstream oil and gas company, mainly in the execution of infrastructure projects across the mid-continent. Pam is a Domestic Engineer who currently works at getting her children and him to heaven, while homeschooling their two children in a classical Catholic curriculum. They have been a member of St John’s for 15 years. They are currently involved with the men's group, mom's group, parent's group, the search, and confirmation sponsor for their nephew. They are working to charter a Troops of Saint George for our community. Wayne and Pam are members of a lay movement called Domestic Church. They meet once a month in family homes with a priest to share their faith and practices of the movement to strengthen their Domestic Church. This helps these families to grow closer to God. They also participate in the March for Life each year at the Oklahoma State Capital and participated in the Three Hearts Pilgrimage last fall. Over the years Wayne and Pam have attended all Masses, except 7:30 AM Mass on Sunday. When possible, they also attend the daily 7:30 AM Mass. They currently enjoy attending the traditional 11:30 AM Mass, but as a backup they attend the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday evening which offers a great lead into their day of rest. This Holy Family believes in letting God into their lives by participating in the sacraments which leads them into conversation with those who are put in their path or are guided to seek out. By living their lives this way, they glorify God. If you see Wayne and Pam at Mass, please congratulate them and thank them for living such a faith filled life.
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February 2023
Norm and Docie Jason!Family of the Month
Norm and Docie Jason have been selected as Family of the Month for February. Norm has been a Knight for 35 years. They have been married for 49 years and will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. They have been blessed three (3) children, two (2) children-in-love (spouses to their children), and nine (9) grandchildren ranging in age from 23 years to 20 months. Norm was in the U.S. Army on active duty for 10 years as a Military Police Officer and then worked for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for 31 years before retiring. He worked as an ambassador consultant for Pfizer after his retirement, and he now works part time for OU College of Medicine (CSETC) in the Standardize Patient Program. Docie is recently retired from the VA after 44 ½ years in which she worked the last 20 years in Human Resources Management, diversity/equity/inclusion, and software development and training. She is discerning where God is leading her next. They have been members of St. John the Baptist for twenty-five (25) years. Their youngest son graduated from St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton elementary school. They have been very active in our Parish. Their ministries include the choir, lector, Eucharistic Minister, Men’s Ministry, Alpha, Family to Family Program, Parish Council, and Social Outreach Pillar Board In addition, they have been active in the community. They have worked with Edmond Homeless Alliance, social ministry/justice outreach activities, mentoring. Norm has been an involved in the annual Catholic Men’s Conference, “In the Father’s Footsteps” for 25 years; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Community Outreach Programs, particularly in N.E. Oklahoma City; and served three terms as the Parish representative to the Edmond Hope Center Board of Directors. They usually attend the 5:30 PM on Saturdays, but also Sunday masses when they are scheduled either as lectors or soloists for specific music pieces with the choir. This inspirational couple truly tries to live out the Gospel message each day to all those they encounter whether friends, family, or strangers following the words of St Francis of Assisi - “preach the gospel at all times, if necessary, use words”. Their children will tell you that they have never met a stranger – they strike up conversations with people they don’t know; believe that joy and a smile are the most important things you can wear; “kill people with kindness” as our mothers and grandmothers preached especially when people don’t treat them that way; try to give mercy and grace by ‘seeing others and their needs’ as Docie did the other day when she encountered a family at the library that appeared to be living in their car and she slipped the mother $20 while she was in the bathroom trying to clean up her young children - never forgetting that “there, but for the grace of God, go I”. When you see Norm and Docie at Mass, be sure to say congratulations and thank them for all that they do to spread the Gospel.
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January 2023
Family of the Month January 2023 John and Mary McClernon
John and Mary McClernon have been selected as Family of the Month for January. John has been a Knight for 23 years. They have been married 38 years and have five children and four grandchildren.
John is a CPA and is employed by the Department of Justice. He works in the Office of the United States Trustee that monitors the Federal Bankruptcy System. He transferred to Oklahoma in 1994.
John and Mary have been a member of our Parish since 1995.
John and Mary decided to give something back to Our Lady about 3 years ago, when he was miraculously healed of stage 4 lung cancer. He had amongst other signs, a rosary that turned gold when he started to get better. They knew Our Lady interceded for his recovery, which cannot be explained by medical doctors. Out of gratitude they decided to start the morning rosary, to give a token of their appreciation to the Mother of God for her heavenly assistance.
John and Mary lead a daily rosary before the 7:30 am Daily Mass. As a Knight and leading the daily rosary, John and Mary set an example of how to spread the gospel.
In addition to leading the rosary John and Mary are also both Third Order Dominicans. John leads the Oklahoma Third Order Dominican Group, which meets at St. Monica’s once a month. They also have a home-based Catholic business. They produce saint rosary CD’s, John is the author of a series of books on saints, and Mary also makes rosaries and other devotional material which they sell via website or at Catholic conferences in this area of the U.S. They are routinely venders, for example, at the annual Catholic men’s and women’s conferences in Oklahoma.
They normally attend the 11:30 Sunday Mass, but occasionally go other times. They also attend daily Mass at St. John’s (Monday thru Saturday) where they lead the daily rosary before 7:30 Mass.
If you see them at Mass, please congratulate them. Better yet, come join them at the daily rosary before Mass. |
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December 2022
John and Becky Major
John and Becky Major have been married for 28 years. They have been blessed with five children: Joe, Emilynn, Olivia, Kyle, and Alex. They have been members of St John the Baptist Catholic Parish for over 21 years.
John and Becky are very active in our Parish. They have served as facilitators for the Search, Alpha, and Religious Education (RE). He and Becky have both attended Cursillo. In addition to being our council Life Program Director, John is also our State Ultrasound Chairman. Becky also volunteers at Crossroads Clinic pregnancy resource center and been a Hospice volunteer. John retired from the US Navy Submarine Service. He is currently employed by Long Wave Inc, a defense contractor for the US Navy at Tinker Air Force Base. Becky is the proprietor of Catechism Apparel. They attend the Sunday, 7:30 AM Mass if you see this wonderful couple, please congratulate them for this award and thank them for all that they do for our Parish.
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November 2022
Mike and Priscilla Riat is Family of the Month for November
Mike and Priscilla Riat have been married for 58 years. Story has it that he was late for duty at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver Colorado because he and Pricilla got married. They have been blessed to have one daughter, Denise and a son, Michael Joseph II and have one grandson, Tyler Joseph.
They have been members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for 25 years. Before retiring Mike worked for EDS and for Fleming for 28 years living in Georgia, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma.
Mike has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 21 over years and he is also a 4th Degree Knight where he serves on Honor Guards. He has held many offices in our Council, including Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and his current position as Trustee. Mike is the go-to person for the Peru Garage Sale Mission to pick up items for the sale. Whenever a Parishioner needs help moving, Mike always steps up. He is also a regular volunteer for the Knights of Columbus Buffet Breakfast Team
He serves as Head Usher for our Parish. Priscilla is a long-time member of the Time Out group at St John’s. This group serves our most Senior members of our Parish.
In Mike’s spare time, he does Intarsia Woodworking. This is the art of creating a mosaic-like picture from pieces of wood.
When you see Mike and Priscilla, congratulate them for being selected as Family of the Month for November 2022.
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October 2022
George and Mary Alice Majoue
George and Mary Alice Majoue have been married for a little over 46 years. They met in a prayer group at their Catholic church in Houston, TX. They have two grown children, Christopher, and Aimee. In 2020 the Majoue’s moved to Edmond to be near Aimee, her husband, Chris, and granddaughter, Katherine, who are members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. George has been an educator for 33 years. In addition, George was an entrepreneur starting two business in California. He also served as an Insurance Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus before he retired 2020. George is a Lifetime Member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a Knight for 47 years. He is Deputy Grand Knight and Community Director for our Council 6477. He serves as Lector, sings in the choir, and is a table leader for the Men of St Johns. He is also sings with The Notables of Oklahoma City for adults 50+. In his spare time, he substitutes at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Elementary School and in the Edmond Public Schools. Mary Alice volunteers with Angel Gowns, a program where used wedding dresses are re-created into gowns for neonatal infants who have died. These gowns are then donated to local hospitals. She also teaches English and math to our Afghan immigrants, both individually as well as assisting with classes. She volunteers this time through the Spero Project which is closely aligned with Catholic Charities. When you see George and Mary Alice congratulate them for being selected as Family of the Month for October 2022.
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September 2022
Richard and Deborah Baker
Richard joined the Knights of Columbus on Januay 11, 2013. He is like an “Energy Bunny” in that he keeps going, “jumping” from one project to another. Richard is committed to serving all he comes in contact with. As the Program Director, Richard oversees the Faith In Action programs which consists of Faith, Family, Community, and Life programs. Richard also serves as Scribe in the Fourth Degree
Alongside his service with and on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, Richard is also actively involved as the Vice-Chair of a St. John’s Pillar Group, and he is head of the Welcoming Committee. As the Head Greeter, Richard is the first face one sees and the first handshake given when you enter Church for Saturday evening mass. Richard is also a member of the Men of St. John’s Thursday morning group. Richard and Deborah, his bride of 44 years, have one son. Deborah is also actively engaged in the parish life. She is a member of the Adult Choir and serves as a Lector. Both Richard and Deborah spend time in prayer with Christ in Adoration. We invite you to join us in recognizing Richard and Deborah for all they do in and for our Parish Community and the Knights of Columbus.
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August 2022
Mike and Kathy Steffen
Dr. Michael and Kathy Steffen have been married for 51 years. They have three children: Bryan, Casey, and Bridgette. They are blessed with six grandchildren. They have been members of St John the Baptist Catholic Parish since 1974. Mike and Kathy are very active in our Parish. Mike serves as Chairman of the Peru Board. He and Kathy are very active in the Knights of Columbus Peru Medical and Dental Mission Garage Sale. This wonderful couple has been a solid supporter for the Dental Peru Mission in the past 20 years, by donations and by rendering dental services on our missions. In addition, Mike sings in the choir and serves as a Eucharistic Communion Minister and Homebound Eucharistic Minister. Mike is an accomplished sculpture. He created and donated a St. Michael the Archangel in painted bronze to the Parish. Also, Kathy serves as a sacristan at our Parish and is a Eucharistic Minister. If you see this wonderful couple please congratulation for this award and thank them for all that they do for our Parish.
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September 2020
John and Cheryl Pierce
They were chosen because of the work they did in organizing and managing the annual "Garage Sale", the proceeds of which help fund the Peru medical mission. This year the garage sale was a joint effort of the Peru medical mission and Caritas, Inc. |
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August 2020
Deacon George and Debora Butterfield
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February 2019
John and Cheryl Pierce
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July 2016
Jim and Esther Ward
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February 2015
Jim and Esther Ward
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April 2014
Joe & Stephanie Croswaite
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March 2014
Zack and Kelly Perkins
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February 2014
Bing and Nancy Martin
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December 2013
Ric and Dana Moore
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