COUNCIL RECOGNITION

FAMILIES OF THE MONTH

July 2026

The Armenta Family

Testimonial to the Armenta Family Knights of Columbus Family of the Month – July 2026 St. Anthony of Padua Parish The Armenta family has been a great blessing to our parish community. They beautifully live out their vocation as a family, demonstrating that a family united in Christ can be a powerful witness of faith, love, and service. Their love for God and for Saint Anthony of Padua is reflected in the way they faithfully serve with joyful hearts. Isaac and Elodia faithfully coordinate our Guadalupano Ministry. Isaac also serves as a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. Isaac, Elodia, and their daughter Lesly serve as Eucharistic Ministers, generously giving their time to serve during Holy Mass and to help bring Christ to our parish community. Their children, Lesly, Keily, and Ramon, have generously given their time and talents in service to the Church. All three have served as altar servers and have also actively participated in our parish choir. They continue to participate in JUCAR Youth Ministry and the Young Adult Ministry, as well as in various activities, ministries, retreats, and events throughout the Diocese. The Armenta family has also made Religious Education an important part of their service to our parish. As a family, they have generously helped with our Religious Education program, sharing their time, knowledge, and faith to help form the next generation of Catholics. The Armenta children were also blessed to attend St. Anthony Catholic School, where they were able to grow not only academically but also in their Catholic faith within our community. Their service extends beyond our parish as well. Lesly, Keily, and Ramon have become actively involved in different activities, ministries, and events throughout the Diocese. They have participated in gatherings, retreats, and other opportunities for formation and service. As a family, the Armentas have also served at youth retreats, offering their time, presence, and talents to help other young people have a deeper encounter with Christ. What makes their testimony even more special is that language has never been an obstacle to the Armenta family’s service to God and His Church. Although English has not always been their first language and communication has sometimes presented challenges, they have never allowed those challenges to stop them. They have continued to participate, learn, serve, and share their faith with perseverance, humility, and joy. The Armenta family reminds us that we do not need to have perfect words to serve God. What we need is a willing heart and the courage to say “yes” to His call. Their example shows that faith and service can reach beyond language and that a sincere desire to serve can overcome obstacles. During the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people stepped away from ministry, the Armenta family remained steadfast. They continued to serve with joy, faith, and hope, providing a beautiful example of perseverance, unity, and commitment to our parish community. There is no greater testimony to their contributions to our parish community than the fact that they were nominated for this recognition by our Pastor, Fr. Ariel. We are truly grateful and deeply blessed to have a family like the Armentas at St. Anthony of Padua. They remind us that the vocation of family is not only lived within the home, but is also expressed through service to the Church and to others. Thank you, Armenta family, for your unwavering commitment to God and to His Church. May God continue to bless you abundantly as you live your vocation with love, generosity, humility, and joyful service. May your family continue to be a light to our parish and an example to others of how, together, a family can serve, evangelize, overcome obstacles, and grow closer to Christ. ——- Testimonio de la Familia Armenta Familia del Mes de los Caballeros de Colón – Julio de 2026 Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua La familia Armenta ha sido una gran bendición para nuestra comunidad parroquial. Viven de una manera hermosa su vocación como familia, demostrando que una familia unida en Cristo puede ser un poderoso testimonio de fe, amor y servicio. Su amor por Dios y por San Antonio de Padua se refleja en la manera en que sirven fielmente y con un corazón lleno de alegría. Isaac y Elodia coordinan con gran dedicación nuestro Ministerio Guadalupano. Isaac también sirve como un miembro comprometido de los Caballeros de Colón. Isaac, Elodia y su hijaLesly sirven como Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión. Sus hijos, Lesly, Keily y Ramon, han entregado generosamente su tiempo y sus talentos al servicio de la Iglesia. Los tres han servido como monaguillos y también han participado activamente en el coro de nuestra parroquia. Continúan participando en el Ministerio Juvenil JUCAR y en el Ministerio de Jóvenes Adultos, así como en diferentes actividades, ministerios, retiros y eventos de la Diócesis. La familia Armenta también ha hecho de la Educación Religiosa una parte importante de su servicio a nuestra parroquia. Como familia, han colaborado generosamente con el programa de Educación Religiosa, compartiendo su tiempo, sus conocimientos y su fe para ayudar a formar a las nuevas generaciones de católicos. Los hijos de la familia Armenta también tuvieron la bendición de asistir a St. Anthony Catholic School, donde pudieron crecer tanto en su educación como en su fe católica dentro de nuestra comunidad. Su servicio también va más allá de nuestra parroquia. Lesly, Keily y Ramon se han involucrado activamente en diferentes actividades, ministerios y eventos de la Diócesis. Han participado en encuentros, retiros y otras oportunidades de formación y servicio. Como familia, los Armentatambién han servido en retiros juveniles, ofreciendo su tiempo, presencia y talentos paraayudar a que otros jóvenes tengan un encuentro más profundo con Cristo. Lo que hace aún más especial su testimonio es que el idioma nunca ha sido un obstáculo para que la familia Armenta sirva a Dios y a Su Iglesia. Aunque el inglés no siempre ha sido su primer idioma y en ocasiones la comunicación ha presentado dificultades, nunca han permitido que eso los detenga. Han continuado participando, aprendiendo, sirviendo y compartiendo su fe con perseverancia, humildad y alegría. La familia Armenta nos recuerda que no necesitamos tener las palabras perfectas para servir a Dios. Lo que necesitamos es un corazón dispuestoy la valentía de responder “sí” a Su llamado. Durante los difíciles tiempos de la pandemia del COVID-19, cuando muchas personas sealejaron de los ministerios, la familia Armenta permaneció firme. Continuaron sirviendo con alegría, fe y esperanza, dando un hermoso ejemplo de perseverancia, unidad y compromiso con nuestra comunidad parroquial. No hay mayor testimonio de sus contribuciones a nuestra comunidad parroquial que el hecho de que hayan sido nominados para este reconocimiento por nuestro párroco, el Padre Ariel. Estamos verdaderamente agradecidos y profundamente bendecidos de contar con una familia como los Armenta en la Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua. Ellos nos recuerdan que la vocación de la familia no solamente se vive dentro del hogar, sino que también se expresa a través del servicio a la Iglesia y a los demás. Gracias, familia Armenta, por su compromiso inquebrantable con Dios Que su familia continúe siendo una luz para nuestra parroquia y un ejemplo para los demás de cómo, juntos, una familia puede servir, evangelizar, superar obstáculos y crecer cada día más cerca de Cristo.

May 2026

Peter and Teresa Diaz

Pete and Teresa have been blessed with 40 years of marriage. They were married in Levelland, Texas, and later they became a part of St Anthony's in 1986. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service. They have 3 adult children, 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and another on the way. Teresa has served 18 years as youth minister, 15 years as a catechist, and 9 years in the Guadalupana ministry. Pete is a 4th  degree Knight with The Knights of Columbus since 2010. Pete and Teresa are both Cursilliastas.  They are the current youth ministers for St Anthony's. After relocating to Maricopa, they helped build Our Lady of Grace. They lived there from 2007-2019. They later returned to St Anthony's and are now helping to rebuild another church. Serving has always been near and dear to their hearts. They love serving God and their parish community. They often say God has truly blessed them, even in ways they never expected.

November 2025

Richard and Madonna Dearie

Dedication to the Service of Richard and Madonna Dearie to St. Anthony of Padua Parish It is our honor today to recognize Richard and Madonna Dearie as the Knights of Columbus Family of the month. Their dedication to the Faith Community of St. Anthony of Padua Church is unimpeachable. They have been a part of Casa Grande and St. Anthony for many years. They are devout Catholics and active members of several ministries. Richard is an Army veteran who served proudly and with distinction. He joined the Council 3136 of the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree in 1991 and, consistent with his military commitment, joined the Patriotic 4th Degree of the Knights in 1992. Richard has been a very active member of the Council. He is a consistent volunteer at Knights events, especially the Breakfast and Fish Fries. He has served in many official roles, most recently as Outside Guard. Richard is an avid racing fan but focuses his attention now on Madonna and their family. Madonna Dearie was among the first volunteers at the inception of The Family and Life Ministry. She brought with her many years of office management skills and has helped Don and Judy Sellmeyer develop and manage a process that has allowed the Ministry to accomplish its remarkable growth and effectiveness in helping young families. Madonna is the first face seen every Tuesday and Thursday as people walk in the door. She greets new and regular clients in a welcoming and friendly manner and directs them to advocates for assistance. She efficiently and coolly manages what can be a somewhat chaotic environment when several mothers and dads along with their children are trying to manipulate in the cramped space of the Life Center. Madonna commands the front desk with precision. She manages client appointments and keeps things flowing smoothly. She does the ordering of diapers and other supplies for our mothers. She has developed the layette program and lends her artistry in creating beautiful baby gift baskets for our expectant mothers. Among her other activities, Madonna volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul thrift store every Friday. She also assists at the Knights of Columbus Sunday breakfasts and at the Knights fish fries. Madonna is a Eucharistic Minister. On a personal level, Madonna is involved and committed to the care of her beautiful special needs granddaughter when called upon. She is not only a dedicated mother and grandmother, but a dedicated supportive wife and, when needed, caretaker, to her husband Richard.

October 2025

Jesse and Susan Gladman

March 2025

Arturo and Letitia Cosillos

Honoring Arturo and Leticia Cosillos Art and Leticia Cosillos have been dedicated themselves to the St. Anthony of Padua Faith Community for the last 12 years. Leticia is a valuable member of the Parish Administration. She volunteered from 2013-2015 when she became a permanent employee of the Church. Everyone who comes in the office to work with her is greeted with a warm smile and a caring manner. She makes everyone feel welcome and that their request is important. Leticia takes the lead in sacramental rites and making sure everyone involved in the celebration is prepared whether it be baptisms, weddings, or Quinceaneras. You will also see Leticia praying the rosary for the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays before mass. Arturo has helped with janitorial and maintenance around the parish grounds for the last six years. He keeps the Churches grounds and school extremely clean and will fix anything that he is asked to do reliably and with passion. He is always willing to help and makes sure the Chapel or the Church in the Community Center is ready to go for whatever event it is needed. Arturo and Leticia are family oriented. They love spending time with their grandchildren, always making an effort to take them to mass. For this and their ongoing dedication and resolve the Knights of Columbus honor Arturo and Leticia Cosillos as Family of the Month for March 2025.

January 2025

Dan and Jo Ruth Spellman

Honoring Dan and JoRuth Spellman There are not many activities at St. Anthony of Padua Church that you won’t find Dan and/or Jo Ruth Spellman actively working to make the event special. They have been dedicated members of the St. Anthony of Padua Faith Community for many years. Dan has been a member of the Fr Patrick J Murphy Council 3136 of Knights of Columbus since 2014 and served as the Deputy Grand Knight for four years and Grand Knight from 2021 to 2024. Using his military training as Chief Warrant Officer in the Army, Dan has been a forceful and effective leader. Dan has organized and participated in work parties to support most of the major parish events during his time as a Knight. JoRuth has been a member of Catholic Daughters since 2014. She has been very active, serving on Committees and cooking for Bingo. She has organized and has delivered thousands of meals for needy recipients with her “Crock Pot Ministry.” You can often find Dan or JoRuth leading the Divine Mercy Novena. Dan and JoRuth also manage the Friday Adoration for St. Anthony's. For this and their ongoing dedication and resolve the Knights of Columbus honor Dan and Jo Ruth Spellman as Family of the Month for January 2025.

October 2024

Don and Judy Sellmeyer

Honoring Don and Judy Sellmeyer With the renewed focus on life coming from the abolition of Roe V Wade. The Church doubled-down in its efforts to helping young families reap the blessing of bringing new life into their family. The Knights of Columbus, for instance, began a program called ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy). Fr. Ariel decided that the parish needed a new Ministry focused on caring for young Mothers and Fathers and their offspring. He chose Don and Judy Sellmeyer to lead this effort. Both were devoted Catholics and active members of the St. Anthony Community. Don, a member of the Knights of Columbus and Judy a Catholic daughter did not hesitate to jump in. They immediately toured pregnancy and life centers throughout the country determining what was working for those centers and how their successes could be applied to St. Anthony. Don, using his business experience and Judy her extensive career in nursing took what they learned and applied it to form the St. Anthony of Padua Family and Life Ministry that mow serves over one hundred Fathers, Mothers and children every month. With determination and dedication, Don and Judy have optimized the limited space next to the chapel and established a Family Life Center to provide counseling, education, critical supplies and clothes to many families. They have rallied and inspired many volunteers from the Faith Community who are dedicated to the cause of giving these families what they need in order to thrive. For this and their ongoing dedication and resolve the Knights of Columbus honor Don and Judy Sellmeyer as Family of the Month for October 2024. https://www.stanthonycg.org/family-life-ministry/