COUNCIL RECOGNITION

FAMILIES OF THE MONTH

March 2025

Peter, Vera, Onye, Som, Buka, & Kaosi Okobi

It is with great joy that we announce the Okobi family as the Family of the Month at Christ the King Church! This recognition is well-deserved for their continuous dedication and service to our parish community. Peter Okobi is always hard at work keeping our parish grounds beautiful, taking care of lawn work, and capturing the memories of our parish events through his photography. His contributions extend across many areas, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Their daughters, Onye, Som, Buka, and Kaosi, are faithful altar servers, with Kaosi serving as the lead altar server for school masses. The girls also share their talents as lectors, bringing the Word of God to life during our liturgies. Vera Okobi, a wonderful example of service, dedicates her time to keeping the church clean and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, bringing the Eucharist to our parish family with reverence and care. Please join us in congratulating the Okobi family and thanking them for all they do for Christ the King Church!

February 2025

Steven, Jacie, Dane, Piper, Oz, Bennet, & Willow Litz

We are thrilled to recognize the Litz Family—Steven, Jacie, and their five wonderful children—as the Knights of Columbus Family of the Month. Steven, a chief in the U.S. Navy, exemplifies leadership and dedication, both in service to his country and in guiding his family in faith. Jacie is a cornerstone of our community, balancing her roles as a preschool teacher at St. Pius X, catechist for Children’s Formation, and a Vacation Bible School volunteer, all while nurturing her family with love and devotion. Their eldest, Dane, serves as an altar server and lector, participates in youth group and Work Camp, and shines in basketball, track, and forensics at St. Pius X. Piper, a skilled gymnast, is also an altar server, actively engaged in youth ministry, and a cheerful helper at Vacation Bible School. Oz faithfully serves as an altar server, while Bennet and Willow bring joy to the Children’s Liturgy of the Word with their youthful energy and enthusiasm. The Litz family’s faith-filled life and commitment to our parish and school communities are an inspiration to us all. Please join us in celebrating their many contributions and remarkable example of service and love.

January 2025

Raymond, Ashley, Clare, Domnic, Joseph, & Catherine Selg

We are delighted to announce the Selg Family as our Family of the Month! The Selgs are dedicated parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, where they actively contribute to the community's faith life. Ashley and Raymond have created a loving home where their children—Clare (13), Dominic (10), Joseph (8), and Catherine (6)—can grow in their Catholic faith. Ashley, who previously worked in parish youth ministry, continues to inspire others as a retreat speaker and as a professor at Regent University, teaching film production. She is also a co-owner of CMAX TV, a Catholic media company, and is active at Sacred Heart as a youth catechist. Her efforts in coordinating events like First Friday talks, lady's paint night, and the newly formed women's ministry have enriched our parish. Raymond, after spending two years as a homeschool dad, returned to his full-time work as a Catholic financial advisor with the Knights of Columbus. He remains involved in their children's education at Saint Matthew School and serves as a catechist for religious education at Sacred Heart. Raymond is also pursuing an MBA at Regent University, furthering his commitment to his faith and professional growth. Please join us in congratulating the Selg Family for their unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community! Their dedication is a shining example of Catholic values, and we are blessed to have them as part of our parish family

December 2024

Christopher, Griffin, & Brogan McCallum

We are honored to announce that the McCallum family has been recognized as our Family of the Month at St. Pius X Church. This recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to our parish community, their dedication to service, and the remarkable spirit they embody in the face of challenges. Christopher McCallum, the devoted father and a Eucharistic Minister, has been a pillar of support for his family and our parish. He consistently exemplifies faith in action, serving the community with kindness and humility. His commitment to the church is evident not only in his ministry but also in the way he nurtures his sons, instilling in them the values of service, compassion, and leadership. Griffin, the oldest son, has emerged as an inspiring role model for his peers. As a lector, he enhances our liturgical celebrations with his thoughtful contributions. His dedication to his education at Catholic High has recently been recognized, as he was selected for the Homecoming Court, an honor that speaks to his character and involvement in the school community. Additionally, Griffin took on the responsibility of working at our parish this past summer as a Summer Maintenance Worker. His willingness to lend a helping hand and continue assisting with maintenance tasks reflects his strong work ethic and commitment to our church. Brogan, the youngest son, actively serves as an altar server, participating in our Masses and various church events. His enthusiasm for serving God and his community is a testament to the values instilled in him by his parents. Brogan’s participation in the liturgy brings joy and inspiration to our congregation, reminding us of the importance of nurturing faith from a young age. We also want to take a moment to honor the memory of Sarah-Ann, their beloved mother, who passed away on May 13th. Before her illness, Sarah-Ann was deeply involved in our parish community. Her passion for youth ministry led her to play a significant role in starting the LifeTeen program at Holy Trinity, where she positively impacted the lives of many young people. Her legacy of faith and dedication continues to inspire us all, and she is greatly missed. The McCallum family’s journey is a poignant reminder of the strength found in faith and community. Despite the challenges they have faced, they remain steadfast in their commitment to each other and to St. Pius X Church. Their story of resilience and love is an inspiration to us all, showing how faith can uplift and carry us through even the toughest times. Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations and express our gratitude for their dedication to SPX and their community.

November 2024

Holy Family - Joseph, Mary, & Jesus

We are honored to announce that the Holy Family—Joseph, Mary, and Jesus—has been chosen as our Knights of Columbus Family of the Month for December. Joseph, the ever-diligent protector, continues to watch over our families and guide us in the virtues of hard work, humility, and faithfulness. His quiet strength is an example for all fathers and husbands in our parish, reminding us of the importance of leading with love and trust in God’s plan. Mary, our Blessed Mother, is ever-present, interceding for us in prayer and offering her compassionate heart to all who seek comfort and grace. As a model of perfect faith, she teaches us to say “yes” to God’s will and to care for one another with tenderness and devotion. And, of course, Jesus, our Savior, is at the center of everything we do. He invites us to deepen our relationship with Him, offering us the gift of salvation and His constant presence in the Eucharist. His teachings continue to inspire and challenge us to love more fully, forgive more readily, and live as true disciples. Though their contributions to our lives may be more heavenly than earthly, the Holy Family remains a guiding light for all of us as we strive to live out our Catholic faith. Join us in honoring Joseph, Mary, and Jesus for their ongoing role in nurturing our spiritual family.

October 2024

James, Jane, Christy, & Meg Gallatin

"We are thrilled to announce that the Family of the Month for October goes to the Gallatin family, led by Dr. James Gallatin and his wife, Jane! Dr. Jim has been an integral part of their parish community as the Music Director at Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk since 1980. His dedication to the parish is reflected in his leadership of the choir and cantors. Their daughter, Christy Letsom, also contributes to their music ministry, sharing her talents with the choir and cantors. Another daughter, Meg Leeman, not only sings in the choir but is also an active member of the parish council and plays a vital role in organizing the ministry fair. Meg’s husband, Tommy Leeman, is a dedicated usher and has served as a confirmation sponsor, further enriching our community. Together, the Gallatin family has fostered a spirit of service and dedication, with Christy and Meg’s children—Lew, Boyd, and Miller—continuing this legacy of involvement. Thank you, Gallatin Family, for your unwavering commitment to SHC! Your contributions truly make a difference. "

August 2024

Tony & Ginny Duncan

We are delighted to announce that the Duncan family has been awarded the Knights of Columbus Family of the Month for August. Tony Duncan has been a cornerstone of our parish community, serving in numerous roles including Parish Council Chair, Finance Chair, and is currently responsible for coordinating the money counters. His contributions extend to being an usher, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), and he also designs and manages the slideshow in the commons. Tony’s dedication is further evident in his participation in the lawn maintenance crew and his assistance to our sacristan whenever needed. Ginny Duncan’s commitment to our parish is equally commendable. She serves as an EMHC, lector, and has been a dedicated helper with the Children’s Liturgy. The Duncans exemplify the spirit of service and dedication that enriches our community. Please join us in congratulating Tony and Ginny Duncan for their outstanding contributions and in thanking them for their continued service to our parish.

July 2024

Jason, Jennifer, Leo, & Wyatt Grant-Bush

Our family of the month for July is from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The father is works for Nationwide Insurance and the mother homeschools their two children. They have been parishioners at Blessed Sacrament for the last 18 years, since 2006! The father is always available to help with the ushers, helping to ensure the masses go smoothly. The mother is an essential part of Family Nights, Vacation Bible School and the Parish Youth Group. Their two sons are active altar servers, and one has gone above and beyond as cantor! The other led a group of teens through Work Camp. The entire family has always been willing to serve when asked and they consistently brighten Sunday mornings at Blessed Sacrament. The entire family truly exemplifies the Catholic faith and cheerful service! Our family of the month from Blessed Sacrament are the Gant Brush family, Jason (father), Jennifer (mother), and children Leo (17) and Wyatt (15). Congratulations to our Family of the Month from Blessed Sacrament!

June 2024

Arnel, Marissa, Ruby, Marciana, Lee, & Rommel Castillo

Our family of the month for June is from the St. Pius X Parish. The father is an engineer for the Department of Defense and the mother is a geriatric physician. They have been parishioners at St. Pius X for the last 27 years, since 1997! The father assists with the ushers, helping to ensure the masses go smoothly. The mother is a lector, assists with the instrumental musicians for mass and has been a guest speaker on women’s health for the parish Women’s Club. One daughter has served as a lector and assisted with Children’s Liturgy of the Word. The other kids have served as altar servers, and one has gone above and beyond as lector and violinist! The family has also consistently assisted in parish clean-up days. The entire family has always been willing to serve when asked and they consistently donate to the blood drive every time St. Pius X hosts a blood drive. The entire family truly exemplifies the Catholic faith and cheerful service! Our family of the month from St. Pius X are the Castillo family, Arnel (father), Marissa (mother), and children Ruby (24), Marciana (22), Lee (16) and Rommel (14). Congratulations to our Family of the Month from St Pius X!

May 2024

Mark, Nicole, Audrey, Jacob, & Lauren Litowski

Our family of the month hails from Christ the King and contributes regularly to the success of their parish and community. The husband has taken an active role at Christ the King for many years. He has served as Parish Council Chair, helps with the grounds committee, and has headed the Finance Council for the last two years. The wife has served as the coordinator for the last two parish directories and is currently working with the office staff on the 75th Anniversary Edition. One of their daughters eagerly served as an altar server until she left for college. The son has been an altar server for several years. Their other daughter is an altar server and currently sings in the choir. The entire family are active participants and a visible model of our Catholic faith! Please congratulate the Litowski Family, Mark, Nicole, and their children, Audrey-19, Jacob-14, and Lauren-13, as our Family of the Month from Christ the King.

April 2024

Adam, Adrien, Sam, & John Bellin

Our family of the month hails from Sacred Heart and continues to give cheerful service on a regular, ongoing basis to their parish. The husband works as a business development manager for a defense services firm as well as serving as the CO of Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s reserve unit.. He is a choir member, Parish Finance Council member, Safety Committee member and Worship Committee member. He does a fantastic job of “herding the cats” as Altar Server Ministry lead, consistently training and retraining the altar servers of all ages to provide high quality support to Fr. Paul during mass to help enrich the liturgy. He also volunteers as a religious education building parent during Sunday School. The wife is a substitute teacher for Norfolk Public Schools. She also serves as an EMT for special events and volunteers as an EMT for Virginia Beach. She also is a General Contractor for home renovations and a retired Coast Guard Officer. In the parish, she serves as a choir member, religious education building parent and an altar server training assistant. They have 2 sons, both of whom serve as altar servers. The entire family gives faithful and cheerful service to Sacred Heart Parish. Congratulations to our Family of the Month, the Bellin Family, Adam and Adrien, and their sons Sam (12) and John (11)!

February 2024

Jesse & Tricia Richman & family

Our family of the month exemplifies the meaning of Catholic service. Each family member dutifully and cheerfully serves the parish of Blessed Sacrament. The wife coordinates the kindergarten to fifth grade formation program. She also teaches the second-grade class and sacramental preparation class along with her daughter. Three of the children are altar servers for the parish. Another two children help with religious education with the parish. Several of the children are involved with youth ministry and Old Dominion University’s Catholic Campus Ministry. The entire family is always happy to help and exemplifies Catholic cheerful service as they support and coordinate various family formation events throughout the parish. Congratulations to our January Family of the Month, the Richman family, Jesse, Tricia and their seven children ranging from 3 years old to college aged (David, Sarah, Leah, Miriam, Anna, Ray, Naomi).

December 2023

Raul, Aileen, Raul Jr, Lily, & Elizabeth Acevedo

This family exemplifies the meaning of serving God and Country. Each family member is active in the St Pius X parish community, serving in numerous ministries. The father serves as a lector; he is also a Commander in the US Navy, soon to be commanding a naval ship, a member of the Men’s Club and helps with the Tides baseball games. His wife serves as a cantor on the weekends, and too, for funerals and weddings. She is also a substitute teacher at Saint Pius X Catholic School and a member of the Parish Synodality Team. Their oldest son is a junior at Catholic High and serves as a lector and altar server. This past summer, he worked at the parish as part of the maintenance team and recently completed his Eagle Scout project for SPX, helping to beautify the gardens in front of and around the school, as well as parts of the parish. The project brought several parishioners and his family together to support the effort. He continues his work supporting our maintenance team from time to time during the school year. Their oldest daughter, a recent graduate of Saint Pius X Catholic School, is a freshman at Catholic High; she also serves as an altar server with the youngest daughter who is a 6th grader at St. Pius X school. Congratulations to Raul, Aileen, Raul Jr, Lily, & Elizabeth Acevedo as our December Family of the Month.

November 2023

Jay & Mary Rubino

Our Family of the Month are parishioners at Sacred Heart. The wife has volunteered as an usher and Mass coordinator. She also sings in a contemporary music group. She utilizes her medical skills to volunteer at Hope’s Clinic, helping to provide free medical support to the surrounding community to those who otherwise couldn’t afford the care. The husband has organized music for Sacred Heart for over 20 years! It all began with him being asked to bring his guitar to help and has blossomed from there over the years. He has also volunteered his musical talents to help with a young adult group with connections with Eastern Virginia Medical School campus ministry. He has also helped with being an usher at Mass for many years. Together, they have also volunteered with the church soup kitchen, NEST ministry, and putting together Thanksgiving baskets. Congratulations to our November family of the month, Jay and Mary Rubino and Mary’s father, Tom Clarey.

October 2023

Mark & Theresa Magyar

Our Family of the Month are parishioners at Christ the King. They are long-time members of the parish and have graciously given of their time, talent, and treasure over the years. They volunteer for the Christ the King school board, the Parent Teacher Organization, the Parish Council, the Hospitality Committee, and Faith Formation Committee. They also teach lessons for the Faith Formation! They are strong singers and have been invaluable members of the music program for both Mass cantors, members of the folk group, and the Refuge Choir. They are always prepared and sing with great love for Christ and the Mass. They have three children and three grandchildren. Congratulations to the Family of the month for October, Mark and Theresa Magyar and family. They truly epitomize a joyful and faith-based Catholic family!

September 2023

Lewis, Abbie, Sophie, & Simon Causey

Our Family of the Month are parishioners at St Mary’s Basilica. The wife is a lecturer at the Masses and is involved with the youth ministry at Holy Family and is a lecturer there also. The husband also volunteers to help out in various activities around St Mary’s and is involved with various activities at Holy Family. The daughter volunteers as an altar server during Mass at St Mary’s Basilica. The family is known as a first-class group and very well thought of at St Mary’s. Congratulations to our Family of the Month for September, Lewis, Abbie, Sophie, & Simon Causey.

July 2023

Mark, Diana, Clare, & Stephen Henzel

The Family of the Month hails from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and is always looking for ways to serve our Lord, the Church, and the community. The Father is an Engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding and the Mother works as a Medical Writer. In addition to their jobs, they homeschool both their children. Mom and Dad take care of the pick-up, preparation, and serving for the coffee and donuts hour after the 8:30 Mass. She also is a talented pianist who plays during services. Their daughter is a rising Junior who rows with the Norfolk Youth Rowing Club, is involved with an ODU group providing gardening services to a church on the Eastern Shore and is a talented pianist sometimes heard at church services. She also provided babysitting services to parents attending the RCIA classes. She also recently returned from the pilgrimage to Rome with the Parish Youth Ministry. Their son is a rising 8th grader who participates in Tae Kwon Do, is involved in the Church’s Edge program, occasionally plays piano at services as well as altar serves regularly at the 5:00 Saturday Mass and the 8:30 Sunday Mass. Congratulations to the July Family of the Month, Mark, Diana, Clare, and Stephen Henzel.

June 2023

Robert, Laura, Victor, Thoreson, & Gwyneth Hulse

Our Family of the Month attends Our Lady of Victory Catholic Chapel located on the Norfolk Naval Base and are always looking for ways to serve our Lord, the Church, and the community. The Father coordinates group texts for the Tuesday morning Mass at the POW/MIA Chapel at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads as well as for the First Saturday men’s breakfast and Holy Hour prior to the Communion of Reparation Mass as requested at Fatima. She is a registered nurse and currently works for CHKD as an organ transplant quality supervisor. She is also working toward her PhD in healthcare quality management. The two sons are altar servers for each Sunday Mass, as well as those at 6am every Tuesday morning, and have become quite adept at preparing the sanctuary for the morning Mass. Additionally, their daughter serves as a lifeguard at the YMCA along with her older brother and both recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The family also supports the weekly Adoration of the Holy Eucharist through their flexibility and by actively seeking to fill any open hours each week; their actions have been instrumental in maintaining a continued 18 hour vigil each week for the past two years. Congratulations to the June Family of the Month, Robert, Laura, Victor, Thoreson, & Gwyneth Hulse.