06/11/2026
These are faces you should recognize -- congratulations to all graduates, but particularly to these three high school graduates who have given our parish Holy Family HUNDREDS of hours of volunteer service over their lifetimes. We thank them as well as their support network -- their families, supportive parishioners, and ministry leadership who have encouraged their faith and participation along the way. MK, Felix, and Charles, you were formed by God's love to give generously and serve faithfully. May He guide your next steps and bless your bright future. Have fun and bring joy into your new "mission fields" at college and career!
MK joined the parish while she was preparing for her First Holy Communion. Participating in the Religious Education Program for a total of nine years, she tried out almost every liturgical ministry; she served as an altar server, lector, and usher, but really found her calling in the Young People's Choir. MK was confirmed here at the parish and was awarded the Council of Catholic Women’s Golden Rose award. MK is also an award-winning equestrian, Sheriff Explorer, and academic: she earned her high school diploma with High Honors along with her associate degree in biology. MK is planning to stay local to continue her education, so you will definitely have a chance to congratulate her in person at Mass. MK, we are excited to see where God leads you. St. Dymphna, pray for her!
Felix was a student in the Holy Family Religious Education Program for seven years. As soon as he received his First Holy Communion, Felix began serving the altar of God at the 12 noon Mass, rarely missing a Sunday. As a sixth-grader during COVID-19, Felix voraciously read the entire Bible, cover to cover. During his Confirmation preparation, he considered a call to Holy Orders. The virtuous way of living he adopted early on empowered Felix to persist through challenges. He clocked more than 500 volunteer hours during his high school tenure, many of them here in ministry work at Holy Family. He and his family are also active members of the Filipino Ministry, through which he and his younger sister initiated the “Books for Philippines” project and continue the “Bread Ministry.” His perseverance and faith helped him to earn High Honors while achieving his International Baccalaureate. For now, Felix will be continuing his education at a Florida university as he discerns God's will for his life. Praying for your continued success, Felix. St. Michael the Archangel, pray for him!
Charles also studied in the Holy Family Religious Education Program for seven years, all of it post-First Communion working toward Confirmation. With prayer and by the grace of God, Charles persisted through challenges and stayed the course, never giving up his faith formation because ‘he didn’t have time’ or because ‘he had other activities.’ Since his Confirmation in 2023, Charles has played the flute at the 10am Mass. This summer he will begin attending a university here in Florida. He will major in Biomedical Science with the intent to pursue an M.D. in Radiology and gain employment as a specialized Neuroradiologist. Best wishes and prayers, Charles. You’ve got this—you’ve got a strong team behind you! St. Carlo Acutis, pray for him!
