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Parishioner Profile — Greg and Katie Pavlyak: Keeping Christ in the Center of their Lives
For the last 16 years, Greg and Katie Pavlyak have put Christ and our parish family in the center of their hearts, and it shows.
“For us, being Catholic has been about a whole lot more than just going to Mass on Sundays,” Greg says. “We have made Corpus Christi Parish, community, and School a central focus in our lives. A lot of blessings have flowed from that. We have a lifelong group of supportive friends, as well as robust ways to worship and share Jesus with others.”
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Looking back, Greg and Katie are deeply grateful that they decided to send their children to our parish school, despite the sacrifices it entailed. Their son, Jacob, just graduated from Benedictine College, where their daughter, Sara, is currently a sophomore as well. Their youngest child, Maya, is now a junior in high school.
“We are very blessed to live in a community which has excellent public schools, so our decision to send our children to our parish school wasn’t necessarily about academics, but more about us wanting our children to learn about the Catholic faith,” Greg says. “However, we did find that the academic aspect of Corpus Christi School was excellent as well, so our children really did end up receiving a very solid Catholic education in a great faith-based environment.”
The Pavlyaks have given their time and talent to help make the school the beautiful, loving, Christian place that it is today. Over the years, Katie volunteered in various capacities, such as by helping out in the classrooms or the lunchroom. Presently, Katie works as a regular substitute teacher at Corpus Christi Preschool. She also served for about five years on the Auction Committee. When their children were attending the school, Greg also volunteered to help out in the classrooms and enjoyed speaking to the students on Career Day about his profession as a pilot and military officer.
“All three of our children went to Corpus Christi Catholic School for prekindergarten — or kindergarten — through the eighth grade,” Greg says. “We really enjoyed the parish school. It was so great for our children! Many of our family friendships were formed through the school.”
Furthermore, the Pavlyaks live out the stewardship vision by serving at our parish in numerous ways. Their desire to help others has flowed from the love they have for God and His people. Katie helps out with funeral luncheons, and Greg serves as a general member of the Knights of Columbus as well as on the Finance Council.
“We have always wanted to be an integral part of our parish,” Greg says. “I enjoy being involved with the Finance Council because it is a good way to stay connected regarding the needs and operations of our parish from a financial point of view. I also really like attending small-group Bible meetings because it gives me spiritual support and fellowship with other married men. The men in my group have become very good, close friends, and we share our personal experiences and perspectives with one another.”
The example of stewardship that Greg and Katie have given to their children has made an impact on them.
“In high school, Sara went on a mission trip to Costa Rica with a local Christian youth group,” Greg says. “She also loved participating in the National Catholic Youth Conference — it really helped her grow in her faith and in her worship. She had such a wonderful experience and made many good friends there.”
Finally, Greg and Katie receive abundant graces by attending the weekly Monday afternoon Family Rosary ministry.
“The family unit and the Holy Family should be at the center of our faith community,” Greg says. “It is very important to pray the Rosary as a family, and for the family, because the rest of the world is trying to break up and disrupt traditional families. Jesus and the Blessed Mother told us to pray it and St. Pope John Paul II emphasized it as well.”
The Pavlyak family
