4 minute read
Four Sisters Cherish an Extended Family Built on Faith
You have likely heard the popular expression, “the family that prays together, stays together.” And one might also say that the family that prays together stays close to Christ. In the case of four sisters who are all parishioners here at St. Philip Neri, both of these claims are true. Janet Norton, Eileen Bridges, Trish Baker and Maureen Clary are all active in parish life here, following the example of their parents, Jim and Pat Donlevy, who raised them to live as intentional disciples in the Catholic faith. Carrying on this family tradition, the children of both Janet and Eileen participate in parish activities, as well.
“Our parents were always very faith-centered,” Janet says. “I’m number seven of 10 children, and Eileen is number eight, Maureen is number one of 10 and Trish is number four, and we all have done different ministries at the church. Our parents were always reading the Bible and saying the Rosary. We had very good role models of being part of the parish, being taught that we the people are the body of Christ and each have our own special spot.”
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Janet and her husband, Clay, have three children — Alyssa, 22; Breanna, 19; and Catherine, 15. When the girls were young, Janet helped with our parish Vacation Bible School and served as an Edge core member. She was also actively involved at St. Anne Catholic School.
“Being part of my kids’ faith formation was always important to me, so I would volunteer very frequently at St. Anne Catholic School,” Janet says. “I became their first cross country coach and was on the technology board with my sister, Eileen. All my kids had Catholic education for 12 years. I can definitely see the virtues in my children, and it’s so inspiring to see that and the notes they have written, thanking me for raising them in the faith.”
Like Janet, Eileen volunteered regularly at St. Philip Neri Preschool, St. Anne Catholic School, St. Matthew Catholic School, and with our parish youth programs to support her two sons in their faith journey. Both Dalton, 19 and Declan, 15, have followed in their mom’s footsteps to be actively involved in serving at St. Philip Neri. Dalton was an altar server from third grade through 12th grade, and also ushered in ninth grade through 12th grade. Declan also altar served from third grade through ninth grade, and has become an usher in the past few years.
For Eileen, watching her boys participate in the Mass brings back a lot of fond childhood memories.
“I just think about how it was when I grew up and we always tried to go to Mass together,” Eileen says. “There were eight of us born in the span of 10 years, then my sister seven years later and brother nine years later, so I’m sure we were quite a sight! I have fond memories of that, so it’s just something that my husband and I have always done with our kids. And I can remember my parents talking about how special it is to serve at Mass, which is why I’m thankful that my sons both served. So hopefully they’ll have some good memories, too, for their kids.”
Thankful for the firm foundation in the faith passed on to them by their parents, Janet, Eileen, Maureen and Trish hope that their children — and all the youth of the parish — will grow ever closer to the Lord and His Church.
“As a parent, you make the recommendation, and your kids have to be the ones to take the step,” Janet says. “Having that foundation in the faith was the number-one priority for me, because that is the tool that will get them what they really need in life. What I hope is that our parish can continue to be so loving, caring and inviting to all young people.”
“I think the youth is the future of our Church,” Eileen agrees. “So we have to give them a strong foundation and help them understand their faith and make it interesting for them, too. We’re fortunate at St. Philip Neri because we’ve got a good youth group and a good coordinator for Edge and for Life Teen.”
Well into their adulthood, Janet, Eileen, Maureen and Trish have continued to be inspired by their parents’ dedication to staying active in their parish of St. Matthew. Jim was a longtime lector, Eucharistic Minister and sacristan until his passing. Now in her 80s, Pat continues to serve as a spiritual director and sacristan. Here at St. Philip Neri, the fruits of faith and service planted and nurtured by the Donlevys are evident in Maureen, Trish, Janet and Eileen as they as serve as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Adoration participants and other various other ministries.
Down through the generations, this family that prays — and serves — together is sure to continue to touch the hearts and lives of many! In turn, they find themselves abundantly blessed here in our faith community.
“I think being involved in the church has given me more a sense of belonging, support and wisdom,” Janet says. “By being connected, I get stronger.”
“I think the people are the Church,” Eileen says. “When you are more engaged, you feel more a part of things, and the people here are wonderful. I feel like we’re really very fortunate at St. Philip Neri, and there is something for everybody.”
— Eileen Bridges
