Ron, Peg, Meg and Gregory are the Klamerts from St. Sebastian parish in Akron where I served as a deacon from 2006 to 2007. They were the family who joined the homily board to listen to my homilies and criticize them to be better. They were also altar servers, ushers and parish council members. Furthermore, they became my family. I was often invited to their home to have a dinner, to see Gregory’s baseball games, and Meg’s ballet. I had witnessed to the children’s growth through Meg’s confirmation and Gregory’s first communion. They have become a part of my priesthood by celebrating the ordination, meeting my parents and supporting me in many ways. How could I imagine having such a beautiful family in US?
One night we sat in the porch, drinking beers and listening to the classics. Soft breeze caressed; the sun set with reds and oranges. I thought that peace and grace embraced and kissed there at the moment.
Family is the small church where we learn to consider, love and serve others. The fate of the universal church depends on the foundation of the small church. Without holy families, there would be no Christians who share Jesus’ sacrificial love with others. I know there are many challenges to raise kids well and to keep the family anchored in faith these days. If it were easy, no one would adore the Holy Family in which the Son of God learned to be an authentic human. Thus I put my prayer for the families that strive to live out the gospel value. As I see Meg and Gregory growing and becoming a beautiful woman and a good man, I feel I am a part of God’s plan for the future of the world through the Klamerts. I pray God continue to keep them in His heart.
The Klamerts is the fifth Christ.