My name is Valerie Kazanjian, and I serve as the Co-Chair of the Community Commission. I joined the Commission in June 2020, right in the middle of the COVID shelter in place, when the world was trying to process the ‘new normal’ of lockdown and separation from one another. Our monthly Zoom meetings were so meaningful amidst the isolation of the pandemic, as we all came together with a focus to work together and find creative ways to continue providing a connection for parishioners, despite the inability to attend church events in person.
Learning about the different aspects of how our parish functions really deepened my appreciation for how much is done for the church behind the scenes. I also found that my participation enriched my faith; it was inspiring to be part of a group of committed and engaged Commission members, many of whom have still not met one another in person, who worked together as a team to make the church a fulfilling and nourishing haven for parishioners.
I encourage you to consider serving on a commission -- it has been a great way to stay connected, deepen my faith, and be a part of making our parish thrive.