Many wonderful things can be said about the Knights of Columbus councils and their unwavering service to Christ and His Church, but perhaps one of the most heartwarming things that could be said is that their pancake breakfasts never disappoint. St. Cecilia Parish in Beaverton is blessed with a fervent group of men who embody and radiate joy in their Christ-like service to God’s people. The council and parish had an extra surprise added to their monthly café breakfast: a visit from some of the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Portland! Arriving in the early morning of Sunday, December 8th, the seminarians had the opportunity to serve breakfast and enjoy many pleasant conversations with parishioners. Shawn Daniel, Vincent Vanzuylen, Minh Hoang, Beto Montes-Contreras, Marcos Alvarado, John Nguyen and Andy Sanchez shared their time despite their busy preparations for final exams.
Each group of parishioners (estimating a couple hundred overall) coming to breakfast after the morning Masses were greeted by the Knights and the “famous faces” of the seminarians that appear on the Vocations poster year after year. It was a moment of true joy as the people got to know the seminarians, their experiences of seminarian formation, and their stories of how God called each of them in different ways. In like manner, the seminarians listened to the hearts and minds of the parishioners who requested prayers and shared their own lives. All in all, it was a great morning for more people to build relationships with our men in priestly formation.
Thank you to Scott Peterson and the Knights Council of St. Cecilia Parish for your diligent care of our seminarians. The Office of Vocations is so grateful to all of the seminarian supporters throughout the Archdiocese for your continuous prayers and generous donations. As the seminarians prepare for their finals, we pray that the Holy Spirit may guide them in their studies and grant them a restful Christmas break.
Photo caption: St. Cecilia’s Knights of Columbus with Portland seminarians. Seminarians from left to right: Beto Montes-Contreras, Andy Sanchez, Minh Hoang, Marcos Alvarado, John Nguyen, Shawn Daniel, and Vincent Vanzuylen.