Garcias are a prize couple

Angel and Catalina Garcia seem to be involved in just about every form of lay ministry at St. Patrick's Church in Albany, from coordinating the Spanish Mass each Sunday at noon to planning a "Quinceanera" when a girl in the parish celebrates her 15th birthday.

They've also distributed Holy Eucharist to sick parishioners and prepared couples for marriage through the Pre-Cana program. Quite often, they'll assist Spanish-speaking families with issues regarding citizenship or immigration, and they make such newcomers feel welcome simply by communicating with them in their native language.

The Garcias will be recognized for their efforts by Hispanic Outreach Services, a member agency of Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese, when they receive the Sister Maria N. Dolan, CSJ, Award for Humanitarian Services during the upcoming "Una Noche de Hispanidad." The award is named in honor of Sister Maria, who served as administrative assistant to Sister Anne Tranelli, CSJ, executive director of Hispanic Outreach Services. Sister Maria died in 1995.

Getting to work

Upon arriving in Albany from Puerto Rico in 1989, the Garcias searched for a parish that offered Mass in Spanish. When they heard about St. Patrick's, they began attending and gradually became involved in parish ministry.

Their participation in Eucharistic ministry and Pre-Cana soon led to involvement in the Legion of Mary, the Spanish Mass and Circulo de Oracion, a prayer group that meets each Thursday.

During the Spanish Mass, Mr. Garcia greets churchgoers and also reads a reflection that he has prepared on that day's Scripture readings or liturgical feast.

Another type of Mass in which the Garcias are involved is the "Quinceanera" to mark a girl's 15th birthday. The celebration is similar to a "Sweet 16" party but includes both a Mass and a meal during which family and friends reminisce about special events in the girl's life.

Reaching out

Much of the Garcias' ministry extends beyond St. Patrick's. They work with Spanish-speaking people who need help with immigration and citizenship procedures, and Mr. Garcia participates in Residents Encounter Christ (REC), a retreat program for prison inmates. In addition, Mr. Garcia is taking his ministry one step further: he is studying to become a permanent deacon.

Parish ministry is a family affair for the Garcias. Their daughter, Kathy, is a catechist at St. Patrick's, and their son, Luis, is an altar server.

While the Garcias are honored to be receiving the Sister Maria N. Dolan, CSJ, Award for Humanitarian Services, Mr. Garcia is quick to point out the importance of God's presence in his ministry.

"It's not me. It's the Holy Spirit working through me," he said. "I'm just an instrument."

Praise from friends

Although the Garcias were modest in discussing the award, those who know the couple spoke very highly of them and praised them for their service in the parish, neighborhood and diocese.

Rev. Frank O'Connor, administrator of St. Patrick's, appreciates the Garcias' help during the Spanish Mass as well as their assistance in checking over his homily, which he writes in Spanish.

"Whenever I'm at a loss for anything, they're always available," Father O'Connor said. "They're an invaluable resource to the entire parish community."

Inspiring

Rev. Mark Allman, associate pastor of Christ the King Church in Westmere, has worked with Mr. Garcia in the REC program. Over the years, Father Allman has come to realize how committed Mr. Garcia is to the Church and how much of an example he sets by living out his faith.

"Angel is my inspiration, for he is one of the few true Christians that I really know," Father Allman said. "He is a devout man, without being overbearingly pious."

Father Allman added he is pleased "that the Church is recognizing [the Garcias] not only for what they do within the Church, but for what they do in the community."

(Community Service Awards also will be presented during "Una Noche de Hispanidad" to Dr. Maria Ramirez, executive director of International PACE, which promotes programs in academic and cultural exchanges, and Rev. Scott Crane, pastor of First Reformed Church of Amsterdam and Florida Reformed Church of Minaville. The June 10 event, an evening of Hispanic/Latino celebration, will be held at 6 p.m. at The Century House in Latham. For tickets, call Sister Anne Tranelli, CSJ, at 453-6655.)

(06-04-98) [[In-content Ad]]