The Joy of Bringing People Together

Having raised three children in the St. Ignatius Parish, I feel profoundly grateful for the blessings this community has given our family—faith, friendship, and a true sense of belonging. St. Ignatius has been a part of our lives for so many years, shaping not only my children’s upbringing but also my own spiritual journey. We have had the opportunity to celebrate First Holy Communions and Confirmations. We have experienced sadness, joy, and hope with and for our community within the walls of our treasured St. Ignatius.

Over the years, our family has been involved in parish life. My children were volunteers, altar servers, my husband coached and son played on the parish CYO basketball team, proudly winning the championship in their 8th grade year. I have cherished the opportunities for us all to serve—helping with coffee hour, bingo, parish picnics, and Easter egg hunts, volunteering whenever our family’s busy schedule would allow. Even as I enjoyed these moments of connection, I often felt there was more I could do. While I had spent time volunteering in school and other organizations, I longed to invest more of my time and heart into my faith and into the community that has given us so much.

That opportunity came when a dear friend and neighbor invited me to learn more about the Community Commission. She shared the mission and the impact of the group, and when she asked if I would join, I immediately said yes. Now, in my third year on the commission, I can truly say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time in the parish.

The commission is more than just a group that plans events—it is a community within a community, where we support one another in faith and fellowship. We work together with thoughtfulness and creativity, striving to strengthen the bonds that make St. Ignatius so special. Whether it’s gathering for a shared meal, playing bingo, or simply creating spaces for connection, our mission is rooted in the joy of bringing people together. And beyond the events we organize, the commission has given me the chance to deepen my own faith. Together, we take time for reflection, discernment and faith exercises, allowing us to grow spiritually as we serve.

I encourage each of you to reflect on the gifts you have to offer and to consider how you might share them with our parish. If you are curious about the work being done within the commissions, please reach out—we would love to welcome you. And if someone invites you to get involved, I hope you will say yes. There is so much joy in serving this wonderful community, and the blessings that come from it are immeasurable.

Kelly T. Dyke
Community Commission