PPC Communication Update

Martha Pale Chairperson	My name is Martha Pale. I am married to John and we have 3 children Sarah(11),Patrick(9) and Caroline(7).  I have a degree in mechanical engineering but at present I am a stay at home mom. I attended St. A as a teenager and was married to John here. Our careers relocated us first to Canton and then Fort Wayne.  We are now back in Troy and have been at St. A’s for 2 years.    I have been involved in all types of ministry including: teaching catechism, facilitator for bible study, 2 year involvement in a retreat process called “Christ Renews His Parish”, was a member of a small faith group, Teams for our Lady, a past lector, and currently am part of MOMS (ministry of mothers sharing).  Outside of church I volunteer for my children’s schools.  We enjoy family camping.  I also like running for exercise and reading.    I bring enthusiasm and experience to our Council. Being involved in parish activities can be a catalyst for spiritual growth. I believe each parish member has a responsibility so serve others.
Vice - Chairperson
Elizabeth Ekquist Christian Service	My name is Elizabeth Ekquist.  I am married to Earl and we have just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.  I have been a member at St. A’s since 1987-parish council member and senior representative for the last 13 years.  Currently I am the Christian service representative to the council.  In 1995 I restated the Parish senior program and ran it through 2002.  I am also a chairperson for the Veronica’s, usher team captain for Sat, evening masses, Eucharistic minister, pinochle program planner and help with other various activities.  I am the parish travel coordinator and did 7 overseas trips and one US trip.  I also arrange one -day trips and other outings for the seniors.  Being involved in our parish has brought me great joy and satisfaction.
Carol Tardiff Evangelization	I am brand-new on the parish council, having been appointed to the position of Evangelization Rep only since fall of 2004. I have been married to my ever-so-patient husband Dan for over 33 years, and the last of our four children is nearly grown.    Having been a member of this parish for 31 years, I’ve managed to get my fingers into most of its pies. Currently, though, you’ll find me at daily Mass, working on projects for the Respect Life and the Evangelization committees, helping out in the Confirmation program and, most of all, being an active member of our parish’s Legion of Mary. The Legion, I find, is the perfect blend of prayer, growth in my faith and reaching out with Christ’s love to others. The friendships I’ve made through it, and indeed through all my St. Anastasia activities, have been precious and long-lasting.    My latest feat has been having my very own book published! Just imagine – me, an author, a person who has always hated to even write letters! God’s ways are mysterious, indeed. Windmill Gardens, a Catholic novel, is selling well enough that I may be able to put for awhile longer having to go out and get a “real job.” My “side job” for many years has been making handcrafted nativity sets, and also repairing and repainting religious statues.    And that, dear friends, is probably more than you ever wanted to know about Carol Tardiff…
Joe D'Anna Historian	My name is Joe D’Anna and I was married to Maria who passed away in December, 2006. I have 2 married daughters and 3 grandchildren. I am a graduate of U of D and a retiree of Ford Motor Company.    I have been a member at St. Anastasia church for 30 years.  I joined PPC in 1978 and was on council when Cardinal John Dearden dedicated the current worship center on Dec.7, 1980.  I am now the historian on council.  I usher at 10:15 mass, work on the annual golf outing and Charity ball committee.     Serving the parish seems a natural response to the friendship and love that I receive in return.
Jim Wilbur Stewardship Commission
Carl Weber Worship Commission
Education Commission	Add your content here
Gary Parent Youth Ministry	Hello, I am Gary Parent; I work in Troy at EDS as a Managing Consultant. I am very happily married to my wife, Florence. We have five children: Corey, Todd (his wife Jackie), Jaime, Madison, and Griffin. Our family has been members of St. Anastasia since we moved to Troy in 1996. Florence is the Coordinator of Grades, 4,5,&6 at St Anastasia. She is also very active in other church ministries including playing guitar and singing with the Celebration Singers at 8:15am Mass. I have been a member of PPS since June of 2005. During my years at St. Anastasia I have served as Usher, Extraordinary (Eucharistic) Minister, Confirmation Facilitator, Life Teen Core Member, Life Teen Lay Ministry, and I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. I love working with all young adults. They have so much energy and a craving to learn more about our Catholic faith. Two things I say to our young adults: "If you're Not Sure It's Right, Then It Must Be Wrong", and "You Will Never Fail Until You Stop Trying". I believe that God gave me the special gift of listening. This I find very important while working with young people. Being a member of PPC is truly an honor. I take the position of Representing Youth Minister very seriously. I will be an advocate for your teens and the programs that they are involved in. Please email me with your thoughts any time (saltcore@yahoo.com).  I love Jesus Christ and thank him many times a day for giving me the opportunity to serve Him.  -  God Bless You Always   Gary
David Kress Vicariate Council Representative	My name is David Kress. I am married to Gwen and we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in September 2006. We have six children and seven grandchildren. I was employed by the State of Michigan for 27 years and retired in 1997.   I have been in St. Anastasia Parish since the beginning when Mass was held in the basement of Fr. Davidson's house on Rhodes St. I served on the first Parish Council and was the Religious Formation Representative. After serving on the Parish Council, I was appointed our representative to the Birmingham, Bloomfield, Troy Vicariate Council. I also served for several years on the school board at Bishop Foley High School.   I have just concluded serving eight years on the Archdiocese Pastoral Council. I have been asked by the vicar to serve two more years on the APC as well as serving on the BBT Vicariate Council and the St. Anastasia Parish Council.   Presently, I am a Communion Minister to Beaumont Hospital. I also regularly attend daily Mass at 9:30 and the rosary on Wednesday and Friday.
Michael Houghton Archdiocese Council Representative	Greetings!  My name is Mike Houghton.  My wife Anita and I are the proud parents of three children:  Matthew, Nick, and Melissa.  We’ve been members of St. Anastasia since 1991, and I have been on the PPC since September of 2000.  My wife is also very active in St. Anastasia, most visibly as the one of the key leaders for our Vacation Bible School.    So what does it mean to me to be on the PPC?  Being on PPC is special vocation in the Catholic Church today.  The American Church in particular is faced with some pretty serious issues, as you no doubt are aware.  As PPC members we are asked to look at these more global issues and convert them into local action for our parish.    The PPC determined that we need to be more visible to the parish at large.  You see us around Church on Sundays wearing our nametags (though we do sometimes forget to wear them), but you may not realize who we are or what we do.  So we decided to do little bios on ourselves and get them out to you so that you can feel more comfortable telling us what you think about St. Anastasia and where we are headed.  After all, it’s our job to represent you and your thoughts at PPC meetings.     So feel free to stop me if you see me in or around Church and tell me if there’s something on your mind, or just to say hello.  You are also welcome to call me at 248-650-4341 or email me at michaelhoughton@comcast.net.   We welcome your input.
Parish Life
Young Adult Ministry
Rick Lanzon Member at Large
Joraine Glasscock Member at Large