Growing up, Saint Raphael was my second home. It was always the center of our lives. From 1986 to 1995 when I left for college, I spent time as an altar server every Sunday, in the youth groups and Catholic education classes, and as a member of both Cub Scout Pack 314 and BSA Troop 314. Chances are good that if I wasn’t at home or in school, I was at the church for something. I was happy and felt comfortable here. 

When I started a new job in 2014 that required relocation back to Raleigh, my family and I decided that we would make Saint Raphael our parish. Even though many years had passed, it still felt like home. We quickly became involved, enrolling our eldest in Saint Raphael’s Preschool before we even found a house and becoming regulars at Sunday morning Mass. Since then, even with the challenges of a growing family, we have continued to become more involved in the parish.

In my professional life I work in IT management. I may be one of the few that enjoys that blend of technology and people. Outside of work my hobbies revolve around our three children. Both Debbie (my wife) and I are deeply involved in Cub Scout Pack 314 (based here at the parish) in which all three of our kids are members, and over the years I have coached a number of sports teams for my kids.

Now taking this step of being a first-time member of the Pastoral Council, I hope that I can help create an environment for my children like I experienced as a child. I want them to think of Saint Raphael Parish as a second home and one where they can always return.