AROUND THE PARISH PROFILE: Ron & Jill White, Small Faith Communities Coordinators:"Gathering Those In His Name..."

   "Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."  For Ron and Jill White, this passage of Matthew 18:20--so full of sublime encouragement to Christian union in action and prayer--has inspired this husband-and-wife team who work to "gather those in His name" at Holy Trinity Parish.  As Coordinators of the Small Faith Communities (SFC) Ministry, the Whites strive to unite small groups of adults looking for worship and fellowship outside the traditional Mass setting, where they are able to come together to discuss their lives in the light of the gospel, and share their faith through prayer.  Born out of the Lenten journey, when Catholics spiritually prepare and renew for Easter, SFCs have since emerged as a way to open our gospel readings, and better understand the values, teachings, and meaning of discipleship, as Jesus intended.  While the traditional practice of "doing something" for Lent is praiseworthy, there is more to the season than just practices of piety, or acts of penance and mortification.  With the assistance of Ron and Jill, we find that the utility of SFCs as a time for renewal and on-going conversation is one not just reserved for Lent, but an opportunity to continue an on-going dialog about the living and breathing initiation into the mystery of Christ.

   For Ron, his nearly 10 year involvement with an outside, non-denominational, industry-based faith group of his own, spurred his pursuit to develop the Small Faith Communities Ministry at Holy Trinity.  On the brink of completing a three-year stint on the Pastoral Planning Council, Ron felt he and Jill could be integral in bringing parishioners with a common bond together for worship and fellowship—something not as typical in the Catholic religion as in other faiths.  Common bonds such as gender, age or even marital status can draw groups of individuals together for a more focused and directed look at Jesus, say the Whites, adding that "...people can get together for any reason."  "We can gain a lot getting together with others for 'faith sharing'," says Ron, who feels that SFC are a way to get Catholics speaking about "God and Jesus outside of Church on Sunday".   Ron (a cradle Catholic who sponsored Jill in her RCIA journey) and Jill each bring their unique perspective to their very own SFC-- "Jesus N' Java"--where they get together with others--and sometimes just themselves--"to take time out and grow."

   And take time out they must, as Ron and Jill's lives are filled with service not only to their Church, but also to their family and community. Parishioners since 1997, the Whites and their three daughters, Tiffany, Jenna and Grace, join Ron's parents, Ron Sr. and Ethel White, as a presence in the Church...even boasting of "their very own pew".  In addition to coordinating SFCs, Jill's involvement at Holy Trinity has included Children’s Religious Education, Middle School Youth Ministry, the Funeral/Bereavement Ministry, and Janis Meals, just to name a few.  Her community service projects include serving on various parent committees for the Beaverton School District, as well as an being an employee of the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District.  Ron, who joins Jill in coordinating the SFC, has also served Holy Trinity as a Eucharistic Minister and as Chair of the Pastoral Planning Council.  Most recently, Ron completed his role as the Manager of the "Track and Field of Dreams" construction project, which he describes as being involved in "managing the design, construction, and execution" of our new all-weather track.  He can also be credited with Holy Trinity's gorgeous baseball field that was "born out of necessity"…another story in itself.  It should also be mentioned that this amazing team co-owns "Probity Builders"- their own consulting business aimed at assisting women and minorities in small business development.  Keeping the White's legacy of service alive, their daughters are also active in the Parish community through their participation in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) track program, as well as the Eucharistic and Altar Server Ministries.

   At the time of this profile, Ron and Jill were at work helping a new "Young Moms" Small Faith Community get started by providing the much-needed direction and guidance to get organized in the Parish.  They were also excited about the numerous SFC opportunities that the upcoming Advent season provides parishioners to get together and experience Christ, such as that of "ADVENT FELLOWSHIP NIGHT".  If you think Ron and Jill can be of any assistance to you and your group, they can reached by e-mail at smallfaithcommunities@h-t.org or by calling them directly at (503) 292-2626.  Or look for ways you can become part of the SFC and "gather in His name" in the bulletin.  

Saturday: 5:30 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am
T, Th, Fr: 8:15 main the chapel
W: 8:45 am school mass in the church

Holy Days: 9:00 am, 7:00 pm

Reconciliation
saturday: 4-5 pm