I extend this invitation to all Michaelonians.  We may be unaware of how multicultral our experience at St. Mikes has been.  Not only do our parishioners come from all over the world, but we have been served by priests from all over the world — Fr. Francois and Fr. Barnabas from Africa, Fr. Andrew from India (while also serving St. Elizabeth Parish), Fr. Paul from the Philippines, and Fr. Joseph from Haiti.  This is why we truly can say we are Catholic — Universal.


God Bless,
Fr. Dan
 

Goal One | Seek Ways to Share

What to share?
Views | Culture | Welcome | Respect | Values | Decision-Making

Why: Create cultural identity and awareness within St. Michael Parish


Goal Two | Seeks Ways to Enhance & Support Existing Parish Events 

What does enhance and support mean?
Awareness | Celebration | Space to Heal | Unity | Diversity | Bridge Building | Devotions

Why: Secure opportunities at liturgy, parish events, and celebrations to demonstrate cultural diversity, unity, awareness, and representation.


Goal Three | Seek Ways to Educate the parish in cultural diversity

What methods will be used?
Listen | Speak | Stories | Write | Advocate | Evangelize

Why: Create new seats at the table by working with clergy, staff, and ministries of the parish as leadership group of cultural advisors.
 

John Parks
Council Chair

 

I look forward to meeting new families from the St. Michael community and helping to share God's word with our brothers and sisters from all corners of the globe.

 

John is originally from Prince George's County (Maryland) and graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School.  In 1996, his family moved to Richmond, where he earned his degree in Information Systems.  For the past 20-plus years, John has worked in various industries, developing web and mobile software applications.

John has a passion for technology, food, and traveling.  He is of African American, French, and Irish descent and enjoys learning about people, cuisine, and traditions from around the world.


Sarah Brockwell
Council Staff Member | Faith Formation Director
 

Get to know our Intercultural Council Members!

Nazia Shafi
England | Pakistan | United States
Ministry: Charismatic Prayer Group

(pictured: Nazia)

 

Nazia's Why:
Over the years, I have gained much experience of working with people from different cultures and ethnic groups, and I feel I can share this with others and at the same time learn more from people of different cultural backgrounds.  My goal would be to have more unity in our community.
 

Wilma Valderrama
Philippines
Ministry: Music Ministry/Choir | Virtual Choir Project

(pictured: Wilma with her family)

 

Wilma's Why:
I am for any cause that supports, embraces, and celebrates cultural diversity, equity, human dignity, and inclusion.  This time, I am not here to simply support.  I feel that I need to do better and be better in this issue of social justice.  I believe that being a voice of one's culture requires (active) listening to begin with.  Listening (and engaging with empathy and respect) not only to the people of your own culture, but other cultures, as well.  People need to feel heard and valued.  This compassionate communication may be a start of collaborative partnerships, which may lead to embracing and celebrating our different cultures and faith traditions within the St. Michael community.  In my profession, empathy and active listening are some of the basic foundations and practices.  With only the best of intentions in answering God's call, I hope and pray that these, together with my principles and (Filipino) values rooted in faith, will be helpful when I serve in the Intercultural Council.



Clyde Fernandes & Vilma D'Mello-Fernandes
India
Ministry: Society of St. Vincent de Paul | Flower Care

(pictured: Clyde, Vilma, and Natasha)


 

Clyde & Vilma's Why:
We love people: meeting people, listening to them, sharing our views and culture, making them feel welcome to our vibrant parish.  This is a wonderful and much needed council.  Diversity and culture are very important aspects of our ever-growing Church, especially in the U.S.A. and at St. Michael.  We are grateful for that!



Jeff Trollinger
United States
Ministry: We Are Family | Arts & Environment

(pictured: Jeff with Tom)

Jeff's Why:
I served and chaired the Diocesan Sexual Minorities Commission for several years, and I presented the idea of creating the LGBT ministry called We Are Family here at St. Michael Parish many years ago.  I continue to assist with making St. Michael Parish a place where everyone feels welcome.  I learned a great deal from the other members of the Parish Council during my many years of service and about their faith traditions and places of origin.  I think it is important that everyone has an opportunity to tell his/her story within our community, which only strengthens us as Christ present in each other. 



Mary West
United States
Ministry: Elementary Faith Formation

(pictured: Mary)

Mary's Why:
As I grew up in a military family and attended six elementary schools, I know what it means to come into a different social environment.  Professionally, as a Catholic school principal in the ethnically diverse Northern Virginia area, I interacted daily with families from many cultures from all over the world.  I needed to work to create a feeling of Christian community with parents and of openness and acceptance of differences with students.  I volunteered to participate in St. Michael Parish's Intercultural Council, because I felt that I had faith and life experiences that could possibly be of service.