My name is Lisa Mauck and I’ve been a member of St. Clare Montefalco Parish for 18 years. I’m honored to be standing up here, near my children, Addison and Dawson, who are altar serving.  My husband Randy and I moved into our starter home just down the street, on Audubon in Detroit, 21 years ago. 
 

I am a product of 12 years of Catholic school.  I grew up on the west side with my three older sisters, attended St. Eugene School and parish and went to Mercy High School.  My parents were very involved at St. Eugene.  My dad was active in just about every school and church club and led countless fundraisers.  My mom did her thing with Altar Society and was constantly baking for church functions.  The church was like our extended family and certainly the social circle for my parents.  Even the pastor was a frequent dinner guest at our house!   This was always special because we got dessert on a weeknight!
 

Now fast forward to 1996, when Addison was born and we wanted her to be baptized at St. Clare.  As I was going through the baptismal preparations, we were in these small groups, talking about our faith and I was feeling a little sheepish.  I hadn’t talked with anyone about my faith in years. I didn’t know what to say. I said a little prayer asking for guidance and strength to get my thoughts into words, and the words out of my mouth.  I closed my eyes for a few moments and felt the presence of the holy spirit and a great sense of relief that I could speak my thoughts.  Right here at St Clare,  I looked at this to be a sign ----this was to be my  faith community for my family.  

 

The day of Addison’s  baptism was the first time my family had visited St Clare Church.  They were so impressed with the beautiful stained glass windows and the warmth from the priest and community.  I felt so proud!   I could feel my father’s spirit and knew that he was pleased I had found a Catholic community in which to grow and raise my family.   And I could see the happiness in my mother’s eyes.  
 

Both my children attended St. Clare from kindergarten.   Now I’m sure you’ve heard this from others --   St Clare School is a special place that lives up to its mission – to be a  Gospel presence in our diverse community and provide opportunities to develop each child's God given talents.
 

 It’s philosophy  - and I quote - is to  practice Christian beliefs in an atmosphere that encourages every child to develop a sense of personal worth, academic excellence, and Christian responsibility. It fosters a climate of moral awareness, social responsibility and respect for one another.

St Clare is a school where parents are equally engaged as the kids --  and I certainly was!  Following the model of my parents, I became very involved in a number of school activities.  And my husband found his niche as well.    My kids certainly took up this model of service throughout their years here.  They shared their gifts by volunteering and helping others.  This  is what they were taught to do at St. Clare.  But service didn’t stop when they left the school. Their faith and their St Clare family has remained a significant part of their lives.  I would be up here for some time if I listed all the service projects they do within this community.   The coolest thing is that they actually like doing these activities and sharing stories about the experiences with Randy and I.  It is a joy and a blessing to watch them grow in their love for God and others.