My name is Sasha Engelsman. We were recently married this past June here at St. Francis. Throughout our marriage preparation we decided to get more involved with activities being offered by the church. Through this involvement we gained many friendships and started seeking out different ways to show stewardship: different ways to share our time, talent, and money with the church. Sam and I currently spend our Wednesday evenings with young people preparing for their sacrament of confirmation and Saturdays assisting with families celebrating baptisms. We love our kids that we work with once a week and the families we celebrate baptisms with.

I know what you’re thinking....they’re young and don’t have children so they must have a lot of time of their hands, that’s why they have time to volunteer and give money.

Together, my husband and I are a full-time high school science teacher, a part time bartender, a graduate student, a sales rep., and a local independent musician. The truth is, we don’t always have the time or the money to give, but the Lord has helped us to find the time and the funds to love and serve others here at our church that has already given us so much. 

I’m Sam Englesman. Because we are just starting in our married life, sometimes finances can feel tight as we want to plan for our future. However, we are deeply grateful for all that God has given us. That’s why every week we have made it a part of our mass experience to give back to God a portion of what we have received. Next week, our whole parish community will have a chance to pledge to support St. Francis. This will be our first chance as a family to do so. I pray that many of you will do the same.