Joe Spinella Liason from Pastoral Council to Family Life Commission

My name is Joe Spinella and I'm the representative for the Family Life Commission on the Pastoral Council.

My wife Carole and I have been married for 43 wonderful years. We have two adult children (Stacey and Richard) and four grandchildren (Christie, Katie, Kyle and Kara). Both of our children live in the Orlando are, so we are fortunate to have the opportunity to see our children and grandchildren often.

Twenty five years ago, Carole and I left New Jersey and have had numerous stops on the way to Florida. We now live in Longwood and have been members of S.M.M. for four years. We feel very much at home here today at our new parish.

Last year I was appointed by the Father Charlie to the Pastoral Council. When Fr. Charlie asked me which Commission I would like to represent on the Pastoral Council, I chose Family Life. The reason was simple. Carole and I have always placed God and Family as foremost in importance in our life. I consider my relationship to my wife, our children, and now our grandchildren as those precious gifts from God which have brought me the most joy and happiness in my life. For that I am most grateful to God.

Since my appointment last year to this Commission, I have enjoyed meeting such good and gifted people and have learned much about the wonderful ministry work they do in their committees. On a personal level, I have also deepened my understanding of the sacredness of the family and how God is present in the everyday ordinary moments of a family’s life. I see myself blessed to be a part of this group.