St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community and the Knights of Columbus Council #6125 are proud to announce that Bob and Andrea Groppe are the Family of the Month for March 2024.
Originally from Bethpage, New York, Bob and Andrea relocated to this area in 1982. They have been members of St. John’s for over 10 years. Married for 55 years, Bob & Andrea have three children and five grandchildren. Each of their children attended and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes School, Melbourne Central Catholic, and Franciscan University of Steubenville. Two of their children currently attend St. John’s: son Brian Groppe and daughter Maria Sanford, her husband
Todd, and children William and Hannah. Their daughter Melissa lives in Texas with husband John and their three children, Malia, Jack, and Ryan.
For Bob and Andrea, the guiding factor in their lives is their faith, lived out through a strong relationship with God. As a married couple, they have led a number of parish-based ministries, including marriage preparation for engaged couples and various spiritual renewal programs. As parishioners at Ascension Catholic Church, they chaired the continuation committee for the Christ Renews His Parish program for 10 years. They have also provided spiritual direction. Andrea is a Certified Spiritual Director, having received her training through the Audire program.
Here at St. Johns, Bob and Andrea are part of the Kerygma Healing Prayer Ministry. This ministry offers a monthly program consisting of Adoration, prayer, and a Healing Service. Andrea cares for the prayer candles in the church’s narthex. Bob helped establish the first and only Catholic radio station: Divine Mercy Radio, 920 AM (an affiliate the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network). The station broadcasts a variety of solid Catholic programing 24/7. Bob has been the station’s General Manager since 2009.
Thank you, Bob and Andrea, for your commitment to serve. You are a blessing to the Parish. We applaud you for your dedication to our Community.