St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community and the Knights of Columbus Council #6125 are proud to announce that John and Kathy Drake are the Family of the Month for October 2024.
Kathy and John grew up in Philadelphia. They were High School sweethearts and have been married for 54 years. As a married couple, they lived in Springfield, PA., where they were active members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. They relocated to Orlando 28 years ago, and have been members of St. John’s for 13 years.
Kathy and John were blessed with three children. Holly, their oldest, passed just recently after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Shane, and their four children. Their son John and his wife Lucia have four children. Jillian is their youngest daughter. Kathy says, “Our children and grandchildren are the love of our life.”
John was a Plant Manager for MAB paints for 40 years. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6125. He and Kathy are active members of our Baptism Ministry, through which they find great joy in welcoming new families and new family members. John says, “We believe that life is a circle, continually beginning.” John and Kathy both say, “We feel very blessed and so grateful to be part of the loving and caring community here at St. John’s.”
Kathy was a Catholic School educator for 40 years, both as a teacher and as Assistant Principal. She is a Eucharistic Minister at St. John’s and the Coordinator of the Children’s Mass Ministry here. Kathy also is a Catechist, teaching the first graders each week in St. John’s Religious Education program. As you might guess, she loves working with children. Teaching is her passion, and she loves sharing her faith with the young ones of our parish and seeking to give them gifts that will help them live faith-filled lives to the end of their days.
John and Kathy were members of the first “Table” of St. John’s Open Table Ministry, which sought to help young people make a transition from homelessness to a stable, productive life. They felt so blessed to be able to help make a difference in a young person’s life. A gift they received from the program was the connection they formed with their wonderful team members, whom they still regard as their dear friends.
Thank you, John and Kathy, for your commitment to serve. You are a blessing to the Parish. We applaud you for your dedication to our Community.