Dozens of service years translate to pure joy

Friday, Sep. 30, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — For Oliver and Lucy Ulibarri, more than 60 years of serving at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church translates to one phrase: pure joy.

What started as just being lectors progressed into being involved in almost all the ministries at the parish, from hospitality to music, RCIA, religious education, youth ministry, volunteer ministry and collection ministry. They also have served on the parish council and organized parish festivals.

“We have done about every ministry in the parish and now being here because of the leadership of Father [Jose] Barrera is just wonderful; being able to serve the Church is a joy,” said Oliver Ulibarri.

The couple was among those honored at an appreciation dinner celebrated Sept. 25.  This was the first appreciation dinner of this magnitude honoring parish volunteers.

“We are still here because of Father Barrera Cruz’s leadership,” said Oliver Ulibarri, who thanked their pastor for recognizing the volunteers and making them feeling appreciated.

“I have enjoyed every minute of it [serving],” said Lucy Ulibarri, adding that her passion is doing charity work even though sometimes “we don’t want to get out of bed, but thinking about what we need to do at the Church makes us keep on going.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church was founded in 1948, which makes the Ulibarris part of the first generation of parish volunteers. 

“Now we can’t do as much as we want because we are old, but we are still involved in the church every day,” said Oliver Ulibarri, adding that their hopes are that the new generations step in.

“This couple has been with the parish actively in many, many chores in the Church for more than 60 years,” said Marina Fernandez, who helps with parish finances and social events, as she presented a recognition to the Ulibarris that reads “In appreciation for your many years of service to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. God bless you.”

“After all these years and finding the best that we have to give to the church … doing all the ministries that we have done for years and years, and now being able to receive this – we are very grateful to our priest and to all for making us feel appreciated,” Oliver Ulibarri said. 

Other parish volunteers  were also recognized at the event. Emilio and Dolores Ramos and Mary Morland were presented with plaques similar to that of the Ulibarris, while many others were presented with certificates of appreciation.

“We thank all these people that, through their example and dedication, despite anything, keep serving our community,” said Sofia Palestino, a parishioner who helped organize and coordinate the event.