A first unofficial assignment for Fr. Avella was to learn 20 new words in English every day. Now, he serves seven parishes and missions in the Diocese of Gallup.
John and Jeanette Suter may not be able to have biological children, but the Church's teaching on marriage and family still gives them comfort and guidance.
"It’s our Creator who you need to get to know through the Church. We believe in the Creator and we pray, but we know that eventually, after death, we turn back to spiritual beings."
Each year, Confirmation classes from three Gallup parishes go door-to-door, collecting food for the Gallup Community Pantry. These efforts allow the pantry to serve families in emergency situations.
The two priests make a good team. In a place so like home, and yet so far from family, their common interests and history of service are a source of strength and familiarity.