Please meet The O'Donnell's! Barbara and Raymond are originally from New York City, but moved frequently during Ray's time in the Army. Eventually, they settled in Michigan in 1979, after a job transfer. Barb and Ray have eight children, 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Spending time with their family is one of Barb's top loves! The couple has a small farm business growing elderberries and selling elderberry tonic with whole cloves, cinnamon and ginger root. In Ray's spare time he enjoys art and doing leather work. Barb and Ray are two parishioners who are truly special and spiritually gifted. They give their time and talent by teaching God's Graces to people in all different phases of life. Ray has taught Confirmation classes, adult Bible studies classes, perspective convert classes, and has worked with divorced men through spiritual healing. Ray has been a member of the Knights of Columbus and the couple has participated in the 40 Days for Life effort during Lent. The couple loves to volunteer, especially with young people to help them get their future adult life started in Christ. Barb and Ray were drawn to St. Catherine's because of the warm welcome they received and the need for their help at the parish. Ray and Barb share the following story to show the power of prayer and to show the beauty of God's Grace through scripture. "Barbara and I were living in Hamilton, Ohio and we were struggling to make ends meet after my military service ended. One afternoon, as the fall weather started to get colder, Barbara shared with me that we didn't have winter coats for our six girls. We didn't have relatives nearby to ask for help, and credit cards were not as available as they are today. Being financially responsible for our family, I was deeply concerned. However, because of the intense Bible Study I was a part of, I remembered a saying in scripture: "If two or more ask in my name for something, it will be given." All we had was hope in God to help us, so we prayed together that night. The next morning was Sunday and the big task at hand was getting our family ready and out the door for Mass. At the end of the service, while walking out of the church we were stopped by a fellow parishioner who had daughters of her own. She asked very discreetly if we would be interested in using six winter coats. She seemed concerned that my pride would get in the way, and I would reject her offer. But I remembered instantly that it was our prayer to God asking for the coats and I graciously answered Yes, we can use them. Thanks again to our God!"