Joan and Dale Gerber are relatively new to our parish, but have already made a tremendous positive impact! The Gerbers moved to Portage two years ago from Middletown, Ohio. They had lived there for 50 years, but relocated to help their son-in-law with their three grandchildren following the death of their daughter. They were very involved in their previous parish, so upon relocating, they desired to continue volunteering. Dale had completed the Lay Pastoral Ministry degree (which is the first two years of formation requirement for the Diaconate at St. Mary’s seminary) before moving to Michigan. Dale is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Mass and writes reflections for the bulletin. He also co-facilitated a study group on the Nicene Creed based on Bishop Robert Baron’s video series. Joan is a Eucharistic Minister and helps facilitate the parish grief share program and provides food for the funeral luncheon ministry. They enjoy hiking and social activities within their condo association and the parish prime-timers lunch group. They love spending time with their children and nine grandchildren, allowing them to visit Montana, New York and St. Louis. Dale and Joan look forward to making new friends through being active within the parish. If you have yet to meet the Gerbers, please make an effort to say hello and thank them for all they do! The Lord had a purpose when bringing them to Portage, and while the reason for their move was heartbreaking, we are very thankful that the Lord blessed our parish family with Joan and Dale.