Thanks be to God my family got to spend another Easter together. We took this photo after beautiful Easter Sunday mass at St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley).
Yesterday we celebrated Easter Sunday and per usual it was the most glorious day of the year for our family. Because of the magnitude of the day for humanity and the personal emphasis Sid, Sloan, Sid, and I place on it, each year I write a quick post reflecting on how we celebrated it.
Sloan and Beau in their Easter Sunday best as they stand in the vestibule at St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley).
Thanks to everyone who made it special…
Our Easter Sunday started at 6 a.m. when everyone awoke. It was a dash down the stairs to see if the Easter Bunny paid a visit overnight. Much to the delight of Sloan and Beau, he did. Their baskets contained clothes, a book, and some candy.
Beau and Sloan scope out their Easter baskets. The Easter Bunny treated them well.
The focal point of the day then took place when we drove to St. Mary Catholic Church for 9 a.m. Easter Sunday mass. My brother, sister-in-law, and niece sat with us in the overflowing quarters of the sanctuary. Speaking of the overflowing quarters, during his homily, Fr. Jeff Lewis spoke about the influx of people not just parish-wide but worldwide joining the Catholic Church. He then preached about an obvious line that separates the world into a pro-Jesus side and anti-Jesus side. He told us to get on the pro-Jesus side. Our family had the honor of bringing down the gifts with our Godson.
Fr. Jeff Lewis concludes Easter Sunday mass at St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley). It was beautiful as usual and my family had the blessing of bringing up the gifts.
After mass we caught up with friends and then ventured into the St. Mary parish hall (aka the gym) for fellowship and sweet treats. After a long Lenten season, the cinnamon rolls and donut holes sure tasted good.
Beau and Sloan help themselves to some sweets after Easter Sunday mass at St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley).
Back at the house, Beau and I made a dessert dip for our family celebration later that afternoon. Sid then took over the kitchen and made a pizza dip for lunch. While the baking and eating was taking place, we watched a couple videos about Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Our family walking with swagger on Easter Sunday.
We then ventured up north to my parents’ house for our big Reser Easter celebration. My siblings and their families joined us as we all spent most of the afternoon outside as we hung out in lounge chairs, threw the football, and did chalk art.
Sloan and Beau with their cousins just loving the beautiful Eastern Sunday weather.
It was then time to eat as we sat down as a big, happy family to enjoy a ham dinner. As I always say about these meals, the conversation always ends up being better than the food even though everything on the table was incredibly delicious.
Our family sitting around the table for Easter Sunday Dinner 2026.
After Easter dinner, Glen and his wife staged their annual Easter egg hunt for the kids (you can watch the video I made here). This was the first time since my family moved to Spokane that a jacket/sweatshirt wasn’t needed for the hunt. All kids were great sports and had fun. We concluded the Reser Easter celebration with dessert and continued conversation.
Glen and Carrie pose with all the cousins after their annual Easter egg hunt.
Sidney and I returned home just the two of us. My sister took Sloan and Beau to her place to spend the night with their cousins as all the kids are now on spring break. We would close out Easter Sunday by watching some of “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Alleluia! He Is Risen! Sloan celebrates inside the St. Mary Catholic School (Spokane Valley) gym after the Easter Vigil.
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With yesterday’s celebration, we now enter Eastertide, a period of 50 glorious days to celebrate the resurrection. At the beginning of Lent, I referenced a homily from Archbishop Hicks that reflected on the hunger we feel in our hearts during lent. He mentioned that binging on jelly donuts during Fat Tuesday would do little to satisfy our appetite on Ash Wednesday. Well, the same holds true as we enter the Easter Season. Although the season of fasting has passed, the indulgent foods that will now be more accessible to us will do little to satisfy our hunger.
As Archbishop Hicks said seven weeks ago, and it still holds true today, there is only one thing that will fill our hungry souls: Jesus.
This past weekend, Sidney and I attended the St. Mary School Auction. Similar to the first time we attended the event, we were blown away by the generosity of the St. Mary community. The way so many people gave their time, talent, and treasure is something that Sid and I aspire to emulate one day.
Sid and I pose in our backyard before heading off to the 2026 St. Mary Catholic School Auction.
Although we didn’t draw close to the way that many invested in the event, we did manage to come away with an auction item. Lucky for us, it was a very meaningful one.
In addition to the many silent auction and live auction items that people donate, each St. Mary’s class creates its own project/gift to contribute. For example, Beau’s kindergarten class made a cookie jar that is refillable with two dozen cookies each month for the next year (parents of the class take turns baking them each month…I am up in October!). Another class made a framed poster that included a professional black-and-white photo of each student praying. Another class offered up a mirror with inspirational quotes around the frame and signatures of each student on the back.
This cookie jar was the kindergarten class item. Jaysanna Wang was the parent who spearheaded the project and the jar is “refillable” with 2 dozen cookies for the next year. It went for more than $5K.
With the cookie jar way out of our bidding range (it went for $5K+), we set our sights on the project that Sloan’s third grade class worked on. With Sid managing the bidding as I had already left to relieve the babysitter, my wife offered up the winning bid and we took home a table and prayer book.
But of course it wasn’t just an ordinary table or prayer book.
Sloan stands next to the table and holds the prayer book that Sid successfully bid on during the 2026 St. Mary Catholic School Auction. Mrs. Mary Remer and her third graders brought this project to fruition.
Sloan’s teacher, Mrs. Mary Remer, asked her husband to commission an end table that would be cherished by any Catholic family. The center of the table top features a rose, which is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary, intertwined with a rosary. Inscribed around the perimeter of the table are the words to the Hail Mary prayer. It is beautiful!
A look at the table top. It depicts a rose surrounded by a rosary with the words to the “Hail Mary” circulating around the perimeter.
The table, made out of rich wood, includes a lower shelf.
This view shows the lower shelf and how the prayer book is positioned.
That lower shelf is perfect for the prayer book that Sloan and her classmates made. The book is special before you even open it. The cover depicts a colorful cross that was made from the fingerprints of everyone in Sloan’s class.
The prayer book’s cover depicts a colorful cross. The cross was made from the fingerprints of the third grade students and Mary Remer.
You can open up the prayer book to the inside cover to see which paint color matches each student and then on the opposite page is a class photo.
This is the inside cover of the prayer book. It contains the color code of the children’s fingerprints and is opposite a class photo.
Once you start browsing through the pages is when the real humility and faith of Mrs. Remer’s third grade class shines. Each student was given their own section. Each section opens with the featured student’s photo and autobiography. Following each intro are handwritten pages of that particular third grader’s favorite saint quote and their favorite prayers. The prayers range from morning prayers to evening prayers, creed-based prayers to Eucharistic prayers, petition prayers to repentful prayers.
This is the beginning of Sloan’s section. She actually closes the book out.
Sloan is the last entry in the prayer book. After sharing that her favorite color is purple and her best friend is Allison, my daughter used the next several pages to write the prayers of the rosary.
This page is devoted to the “Fatima Prayer,” which was added to the rosary in 1917. Sloan’s classmate, Mateo, created this page.
The past two days I have experienced great joy when walking through the front door to see our new table near the entryway. I am grateful to Mrs. Remer and her husband for undertaking such a significant project. I am impressed by the third grade students for the effort they put forth to help. And, finally, I am humbled by many of my fellow St. Mary parents for the generosity and passion they have for the faith and education of our children. This humility is especially extended to Adam and Anne Mileski (aka the parents of Sloan’s best friend) for inviting us to sit at their table. As always, I am proud to be part of the St. Mary community. Don’t Blink.
The beginning of Holy Week is here. Can you believe that Ash Wednesday was all the way back on Feb. 17? Now we enter the home stretch to Easter Sunday.
Perhaps I should be more careful with my words. By describing the next several days as the home stretch, it might convey that the road from today through Easter will be easy or quick. Hardly.
The holiest week of the year culminates in the joyful resurrection of Jesus Christ but to get there we must encounter denials, betrayals, injustice, violence, and murder.
Palm Sunday leads off the grind and is pretty much a microcosm of Holy Week itself. This morning the opening gospel reading depicted Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as crowds paved his way with palms and shouted “Hosana!” However, the heroic sentiment quickly turned to shouts of “Crucify Him”. Christ’s Passion is not for the faint of heart.
Sloan and Beau stand outside St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley) after Palm Sunday mass this morning. Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week and a great reminder how we can profess to love Jesus Christ but then quickly betray him.
During his homily today at St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley), Deacon Dan Glatt likened the change of heart from the crowd to our own sins. There is no doubt that some of the same people who laid palms for Jesus would later demand his crucifixion, swaying Pilate to put him to death. However, Christ didn’t die simply because of cruel public opinion. He also died for our sins—the minor and major misgivings we commit each day. In the same way that the crowd pledged allegiance to Jesus but then turned on him, we do the exact same thing by calling ourselves Christians and then sinning. We need to own our culpability in the death of Jesus.
One way we can do this during Holy Week is to carry the cross. During his Passion, Christ painstakingly carried the barbaric mechanism of his death until he received assistance from an onlooker who carried some of the load. We need to always do our part to carry the load, too. However, as Fr. Leonard Mary explained in a homily I watched before my family headed to church this morning, Holy Week provides an opportunity to perhaps carry more weight than we usually do.
So what does it mean to carry the cross? Well, we can start by denying our own desires and embracing suffering. We can be especially cognizant of our sinfulness and do whatever we can to choose holiness instead. When we feel like the load is too heavy to carry, we can summon the strength to go a little further.
Thus, instead of treating Holy Week as the home stretch of Lent, let’s consider it the pinnacle. That way, when we arrive at Easter Sunday, instead of finding ourselves at the end of a road, we will instead find ourselves reinvigorated and inspired by Christ’s resurrection to continue on the path to salvation. Don’t Blink.
About three weeks ago, I sat down on the couch with the kids prior to school. Usually things are hectic in the morning and I don’t get the chance to hang with them before loading up the car.
I asked Sloan and Beau a question: What is a leader?
“The person who stands at the front of the line,” my son responded.
Hmmm. Not exactly what I was going for.
“Someone who sets an example and shows people how to do things,” Sloan said, before adding, “And brings others closer to God.”
In 2025, the themes of leadership and prioritization emerged (photo taken by Nicole Lynn Photography).
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It has been a good year. As I write in every one of these annual entries, even-numbered years always bring change and disruption to our family while odd-numbered years usually bring more consistency. This pattern once again held true as 2025—although busy and adventurous—didn’t pack life changes or any “rug pulled from under us” moments.
Our 2025 didn’t pack too many surprises…which isn’t a bad thing.
It was a busy 12 months for our family. Compared to last year, we boarded more planes, embarked on more trips, played more sports, and even lost more teeth. Let’s see if I can summarize 2025 in two paragraphs…
During the second half of the year, Sid’s parents came and visited. We had the pleasure of taking them to Montana for a portion of that visit. This photo was at a Griz football game.
Dang, did you catch all that? If you didn’t, perhaps what I am about to discuss next will be easier to digest. As all the fun mentioned above transpired, a couple themes that defined the year developed…
The first theme of 2025 for us was leadership. In January, Sid and I were elected leaders of our Spokane Catholic Engaged Encounter chapter. We didn’t seek the position nor expect it, but it has been a blessing (and a lot of work) to oversee such an important ministry. Teaming up with Sid makes it even sweeter. 2025 also marked the first full year in my marketing director role at EWU. As I continue to manage more people than I have ever before, I seized the chance to sharpen my leadership chops. Additionally, Sid volunteered for a 24-hour work innovation challenge and ran point of her squad. Despite all that, Sid and I realized where our leadership is needed most of all: in our family. I feel like we have relished the role God has given us to be the best guiders and examples for/to our children.
Sid and I were elected leaders of the Spokane Catholic Engaged Encounter chapter in January 2025. In this photo we pose with Ric and Cindy Gaunt (former leaders) plus Fr. Ken Krall during an October 2025 retreat.
Speaking of Sid and I, the other theme that manifested itself in 2025 was prioritization. And what I mean by this is placing my relationship with my wife above all earthly things—including our children. The necessity of this became apparent during one of the Engaged Encounter weekends we gave in May. The couple we presented with conveyed the importance of this prioritization and it really hit home. Sid and I have enjoyed a fruitful marriage but I thought forever that I was “doing it right” by embracing a “kids are always first” attitude. We tweaked things after that retreat and things have never been better.
I am lucky to have such an awesome wife; we had a wonderful 2025. #Prioritization
With those two unique themes defining 2025, the big three values I pinpoint each year continued to be critical in our lives…
Let’s start with family. The prioritization theme I just finished explaining contributed to the positive dynamic in the Reser household this year. The truth is that when the husband/wife bond is placed before all earthly relationships, everything else—children, extended families, friends, in-laws—will seamlessly and orderly fall right in line behind it. With Sid and I taking more time for each other—even hiring a babysitter at times—we set the necessary foundation for solid family life. It was a blessing to spend time with Sloan and Beau in fun spots like the Caribbean, Orlando, and Leavenworth but we continued to make memories inside our own home. Perhaps some of the best bonding time occurred when we had movie nights centered on “classic” films that Sid and I watched as children. My parents’ home continued to be a haven for my siblings and our respective families to gather for birthdays, holidays, Sunday dinners, and special events. We were blessed to see Sid’s parents three times this year—South Carolina in January, Florida in May, and Washington in October. Perhaps I should add “Montana” to the October meeting because a true highlight of that trip was taking “Gami and Dada” to Big Sky Country for their first time when we spent a weekend in Missoula. The Florida excursion was especially meaningful because in addition to my in-laws, Sid’s siblings and their families joined us as well.
Welcome to the Reser family Thanksgiving table! We had a lot of good times around my parents’ dining room table in 2025.
Our faith was in action in 2025. Thanks to our election as Engaged Encounter leaders, we spent lots of time nurturing the ministry through planning retreats, running meetings, hosting social events, and doing the behind-the-scenes work to keep our chapter healthy. Sloan and Beau finished and started school years at St. Mary Catholic School, attended Catholic Summer Camp, and showed up for as many Family Faith Nights as possible. It was a big year for Sloan and the sacraments. She made her first confession and started prep for the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Sid and I mentored two couples for marriage, gave two Engaged Encounter retreats, and became Godparents again. Other highlights included hiking to a sunrise mass, attending the Easter vigil, joining a Catholic young family group, continuing my membership with the Knights of Columbus, and worshipping as guests at some beautiful Catholic churches across the country. For the second year, I made it through the entire bible. We mourned the death of Pope Francis and cheered the election of Pope Leo. We celebrated the ordination anniversaries of Fr. Ken Krall (54th), Fr. Mike Kwiatkowski (47th), Fr. Pat Kerst (35th), and Fr. Jeff Lewis (14th). It was a faithful year that can best be described in four words: Thanks be to God!
Me, Sidney, Fr. Jeff Lewis, Fidela, Neteyam, and Dylan pose for a photo in the St. Mary sanctuary after the baptism on July 6, 2025. Thanks be to God! (Photo courtesy of Dylan/Fidela/Family).
Our careers continued to progress thanks to the supportive family and strong faith I just highlighted. Sid earned her company’s national In-Synch Award, traveled to Orlando for special recognition, and was promoted to underwriter. I enjoyed my first full year at Eastern Washington University as I grew our team, marketed our academic programs, generated community pride for the return of commencement to Cheney, and produced the 2025 EWU holiday video. But my proudest accomplishment in 2025 was writing a successful proposal that funded our marketing program and enabled the launch of a major brand awareness campaign. The key to our professional success in 2025 was the support we gave each other. Whether it was visiting each other at our respective offices, attending one another’s work events, or just being a cheerleader/open ear, there was never a doubt that we valued the workplace growth of each other in the same way that we value our own.
It was a good professional year for both Sid and me. This photo shows me with my colleagues in November 2025 with communications director Linn Parish on the left and digital marketing supervisor Ginny Baxter on the right.
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My apologies, these year-end blog posts always run long. As I prepare to sign off, I want to mention those our family knew who passed away this year: Ed Galloway, James Gibson, Rob Heacock, and Susan Yarborough. May perpetual light shine on them all.
Although it has been a good year for our family, we did lose some really good people. This photo was taken on Christmas Day at my parents’ house.
Thanks to everyone who entered/remained in our orbit over the past 365 days. We thank God for his many blessings and hope to use the lessons learned and the experiences gained throughout 2025 in the years to come. Don’t Blink.
Did you know that a week from today it will already be May? Guess it goes without saying that this is the last Thursday Rundown of April so I better get to it…
Surgery Anniversary – This past Tuesday marked the eighth anniversary of Sloan’s pyloric stenosis surgery that saved her life. Although we didn’t say anything about it for that first year after the operation, Sid and I have opened up more about the rare condition over time. Basically, food was unable to pass through Sloan’s small intestine. Since the food was unable to pass through her digestive system, it naturally went the way it came and she just threw it up. You can learn more by watching this video I made or by reading one of the several blog posts I have written about it. But for today, I just want to thank lead surgeon Dr. Robert Cina for his masterful skill and God for his grace.
During Sloan’s bout with Pyloric Stenosis and for over a year afterwards, we kept it between immediate family. Sidney and I are so thankful for the support of our parents. This photo shows our moms and dads with Sloan at the children’s hospital where the surgery took place (MUSC).
Double Decker Buses – Some of you might know that I ride the bus to work on a frequent basis. In fact, I have mentioned that my free bus pass (thanks, EWU!) is the best perk I have received from any college I have worked at. With all that said, you can imagine that I am pretty excited about what will soon be transporting me between Spokane and Cheney. On Tuesday, one of the new Spokane Transit Authority (STA) double decker buses was on campus for us to tour. I boarded the bus and went right to the top. These buses will ease overcrowding and provide quite a view! They will be in circulation come September 2025.
I am excited for the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) double decker buses to start servicing my route.
Passion/Easter Scenes – When I opened Sloan’s school folder this morning and saw her comic drawings of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, I was touched. The thought she put forth was so pure and it made me once again so thankful that they attend St. Mary. She sketched out multiple drawings but the one below stuck out to me.
Sloan recently drew this at school.
McDonald’s Secret Menu item – Nope, this “secret” menu item at McDonald’s is not for me. I don’t need my soft serve and Oreo cookies mixing with my potatoes. If someone gave me $20 to eat it, I would, but that is not something I would willingly order. Besides the disagreeable combination, I wouldn’t want anything to do with the sogginess that would result. One of the best parts about a McDonald’s hash brown is its crispiness. Let’s not ruin a good thing.
This doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest.
Easter Vigil – I gave a detailed rundown of our 2025 Easter Sunday but I didn’t mention the equally spectacular Easter Vigil. On Saturday night, Sloan and I attended the 8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil mass at St. Mary. The service ran for 2.5 hours as we welcomed a large group of people into the Catholic Church. It is such a rich and meaningful service! We started outside as the Paschal candle was lit from the Easter fire. We then all processed back into the church as our own personal candles were lit from the Paschal candle flame. It was beautiful! Congrats and welcome to all our new Catholics!
What a blessing to attend the St. Mary Easter Vigil.
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That will do it for tonight. Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, especially as his funeral is held on Saturday. Have a nice weekend, everyone. Don’t Blink.
This Easter 2025 post is dedicated to Pope Francis. What a witness he was during this past Lent. He suffered greatly but was rewarded with one final Easter. Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Easter was late this year so perhaps that made yesterday even a little sweeter. After a challenging but much-needed Lent, we used this past Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As always, Easter Sunday is a very special day for my family so I make it a point to document it. Here is a look at how the Resers celebrated Easter 2025…
Easter Sunday started at our house with Sloan and Beau in hot pursuit of possible Easter treats. They arose at 6:30 a.m. and navigated their way downstairs where they found what they were looking for. There might have even been a smaller Easter treat arrangement for yours truly from the Sid Bunny.
Beau and Sloan hold their Easter baskets.
The most significant part of our day came at 9 a.m. when we attended Easter Sunday mass at St. Mary Catholic Church. The sanctuary was packed as Fr. Jeff Lewis presided and proclaimed that the empty tomb was the most welcome and triumphant site that Christians could have hoped for. After attending all the rich masses and services of Holy Week, including last night’s powerful Easter Vigil, the Easter Sunday mass was so fulfilling and encompassing.
Sloan and Beau pose for a photo inside the vestibule of St. Mary Catholic Church in Spokane Valley prior to Easter Sunday mass.
After mass we headed to the reception in the church gym. We sat with our good friends, the Andrades, and savored Jesus’ victory over death. Everything about the beautiful reception—including an elaborate photo backdrop—screamed the handiwork of Marie Bricher.
Our family posed for a photo in front of the backdrop in the St. Mary gym after mass.
We then came home to enjoy the late morning/early afternoon of Easter. While the kids hung out downstairs with their Easter candy and new games, Sid and I retreated upstairs to watch “The Chosen.” With the significance of Easter, the season 4 episodes we watched just seemed to hit even harder than usual.
Walking through the St. Mary parking lot on Easter morning.
Next, we headed over to my parents’ house for our Easter celebration. My siblings and their families also joined us as we rejoiced in the resurrection of our Lord. We shared a delicious ham meal and had some pretty entertaining dinner table conversation.
Delicious food and great conversation at the Reser Easter dinner table.
With our bellies full, we tried to burn some of those calories by staging the annual Aunt Carrie and Uncle Glen Easter Egg Hunt (watch video here). It was once again a competitive affair that saw a new participant this year—11-month-old cousin Olivia.
The Aunt Carrie and Uncle Glen Easter Egg Hunt participants after all the eggs were found.
Any calories that were burned from the hunt were promptly added back on with dessert. We gathered in the living room and kitchen to eat a brownie whipped pie and lemon blueberry cake. Conversation and bonding continued to take place during dessert and well beyond it.
Conversations in my parents’ living room lasted long beyond the dessert was consumed.
At a little before 8 p.m., we started the 34-minute drive home. Once we arrived at the house, we started to prepare for the week ahead while still feeling extremely thankful for the greatest gift ever given.
Rejoice! He is risen.
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On the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, Fr. Mike Kwiatkowski challenged us to look in the spiritual mirror. If we didn’t like what we saw, he questioned, could we improve that reflection by Easter? Much in the same way that you can take measures to improve your physical reflection, the same idea holds true for the spiritual reflection. Taking the Lenten season to pray, fast, and give alms results in spiritual reflection growth. Do I see any positive changes in my own spiritual reflection after Lent 2025? Sure, some. Is it enough? Hardly! Thanks be to God that the Easter season lasts for 50 days and provides plenty more time to improve that reflection. Rejoice my friends, He is risen! Don’t Blink.
Holy Week started yesterday with Palm Sunday. It is always interesting attending the mass because you are presented with two different gospel readings that convey two very different attitudes. The first reading describes Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as people hold up palms and shout “Hosana” as he passes by on donkey. The second gospel reading is always a passion account that details the same people who cheered Jesus now exclaiming “crucify him!”
During yesterday’s mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in Spokane Valley, I was touched by some simple yet profound words from Fr. Jeff Lewis during his homily. He mentioned that in the same way that Jesus fell three times while carrying the cross, Christians also sometimes fall. But, just like Jesus did, we must get back up when we do.
Sloan holding the palm she folded into a palm yesterday. Fr. Jeff Lewis delivered a very profound Palm Sunday homily.
Talk about setting the stage for the next several days to come.
How has Lent treated you? Did it have some bumps? Maybe some unexpected turns? I will you this: it has been one of the more unique and challenging Lents I have journeyed through.
But if you did find yourself taking a fall or two since Lent started back in early March, there isn’t a better time to get up than now. Holy Week is the most significant period on the calendar and I believe that any Lent can be redeemed over the course of these seven sacred days.
As we continue to reflect on the passion of Christ that culminates in his crucifixion, let’s bounce back. I am going to do my best to be holy this week. During this home stretch to Easter Sunday, let’s devote all energy we have to exiting the desert in the best possible position so we may truly appreciate and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Don’t Blink.
It was quite the scene in the first grade classroom on the last day of school. After mass this morning, the students returned to the room one last time to pack up items and say goodbye. Many of these 6-and-7-year-olds were crying and giving hugs. As the time arrived for us to go, I had to practically drag Sloan out of the classroom as she protested with tears in her eyes, “But daddy, I don’t want to leave.”
First graders in Ms. Lunsford’s class, including Sloan, say goodbye to each other after the last day of school on June 14, 2024. (photo courtesy of Paola Devila de Muela.
The vibe at St. Mary Catholic School was a little different this year and it extended far beyond just a tight-knit first grade class. With a new focus on the making of saints, St. Mary students were immediately challenged by a heavenly goal. From there, other more earthly goals like academic excellence and social growth fell right in line.
It was a blessing to walk these two across the parking lot and to their classrooms each day at St. Mary Catholic School in the Spokane Valley.
Both in my 2022-23 school year wrap up post and the entry I wrote on the first day of this school year, I outlined the potential that existed for the next 180 days. With new principal Mr. Stephen Hart reinvigorating St. Mary’s Catholic mission and two familiar teachers leading the classrooms of my children, I had high hopes—and I wasn’t disappointed.
St. Mary Principal Mr. Stephen Hart opens the doors for the first time during the 2023-24 school year. He ended up doing incredible things!
Sloan had an excellent year as a first grader in Ms. Emily Lunsford’s class. Although she made strides academically in Kindergarten, she struggled at times with jealousy and acting out. That all disappeared this year. Taking Mr. Hart’s charge seriously, my daughter made an honest attempt to be St. Sloan. Instead of going to the principal’s office for behavior, she was going to the principal’s office to pray. What more can I say? (Ha! I rhymed).
From her first day to her final day, Sloan had a fantastic school year.
Highlights of Sloan’s school year included being named Future Saint of the Week, proclaiming a reading at the first grade mass, being featured in the school promotional video, and performing in the talent show. Her reading efficiency and math prowess grew at the same immense rate as her pure and beautiful faith in God.
Ms. Emily Lunsford is a talented and devoted teacher who helped Sloan so much.
Beau also had a solid year. His St. Mary rookie debut in Mrs. Leanne Shaurette’s Pre-K3 classroom was loaded with cuteness and growth. We loved Mrs. Shaurette when she taught Sloan three years ago and the feeling was re-enforced this year. The tears in her eyes when we said goodbye immediately triggered my own.
Beau had a lot of fun this year and made many friends.
Highlights of Beau’s first year included making many new friends, being class leader, learning basic skills, and building a strong relationship with his fifth grade buddy, Savannah.
Mrs. Leanne Shaurette is very special to our family.
Perhaps the differentiator that makes St. Mary Catholic School so special is that students aren’t the only ones creating highlights. Parents are invited (and expected) to be involved. What a fruitful year it was for Sidney and me! From worshipping at school masses to serving as the guest reader in Sloan’s classroom to attending the school auction to helping out in class, it has been a lot of fun.
It was a year of fun events, opportunities to serve, and chances to grow closer to God.
But the best part of this past school year was the sense of community. As cliché as it sounds, St. Mary Catholic School is a family and the level of support that is championed equally by the staff, students, and families is downright special. How else do you explain teachers using their lunch period to attend Adoration so they can pray for the students? Many of our close friends are parents of Sloan’s classmates and it was nice to meet new parents from Beau’s class, too. It also helps to have a solid friendship and admiration for the school principal along with the man who oversees the entire St. Mary education program, Fr. Jeff Lewis.
Fr. Jeff receives the gifts from Sloan during a St. Mary School mass this year. Community members are always welcome at the school masses and they always foster so much joy.
Speaking of Fr. Jeff, his homily during today’s final school mass drove home an important challenge. He told the students that the arrival of summer vacation doesn’t mean a vacation from practicing our faith. Rather, it is an invitation to remain fired up with the Holy Spirit until school begins again.
Because, let’s face it, the making of saints is a year-round process. Don’t Blink.
After a fruitful Lent that culminated in full liturgical participation in Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the sacred Easter Vigil, our family was ready for Easter Sunday 2024! What a beautiful day it was…
Sloan holds a candle during the Easter Vigil at St. Mary Catholic Church in the Spokane Valley on March 30, 2024.
The early morning started with Beau and Sloan racing downstairs to find their Easter baskets. I am pretty sure both kids ran as fast as the “other” disciple when he dashed to the tomb. Anyway, the Easter Bunny definitely visited the Reser household.
Sloan and Beau pose with their Easter baskets.
The most important part of our day took place at St. Mary Catholic Church as we attended 9 a.m. Easter Sunday mass. The four of us were joined by my brother and sister-in-law as we worshiped in a full house surrounded by our dearest friends. During a mass with enthusiastic singing and powerful optimism, Fr. Jeff Lewis delivered a homily about the 8 effects of the Resurrection.
Beau and Sloan hang in the vestibule at St. Mary Catholic Church in the Spokane Valley prior to Easter Sunday mass.
We returned home and ate some brunch and relaxed. The kids took the opportunity to take a closer look at their Easter baskets and probably eat a little more candy than they should have. Sidney and I? We continued to watch “Jonathan and Jesus,” a documentary on The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie. It is an incredibly inspirational doc and Roumie, a devout Catholic, proves again and again that there is no Jesus actor better than him. It was the perfect Easter Sunday show to watch.
Taking a moment post-church to take a photo with the kids.
The four of us then piled into the car and headed north to my parents’ house for our Easter celebration. My parents, my siblings, their spouses, and our nieces/nephew were all in a joyous mood. After we all caught up and the kids expelled some energy, we staged the annual “Aunt Carrie and Uncle Glen Easter Egg Hunt” in the front yard. So much fun!
Glen and the kids after the “Aunt Carrie and Uncle Glen Easter Egg Hunt.”
After the egg hunt concluded, it was time for the Easter meal. Now don’t be too surprised but we ate something a little exotic…it was called ham 😂. Everything tasted delicious but as always, the conversation around the table was even better than the food.
Easter meal at the Reser household.
Once dinner concluded, the kids went outside to enjoy the gorgeous weather and the adults gathered in the living room to play a rousing game of Chameleon. I honestly don’t know who had more fun—the young people or the old people.
The adults playing “Chameleon.”
We then gathered back around the dinner table for dessert. But before we dug into the pies, puddings, and cookies, we sang “Happy Birthday” to my sister who celebrated her 40th birthday earlier in the week! After we stuffed ourselves even more, we continued to talk with each other and enjoy the day. Eventually, it was time for everyone to head one. When my family returned to the house, we were all ready for the bed. The preceding Holy Week masses/activities and the busy Easter Sunday had us humbly exhausted.
Miranda prepares to blow out the candles while holding her son, John.
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Although Easter Sunday was yesterday, it is important to know that the Easter season extends for the next 50 days. And, although Lent is now over, I must revert back to Fr. Jeff’s homily from Ash Wednesday. Lent should not be viewed as a 40-day sprint to Easter Sunday whereupon we throw out all the holy practices we developed. Rather, we must treat Lent as a boot camp that whips us into shape for the long haul—well past Easter. Rejoice my friends, He is risen! Don’t Blink.
It is a date that Sidney and I now celebrate just like family birthdays and our wedding anniversary. When May 26 rolls around we immediately recognize it for one reason: The ordination anniversary of our pastor, Fr. Jeff Lewis.
Today, Friday, May 26, 2023, Fr. Jeff Lewis celebrates his 12th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Earlier this week we got a head start on the celebrating as we recognized his anniversary at our Engaged Encounter meeting.
Today marks the 12th anniversary of when Fr. Jeff was ordained to the priesthood. We are proud to say we have known “Papa J” for almost a quarter of those dozen years.
During the nearly three years we have known Fr. Jeff, he has helped get us involved in different ministries. One of those is St. Mary’s marriage prep Pre-Cana program where we get the opportunity to mentor engaged couples. This photo is of Sid, Fr. Jeff. and I with Sarah and Brendan–a couple we mentored who will get married in July.
The first time we walked through the doors of St. Mary Catholic Church, Fr. Jeff greeted us immediately. After some small talk he asked us where we lived in the Spokane Valley. We told him the area where we had recently settled and even though we were on the wrong side of Pines Road and thus outside the parish lines, Fr. Jeff laughed and said, “It’s okay, you’re welcome here anyway…just don’t tell Fr. Kevin” (Fr. Kevin Oiland is the pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, the Catholic community we technically should have attended based on geography).
Fr. Jeff and Fr. Kevin Oiland started a Young Adult Group for Spokane Valley Catholics. It launched 2.5 years ago and because of the time and energy that Fr. Jeff and Fr. Kevin devoted to it, our group continues to grow and thrive. This effort by the two priests really helped Sidney and I find friends and grow in our faith upon moving to Washington.
Fr. Jeff was exactly what we needed after our cross country move and Sidney’s recent conversion to Catholicism. We joined his Young Adult Group that he started with Fr. Kevin and from there he kept getting us more and more involved in other ministries—both at the parish and diocesan levels. Just a text message away, Fr. Jeff has always been there for us. Whether we have needed him for the sacraments, a house blessing, prayer support, his presence at retreats/events, a Hoopfest sponsorship, or a host of other things, he continues to be that constant rock in our daily drive to grow closer to God.
Fr. Jeff Lewis with us at our house blessing.
We admire Fr. Jeff for his faith, self-deprecating sense of humor, and the insane schedule he maintains. Sidney and I are grateful for how much he cares about St. Mary School and its mission to deliver the best Catholic education possible. Speaking of children, it warms our hearts how he always makes time for Sloan and Beau, effortlessly connecting with them no matter the situation. I am inspired by his ambitious goals for evangelization, his commitment to his parishioners, and his love/defense of the Catholic Church.
Fr. Jeff has a genuine love for children…and the relationship is reciprocal! You should see how excited Sloan and Beau get when they see Fr. Jeff.
In my life, I have never had a priest as invested in me as Fr. Jeff. Because of this, I can only say Thanks Be To God. Let us pray that impactful and holy priests like Fr. Jeff Lewis continue to be invigorated by their vocation. Happy anniversary to our very special pastor. Don’t Blink.
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