Religious education of the whole family and community outreach programs are important to the people of Holy Angels Church in Arcadia, as exemplified by two parishioners --- Deacon Arnie Lopez and Norma Murasko, each immersed in both forms of ministry.

Deacon Arnie, a parishioner for 25 years, baptizes, directs Christian Initiation for adults, preaches once a month in the parish and --- every day for the last 15 years --- has ministered to the 2,200 employees of Santa Anita Racetrack across the street from the parish. At the track he helps employees (most of whom are Catholic and Hispanic) with sacramental preparation for marriages and baptisms, holds Bible study in Spanish, conducts ecumenical services and ensures that they celebrate Sunday liturgy, even if it's sometimes celebrated on Monday or Tuesday evenings in the racetrack cafeteria.

The deacon assists workers with letters home, counsels them, and is church for the people. "It's easy to love these people," says Deacon Arnie. "They trust me. They are very humble people. Sometimes they'll offer me a taquito and beans --- they share with me, and that's all they have."

Norma Murasko first became associated with RCIA 12 years ago when her daughter Jolynn, who had just returned from a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, called her and said, "We went to Mass in New Orleans. Kevin [her husband] took the baby up for ashes and he looked so at peace."

Norma, raised a Baptist, had only been inside a Catholic church once in her life and was not certain what a "Mass" even was. Jolynn also said they were going to have their baby baptized. Norma's reaction: "You can't raise a little Catholic unless you find out something about the faith yourself."

Not knowing anything about Catholic churches in the area, Norma and Jolynn called around and found out about RCIA. Jolynn asked her mother to come to the first session with her; "God talked to me," Norma says, recalling the experience.

The next Sunday she came to Mass at Holy Angels. "I walked through the side door and sat way in the back, and God said, 'Welcome home, Norma!'" With her daughter she completed the two-year RCIA process. And as she tells the RCIA candidates she works with now, "Every time I see that church door I cry."

Norma filled with pride at a recent Mass when she saw her son-in-law Kevin lectoring, her daughter Jolynn serving as Eucharistic minister, and both granddaughters were altar servers. "It's been the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life to see my family involved in this parish," says Norma.

At RCIA for children and their families, Norma shows the candidates the importance of reaching out to others. At a recent Rite of Welcome, each candidate brought diapers and baby items for the Pregnancy Help Center in Temple City, a project supported by the parish.

During the Rite, Norma looked at the group of families with whom she works and said, "I just love this parish. I have the best job in the world! I know you can love God anywhere. But there is something about being part of this faith and this community at Holy Angels, and living that faith around the neighborhood. I love it."