In 1988 Jim Carper went through the initiation process at his parish, St. Peter Claver in Simi Valley, supported not only by his wife Teresa (a cradle Catholic), but by his fellow parishioners. Indeed, the feeling of inclusion he had at St. Peter Claver is obvious as he reflects on his decision to become a Catholic.

"When you feel most unlovable, you feel loved here," says Jim. "People are always glad to see you."

In the years since 1988, Jim and his family have participated in a number of activities at St. Peter Claver. He and friend Tyler Ritch have been "chief cooks" for nearly every major event, and recently Jim became parish director of development.

"We do a lot of shoulder tapping," he smiles. "We're very inviting and say, 'We need your help.' The people always step up when you ask them."

Recently, on the feast of Christ the King, Jim spoke at all the Sunday Masses asking for support in "Own A Piece of the Walk." Families were asked to purchase bricks on which their names will be inscribed. The brick walkway will lead from the archway outside the main entrance of church all the way across the parking lot. The bricks will go toward building the future Preschool, Kindergarten and Youth Ministry Center.

The success of the program is paying off. No surprise, since the parish previously (in 1998) built and completed their new church ahead of schedule.

As development director, Jim works with groups doing fundraising related to the Building Fund. He is an ad hoc member of the Parish and Finance Councils, and oversees grant writing. He is especially interested in the parish's Building Fund and the emphasis the parish places on the family, especially its youngest members. As Jim says, "The 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds are the future of the church."

St. Peter Claver Parish is committed to the needs of the family. Its 3,400 families from diverse cultures and backgrounds are the center of its many ministries. Much of this inspiration seems to come from Msgr. Gary Bauler, pastor.

"To me the family is everything," says Msgr. Bauler, who feels very much at home at St. Peter Claver. His father was a member of the Los Angeles Police Department and Simi Valley is noted for its large number of current and former law enforcement members.

The parish also has a Fire and Police Ministry and a Medical Ministry. Other ministries include Bereavement, Bethany (which provides hospitality after funerals), OASIS (serving the elderly and their families), M&Ms (Middle School Ministry), the Service, Justice and Peace Committee, Little Church (religion "readiness" program for 3- to 5-year-olds), and Apostle's Kitchen for the homeless.

Participation and service are offered willingly and enthusiastically. "I've never met such generous people," says Msgr. Bauler. "Not because of big donations, but because by their generosity they show they are part of something bigger than themselves."