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2009 Honorary
Chairpersons
Paul and Norma
Lovell
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This year the Fall Spectacular Dinner Auction
is honoring two outstanding parishioners people
who
have been active for decades at St. Joseph Parish. Honorary
chairpersons Paul and Norma Lovell will be recognized for
their ongoing
commitment
and dedication to the parish.
The
two were married April 21, 1951, at St. Joseph Church in Cabery
and
soon
relocated to Indiana. They ultimately relocated to the Kankakee
area
in 1955 and became members of the St. Joseph Parish in Bradley. They
have four
children: Linda (Mike Jones of Champaign); Chris (Jim Buckner
of
Bradley;
Karen(Paul Raymore of Ohio) and Patrick (Anita Azzarelli) Lovell of
Bradley. The Lovell's have six grandchildren: Stacey and Ryan
Buckner;
Christopher Jones and Kevin, Ashley and Matthew
Lovell.
Although
neither Paul nor Norma had had the opportunity of receiving
a
Catholic education themselves, the couple believed quite
strongly in the
idea of children learning in an environment where faith was nurtured
and
prayer was encouraged. Each of their children attended and
graduated
from
St. Joseph School. Supporting their parish with
their time
 and
talent has always been a top priority in their
lives.
In 1961, the husband and wife team started
Lovell
Enterprises Real Estate, which continued to operate until
the couple retired in 2000. They also owned Lovell
Constructors, Inc., a residential development
company,
until
they turned the business over to their son, Patrick,
and his wife, Anita, in 1991.
Paul was a member of the Illinois Homebuilder's
Association Executive Board and served as a
tax
assessor
for Bourbonnais Township. Since he retired,
he
has
been an active volunteer at Provena St. Mary's
Hospital in
Kankakee.
Over the years, they have been very active at the
parish,
participating
in an assortment of ministries and
helping
organize
many events and fund
raisers.
Paul was one of the first lectors and served as
president
of the parish's Holy Name Society in the 1960's.
He served on the Joliet Diocesan School Board and coached basketball
at St. Joseph School. He was also a member of the
committee that oversaw the construction of the St. Joseph
Parish Hall in the 1990's.
Norma volunteered in the cafeteria
when her children were attending the parish school. She was also a
Brownie Troop Leader and member of the parish's Council of Catholic
Women., In fact, she was elected CCW president. She continues
to support her parish community by volunteering at the parish
picnic and Las Vegas Nights in Bradley. And, she regularly
helps with bulk mailing of the parish's Beacan
newsletter.
They have worked together on many parish projects
too. In the late 1960's, they helped with the parish's "Show
Boat" dinner theater productions.
The couple's daughter, Linda
Jones, has fond memories of their involvement with the "Show
Boat". They worked "really hard" on those parish productions, she
said. "Mom cooked melted candles in Italian wine bottles and
waited on people and dad did bunches of productions and
administration stuff."
Her parents continue to be generous with
their time and financial resources when it comes to the parish,
stressed Jones. Thinking about the parish school, she said her
parents sacrificed so much because they believed so strongly in
Catholic education. Her father worked more than one job and her
mother made the children's clothes. "I don't think that you could
find two people more committed to family and faith. They have lived
their faith through St. Joe's for sure," she added.
"We've
been very fortunate in our lives," said Paul. "Giving time and
resources to St. Joseph Parish is "our way" of thanking God for his
countless blessings. It's a part of our family and we want to take
care of our family," he added.
From his own experiences with his
children, learning about God and building a relationship with Christ
at St. Joseph School is the best way to begin one's life.
Their
commitment to the parish stems from their gratitude to the Lord.
They attend Mass daily. Receiving the Eucharist throughout the week
really helps them feel closer to Christ. "It's our way of
life....It's part of us,"explained Norma.
The Lovell family is an
inspiration for our parish community. The connections they have
made throughout the years have been priceless. They exemplify the
mission of our parish and have passed their faith on tho the
next generation. It's not uncommon to see the children serving in
church ministries. Two of their grandchildren have graduated
from St' Joseph School and one is a current
student.
Being recognized as honorary chairpersons is "certainly
an honor," said Norma, who admitted she was quite humbled when
she heard about their selection.
Over the years, St. Joseph
Parish has been extremely blessed by the dedication and generosity
of Paul and Norma Lovell. On October 9, 2009, these two
will be formally honored and the parish community will have the
opportunity to formally thank them as our
honorary chairpersons.
Please donate and come join us in
showing gratitude to these two special people and all of our
dedicated
supporters!
Top
photo:
Paul and Norma Lovell
Bottom
photo:
The Lovell
Family: back row; Linda(Lyn) Jones, Pat Lovell and
Karen
Raymore; front row; Chris
Buckner, Paul and Norma.
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