Have you ever been asked to write your own biography, an account of your life? For me this has been and still is a humbling moment. Many memories came flooding back to me while I was thinking about what to write; one stuck out however. While I was on my confirmation retreat a poem was read to us. The words never left; because its meaning took root in me.

 

You're writing a gospel, a chapter a day by deeds that you do and words that you say.
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true. Say what’s the gospel according to you?
       Author unknown

Hey there! My name is Paula Robin; I am the Youth Minister, Confirmation Coordinator, and Co-Chair Person for assisting Reverend James Forsen Director of the Office of Vocations for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles; in promoting and planning for Vocations here at Saint Finbar Catholic Community.

As a registered member of this parish, my passion is to enable young people to understand what their gifts and talents are, how to develop a personal relationship with God, and how to live in peace and harmony with others. Our prayer is that the youth that enter our ministries walk their faith journeys in ways that transform society. Our goal is to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community.

In late September of 1997 I chose to be a living sacrament of the Catholic Community of St. Finbar. The joy of my Catholic faith is increased by the opportunity and privilege of sharing the beautiful tradition of Catholicism with others. I am grateful to God and Father Albert for believing in me and allowing me to use my gifts by fulfilling the position of Youth Minister and Confirmation Coordinator.

It isn’t true that everything is big in Texas. I was born premature, weighing in less than 5lbs. I was raised in a small town; my mother delivered me at home alone with her four other children quietly sleeping in the next room.

After graduating high school I immediately enrolled in a small community college. Two years later I transferred to Houston. It was there that I first volunteered to serve the larger community, at an abuse shelter for woman and children. I earned my Master Catechist in 1989. With that honor I held the positions of DRE, and Coordinator of RCIA in my home town parish. My love for serving the Church began when I joined my youth ministry and two years later was voted on as their leader. I held that position for the next two years. This is where I learned that the first step on our journey is finding our true identity in Christ. Becoming free to use our true selves in service to the Kingdom of God is the victory.

I stepped into ministry service after working for over four years at St. Joseph and Holy Cross Medical Centers in the field of Neurodiagnostics. The twelve years prior I worked for an insurance company in the field of Fraud and Investigations. I have over 20 years experience as a catechist in faith formation, RCIA and confirmation. I have also trained Catechist.

I love the fall, sports- especially football, drawing, fishing, reading, writing, Church and coffee.