St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

New Mass schedule effective August 8, 2020...

Be an inspiration - #makeanimpact!

Mark your calendar and join us VIRTUALLY this Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm as we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honor the 2021 Human Dignity Awardee Dr. Wilma Wooten. California State Assemblymember and nominee for California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Nash Weber will deliver the keynote address. Details below!

AN UPDATE FROM EDDIE: "I'm much better today (day 14) and I no longer feel I could end up in the hospital. I'm still struggling with breathing but I can at least walk more without coughing non stop. May we always trust in the power of prayer - and the love we hold for one another. Peace brothers and cheers to Christ!" Prayer Warriors, please take a moment to pray for one of the greatest Prayer Warriors I know, Eddie Albanez. Eddie is a member of the St. Thérèse of the Child ...Jesus Rest Stop Men's Prayer Group and has been suffering from COVID symptoms for the past 10 days. Overnight he developed a much higher fever and shortness of breath. He is at the ER right now as you read this. We ask for your prayers for our brother Eddie and all friends and family members suffering from COVID. Psalm 102:2-3 "Lord hear my prayer, let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly."

Today was the first day of my refirement life with A Race For Unity after retiring yesterday, January 4, 2021 from the YMCA of San Diego County. The Y sent me the recording of the Zoom Retirement Farewell today. Thanks for the memories. This was a night I will never forget

Family First... On the day before I retire from the YMCA of San Diego County to refire with A Race For Unity, I can't help but think how for years, the Y has in...tentionally tried to more to serve more families in an equal way to every other YMCA in San Diego County. When we set out to build a new Y, we launched a community needs assessment to be sure we would be responding to those that would use it. The distant number one sounded like, YMCA, do anything you can to INCREASE the stability and influence of the family. Personally, I’ve long felt this to be important - starting with my own family. Our youngest of five Marianna Brunker is twenty-six. To think she and our other four were able to enjoy a family membership to the YMCA for twenty-three years was a tremendous employee added benefit. Our first-born Maria Brunker, was the first to work at the Y during summer break while attending the University of New Orleans. She quickly rose to become a Program Director and then an Associate Executive Director in Orange County and later at the Brandywine Valley YMCA. All of our children were involved in sports. At some point, I was able to coach Mario Brunker and Michelle Kalaniopio’s basketball teams at the Y. While all were in high school, I never missed a game thanks to the support of the Y. Four played at the next level in college. I was able to get away at strategic times to watch them play there too. Of the five children, Michelle Kalaniopio might have had the most program participation. She won the Los Angeles Lakers NBA 2 Ball Championship at Staples Center. And, she played on our 12U basketball team that advanced to the AAU Sports National Basketball Championship in New Haven, Connecticut the summer before 9/11. Now a mother of three sons, our first-born grandson Kolu has seen a lot while tagging along with other Y kids. The Padres always invite kids from our Y to participate in the on the field tribute to Jackie Robinson on April 15. Imagine what’s on his mind looking back at Petco Park on the way home. Every kid likes big trucks and tractors. Kolu is no different and loved watching the demolition and construction of our new Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. Kolu and little brother Cruz were at the ribbon cutting with other girls who grew up at the Y who are now mothers. Our family contributed to the Safe At Home Capital Campaign. A big reason was in support for all the Y has done for children everywhere and what it will do into the future. I thank God for a spouse and family that has allowed me to spend twenty-three years at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. Without their full support, it would have been hard to serve for so many years. And it’s special moments like these that affirm why this is important to me. Truth be told, throughout my years coaching, I missed moments like these when Maria Amato and Mike Brunker Jr.. were the same age. This was why I left the sideline and got into the biggest game of all - the game of life, and it had to start with my own family. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what the score is, especially now with Maria and Mario in Phoenixville (PA), and Michelle is on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Marianna is in Portland. Our oldest son Mike Brunker Jr. is the only one of five still in San Diego. He recently posted this valentine: https://embed.fbsbx.com/embed_facebook.php More evidence that I was not alone during my joyful journey at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA with one day to go until I retire from the Y!

Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say Yes to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the divine design of salvation. Amen. - St. John Paul IIMary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say Yes to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the divine design of salvation. Amen. - St. John Paul II