Meet Parishioner Lisa Esquivel: Serving Our Faith Community, Depending on Jesus

For parishioner Lisa Esquivel, involvement here at St. Leo’s began when her second child, Addy, started the religious education program.

“I taught her class from first through third grade and continued with my third child, Isaiah, all the way through fifth grade,” Lisa says. “It was very natural for me to help. I was never the teacher — I was the helper.”

The Esquivel family joined as parishioners in 2009 when they first moved to Grand Island. Lisa and Tino have three children — Isaiah, Addy, and Tyler.

“My faith life has grown so much since joining St. Leo’s,” Lisa says. “I have been able to surround myself with such faithful people. I have learned rightalong with the students while teaching religious education.”

Since she first joined the parish, Lisa has been involved in many ways. Along with teaching religious education, she has helped with Confirmation classes, serves as a member of the Stewardship Council, and also with the Lady of St. Leo’s Ministry. In addition, she and her family help out as greeters for Mass, and Lisa is also a lector and commentator.

“I serve because I feel it is my duty to help and share what I know,” Lisa says.

One of the biggest highlights of Lisa’s time as a parishioner was the Catholic HEART Workcamp trip to Minnesota in 2021. She accompanied two of her children on this endeavor, which involves mission work for teens.

“It was so rewarding to watch my kids as well as all the other kids helping others and having fun and meeting new people that were there doing the same thing,” she says.

Lisa says her faith has grown as a result of getting involved in our parish. She recognizes the importance of helping out in various ways, using her talents and time to give to God and His Church.

“Since being involved with the Church, I have just started to depend on Jesus and the belief in Him to help me get through life,” she says. “He has a plan and I have learned to trust His plan.” ​

Lisa’s advice to anyone looking to get involved at our parish is to start small like she did. Helping out in a small way can make a big difference.

“It is very rewarding,” she says. “Our parish is so lucky to have the administration that we have because they are so welcoming and easy to work with.”

Lisa Esquivel says her faith has grown since being part of our parish family.