Kaleidoscope

David Hutton

Born in 1966 into a Christian household, I was exposed to the Congregational church of my Mother, and the Roman Catholic church of my Father, which made me somewhat inter-denominational. I was encouraged by both parents, early on, to appreciate the various faith traditions as well as the World Religions. At 18, (with a two year college diploma) I took off for India as a volunteer to care for Mother Teresa's "poorest of the poor." The next year I adopted, Baljinger, my son. (Or he adopted me, I always say.) Baljinder is married now with two children of their own, living in Toronto, Canada.

Much of my life has been to be active in interfaith dialogue (I.E., caring and learning of other's faith walk without impediment and of the building of bridges.) Career wise, I've always been in some facet of Healthcare from bathing, dressing and feeding our brothers and sisters of this world, to upper management of large multi-million dollar health care Communities, Assisted Living/Dementia Care and Hospice. Caring for them yes, and advocating for them.

Feeling the call of consecration, I entered the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans in 2008, and was elected Director of Formation Counseling (2011) for two and 1/2 terms.

I've been partnered for twenty-five years to Kris Bagbey and we live in Franklin, Tennessee. My mother, Mary, remains active at eighty- one, looking after my step-dad, Allen, at age eighty-seven and who is less active.

I strive every day to be a man of faith and transparency. I am a rescuer of things. People too, and animals. My politics lean toward the empowerment of people, and I support causes that do the same. I believe in equality.

I want to contribute to the IHC actively, authentically and fiscally, wherein I know that my contributions make a difference in the world, as part of a Collective.

Giovanni Esti

I was born in Visano, Italy on June 6, 1963 I was blessed by a good family. My parents are still living and I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters. I left the family to join the Comboni Missionaries at the age of 12. They have always been supportive.

I have a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Claremont Graduate University.

I have been a Catholic Priest ordained in 1991. I have worked as a missionary for most of my years, the last ten in Egypt/Sudan. I have resigned my canonical faculties in 2016.

I have a partner. Her name is Lucrecia Montes. She is also a candidate in the IHM. I have no family here in the USA.

I have met the IHM sisters back in the year 2000 through Fr. Gary Rye. I gave some retreats to the Kenmore Residence and met Anita Caspary.

I identified with the history of the of the Immaculate Heart Community and recognized that I could find myself as a part of it to live a life rooted in God and a way to be Church in the contemporary world.

I was born in San Salvador, El Salvador on 10/11/1963. I was educated while in El Salvador in Catholic schools where nuns were my teachers and mentors. My family and I would enjoy going to the beach on the weekends and all the children in the neighborhood would play out in the streets. Due to the Civil War in El Salvador my family and I fled to the United States in 1980 as refugees.

I have a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Southern California.

I am blessed with two lovely daughters and an incredible partner and friend who is kind and supportive.

My hobbies are reading poetry, gardening and going for walks at the Huntington dog beach whenever possible.

I learned about the IHM community through Giovanni Esti and immediately felt as if I was embraced by people whose hearts and life journey had the Spirit of Wisdom. I identified with the history of the the Immaculate Heart Community where brokenness and Faith join beautifully together to become a strong force of kindness and Hope.

Maureen McCue

I was born in Los Angeles, California, the “middle” of five children. I lived in France and Spain as a child. An enduring love of travel, art, music and languages grew out of that experience. I grew up in Southern California, surfing the waves of the South Bay and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. I have always been an avid runner and participated in several 5K and half Marathons in the South Bay and Big Sur.

Pursuing a love of science, I was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from California State University at Long Beach. After working in management positions, I returned to academia, earned an MBA at the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business, and entered the hard-charging world of Wall Street as an investment banker. I then took the “road-less-traveled” and segued from banking to marketing and assisting CEO’s. The call to “be of service” grew stronger and I am currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Dean, International Programs, at Pepperdine University’s Malibu Campus.

I live in Westlake Village, California, where I am a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church and active in Music Ministry, Choir, and Cerebral Palsy Ministry.

I first learned about the Immaculate Heart Community several years ago while attending a retreat led by Father Michael Fish, OSB CAM. at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at La Casa de Maria. During a break in the retreat meetings, I met Peggy Haskell who introduced me to the Immaculate Heart Community.

Mike Harringtonn

I was born in Los Angeles in 1954. As a boy, growing up in the Los Feliz neighborhood, I found myself visiting the campus of Immaculate Heart High School. My sisters both attended IHHS (Classes of 1969 and 1971) and my mother, Eleanor Harrington, worked with Corita Kent in the art room. I recall learning the process of silk screening and the patient and determination involved. I was also aware of the challenges that the newly forming Immaculate Heart Community was taking.

After some years of absence from regular religious practice I encountered the work and ministry of Msgr. Terry Richey. Beginning in 1992 I began to attend Msgr. Riche’s retreats at La Casa de Maria. I remain an active member of the community of recovery. For the last 25 years I have regularly worked with Msgr. Richey on retreats at La Casa de Maria and continue to see the Msgr. for prayer and support.

Because of my historical connection to the IHC, my association with the work of Msgr. Richie, and many recent encounters with members of the IHC, I am drawn to seriously consider membership in the IHC.

I am currently retired from a carrier in Property Management and as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. I live in Glendale.

Ramona Spradling

I was born in Reseda, California on October 31, 1954. My Parents were Career oriented and were entrepreneurial. I was an only child for seven years and then the eldest of two brothers. My parents had a strong work ethic and I learned early on that I would be required to follow that path. I had my first job by age 11, doing ironing for the neighbor. Often, my Parents would say if you want something you must learn to get it yourself. My mother became a single parent by the time I was 12. I moved into the position as the second parent and took my responsibility very seriously, helping to raise my younger brothers.

I graduated from Taft High School, and attended Pierce College and Moorpark, where I studied, general education with an emphasis on Religious Studies and Sociology. I finally got to UCLA, in my early 30’s, where I completed my Education with a Certificate in Marketing and Public Relations. Continuing Education is a very important part of my life and I have completed many Certification programs in Real Estate Management and Senior Health Care/ Advocacy, and Spiritual Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

I was gifted with high ambitions to excel in whatever I did in life. I worked in Real Estate Investment Trust, Multi Family Housing, Industry and excelled to become a Regional Manager and trainer for the Nations largest REIT, I worked in that field for 15 years. The last 17 years I have worked in Senior Housing and Health Care as a director of Marketing and Residency Counselor, helping senior populations select the lifestyle choice, best suited for their aging needs.

I have a son and a daughter and six grandchildren which I love and adore. Family is very important to me. If anyone had ever told me about the joy that grandchildren bring into your life, I would have had them first! The grandmothers were the most important people during the time, I raised my children. I had the best Mother and Mother in-law and an awesome Father in-law. My observation is grandparents are very important in children’s lives.

During my 35 year career, I served on the Board of Directors for the local Chamber of Commerce, ran for City Council in my Community in a General Election year, was involved in “Save Open Space to preserve the wildlife corridor spanning from the San Fernando Valley to Santa Barbara County, and was co-Founder of a Non-Profit, “Helping Hands for Humanities”. Giving back to the community and helping others has always been important to me. The highlight of my Career/Accomplishments, was working for La Casa de Maria in helping to develop a Marketing Plan to promote new and increased programs to create financial sustainability for a worthy organization.

Continued...

I first became introduced to IHM, through La Casa de Maria and met Anita Caspary at the Center for Spiritual Renewal. It was love or (heart beat), at first sight. Once I learned of the History and evolution of this Community, I knew I wanted to be a part of it any way I could. Through employment, volunteerism or student and beneficiary of their spiritual programs.

After 20 years of involvement with La Casa de Maria, in February 2019 , I knew it was time to pledge my commitment to IHM and give my best efforts to keep this worthy, heartfelt community alive.