The Villena ohana is active at St. Joseph Church and School in Hilo. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consultants)
By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Linden and Chrislyn Villena and their children — Jayden, Jadelyn, Jaxden and Jorden — are staples at St. Joseph Church and School in Hilo. Linden and Chrislyn are not only cradle Catholics, they are also parish members, and their parents are still actively involved.
“Seeing their involvement, it was natural for my husband and me to serve and be involved,” Chrislyn said. “Our parents — both sets — laid the foundation for us. Their prayer life, their devotion and commitment to parish life, it was just natural and organic.”
Linden enjoyed serving as an altar server at St. Joseph while he was growing up.
One of the first ways Chrislyn got involved as an adult was as a part-time youth minister. Jayden, now 21, was a baby at the time — he came along, and there was always a teenager willing to hold him.
Chrislyn was the youth minister for 21 years, and then she did everything from infant baptism classes to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. She has been involved with many parish ministries over the years.
“Stewardship shows we are active participants in the mission of Christ,” she said. “It strengthens our baptismal promises.”
Both Linden and Chrislyn are teachers at St. Joseph School. Chrislyn teaches theology; Linden teaches science, chemistry, biology and anatomy. Linden is also a track and cross country coach, where he often has the opportunity to pray with the athletes.
“What I love most about our shared ministry is showing our students and colleagues an authentic example of a married couple who serves,” Chrislyn said. “Our stewardship is about giving, not getting. As long as we can pay our bills and put food on the table, we gladly give.”
The couple truly values Catholic education.
“Our values — respect, responsibility, reverence, forgiveness and mercy — were completely aligned with Catholic education,” she said. “It was just easy.”
They also appreciate that they are setting an example for their children through serving. They can already see this in action with the older kids.
“It’s the spirit they all have,” Chrislyn said. “If there’s a need, they jump in.”
Chrislyn thinks back to a student who said they know Jesus because of her, and she feels blessed to bring Jesus to her students.
“I love that I can be my 100% authentic self and not apologize for saying ‘I love Jesus’ while I teach,” Chrislyn said.
As Linden and Chrislyn reflect on their involvement, they love it all. It takes time, but it’s worth it. If you want to get involved, start small by joining a new ministry.
“Don’t be afraid to give, whether it’s five minutes or five days,” Chrislyn said. “Whatever you give, give it with your whole heart.”
An important tenet for the Villena family is having family dinners around the table without technology.
“That’s our commitment as a family,” Chrislyn says.
In their free time, the Villena family loves to hang out. They also enjoy family movies, dinner and a movie, and sports.
Chrislyn wants to see the faith lived out in all times and places — not just at church and school.
“Stewardship and faith should live everywhere — in the grocery line, the school parking lot and Starbucks,” she said. “Just go be Jesus — every day and everywhere.”