A Glimpse into the Life of a MCP Student: Deanna Valenzuela

Those who sing, pray twice.  These words are attributed to St. Augustine, but Deanna Valenzuelahas made them her own in the 21st century at St. Catherine of Siena in Veneta.  Growing up in Eugene, she remembers fondly how her musical gifts were nurtured at Central Lutheran Church, where she was surrounded by godly people who were extraordinary musicians.  She was born singing (as her mother relates it), studied piano for nine years and played a variety of other instruments, especially oboe, which she pursued into college, winning a small scholarship to the University of Oregon. 

Performance studies proved to be too intense and burnout led Deanna to opt instead for vocational business school, after which she worked as a legal secretary for many years.  Her spiritual nature found refuge in horses, and through friendships leading her to Sr. Janet Ryan, SNJM and the RCIA community at St. Thomas More Newman Center, she realized that the Catholic Church was her true home. 

Encouraged by her RCIA sponsor, Deanna made a trip to Chile after joining the church in 1989, and returned determined to study Spanish.  In the process of finding a tutor among University students, she also met her future husband Julio, who admits to love at first sight.  They married at St. Mary’s in Eugene and settled into country life to welcome their family, looking for a parish to nurture them.  The small, close community of St. Catherine’s drew them in and has become a “home base” as their family grew to include three daughters, Merilea, (age 12) Melissa (almost 10), and Melody (3).

Music still beckoned, and Deanna joined the church choir, led by Sue Hallett, who was Pastoral Associate at the time.  Little by little she began to fill in as accompanist and choir leader, and when Sue was called to be Pastoral Administrator in 2001, it was a natural step for Deanna to replace her as Music Director.  “The Holy Spirit compelled me forward.  I found myself part of the Pastoral Council, and through participating in Disciples in Mission I realized that there is a place for lay ministers in the Catholic Church.” 

Now she claims the piano bench is the best seat in the house.  “I do my best music when the assembly is really singing.  Surrounded by their voices, my prayer is lifted up.”  Of St. Catherine’s small, but talented choir, she says,  “They really collaborate with me in this work.  I hope they realize how much they are the ministers.”

When asked how she became involved in the ministry certificate program, Deanna relates “Sue was studying in the program and shared some of her papers with me.  When Dr. Elaine Park offered the New Testament class in Albany, Sue encouraged me to take it.  I was able to apply something I learned after the very first session!” 

Good thing!  Deanna’s responsibilities have expanded to include organizing the religious education program, in addition to her role as liturgical minister.  Because of her family and ministry commitments, she has been a devoted participant in online Ministry Certificate classes.  She’s delighted at the current format, which utilizes not only scheduled readings and assignments sent to the instructor, but also a Discussion Board which encourages interaction among students.  Through her participation in the 2004 summer intensive study week and the recent Growth in the Spirit retreat, Deanna has developed relationships with other lay ecclesial ministers across the archdiocese.  Sue Hallett continues to mentor her as she grows into the many-faceted role of ministry in a small rural parish.