Knights of Columbus Council #5811 Family of the Month for April 2009 - Brother Garst Peterson and Family

Priorities.  In the hustle and bustle culture today, it is important to make sure you have some clear priorities; and for Brother Garst Peterson, his family and the Christ the King community are on the top of the list.  “We (wife Julie and Garst) make sure to take time with the kids (Sarah, 8 and John, 5)- the time they need so they can grow up to be strong, well adjusted adults” says Garst, a two-year Knight and current Advocate for our Council.  “The parish and school are important to our family too.”

For some people, making choices and setting priorities is difficult, but when it came to family, the choice was clear for Garst and Julie.  A few years back, Garst was working long hours and traveling extensively for work- and he missed Julie and the kids while he was gone.  One Easter, following a great day together with his family and friends, Garst had to pack for a business trip he was taking early the next morning.  “The Sunday Night blues”, Garst recalls, describing the feeling of the evening as he got ready to hit the road, and not wanting to leave again.  It was at that point that Garst and Julie began to discuss a career change for him- something that would allow for more time at home.  Shortly thereafter, Garst took a position with Robert Half International that provided him the life/work balance he desired.  “We decided to make the move and I’ve never looked back,” says Garst.  “I reset my priorities and got back to where I needed to be.   It was a change,” but the benefits of being able to be there for his family have been far greater than any career trade-offs.

The Peterson’s have taken full advantage of change- baseball in the backyard, BBQing, taking trips to Tahoe, going to the kid’s baseball and softball games, participating in the KofC St. Patrick’s Day party, or sitting down for a family dinner each night- these are now all part of the normal routine.

The Peterson’s are also very active around the CTK parish.  Garst is a visible and engaged leader in the Knights, who recently launched our Council website and also acted as a sponsor to the Council’s newest 3^rd Degree members.  Garst also spent the past two years as a leader in the Extended RCIA program.  Julie is a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Grief Support ministry, and active in the school’s “Garden Café”.

“There is a huge sense of community,” around CTK said Garst, who completed the RCIA program three years ago.  After completing the program, Garst was extremely impressed with the welcoming to the community that he received, which included letters from parishioners and the entire 2^nd grade class!  “We attend the Easter Vigil service every year” Garst says, noting that it gives he and Julie the opportunity to help make other new Catholics feel welcomed and a valued member of the Church.

While Garst is no longer a “road warrior” for work, it is clear to see that he is traveling a great road on the journey of life.  “The childhood that I had is what I am giving my kids,” says Garst.  Clearly, from the priorities he and Julie have chosen, they are setting the stage for that gift to keep on giving for many generations.