Family of the Month Program from Brother Mike Mullane, Family Director

“Easygoing”- that is the word that the Bracamontes family used to describes themselves- and it is easy to see why once you get to know a bit about them.  From what I learned as I spoke with them, “Giving” and “Caring” would be two other words that rise to the top of the list as well.

Roberto, Lilia, Christina (11) and Diego (7) enjoy participating in the community, and when there is a call for service, they make time to be part of it.  The Bracamontes family can be seen jumping in to lend a hand all around the Christ the King parish.  They attend Sunday mass together and volunteer as projectionists at the 10:45 mass- with Christina learning how to run the projector from her Dad.  The family is also a regular fixture at Knights of Columbus sponsored events:  from the St. Patrick’s Dinner, to Sausage Making, to a Pancake breakfast, they all chip in as a team to help with event set up, food preparation, serving, and clean up.  They also find a way to carve some time out during the events to dine together and enjoy the event as a family.  As a member of the Knights, Roberto takes it upon himself to organize refreshments for our council after each monthly meeting- just another way he takes pride in being of service to others.  With a role models like Roberto and Lilia, it is no surprise that their children are both genuine and generous as well.

While being of service to others is central to their lives, staying connected to one another is just as important.  Each evening, the Bracamontes family has dinner together.  It’s a tradition that they all take turns telling one another about their day and taking an interest in what is going on in each person’s life.  They also enjoy playing board games together for entertainment- and it is reported that some pretty serious games take place, including “UNO!” championships, organized by Christina.  Other activities that the family does together include local favorites like trips to the park and bike riding.  They also enjoy getting out and taking regular vacations to Oregon or Yosemite.  The holidays are a special time for the family to connect, with Christmas being an annual tradition for everyone to decorate the house- inside and out.  Thanksgiving is traditionally spent with another family, and the kids pull together an annual show for the adults to enjoy.