GUS CARLSON FAMILY
Gus has been a parishioner at St John Paul II for 4 years. He is an Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus with 34 years of continuous service. He is a volunteer member of Father Pagano’s staff and is responsible for maintenance of the campus. He is Father Rich’s go to guy and handy man that knows the facility better than anyone else. His duties include scheduling maintenance, facilitating and coordinating clean ups, erecting tents, and setting up tables and chairs, among many other tasks. He is an offertory counter and an usher. Gus is also a member of the building committee for our capital campaign. Gus serves with honor and distinction in the highest traditions of the Knights of Columbus and gives of himself every single day to help others.
His daughter, Caroline, is the Director for the Early Learning Center for the past year. She is also a parishioner at St John Paul II. She has played an important role in bridging the gap between the ELC and St John Paul II by coordinating special programs with Father Rich, such as Lent and Easter education for the children, and holding children’s programs in the church throughout the year. She has presented ice cream socials, “Meet Father” graduations, and several Christmas Programs. Under her leadership, the ELC added staff and enrolled 26 new families.
Caroline’s husband Nathan is a K9 officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office. He volunteered and presented a K9 demonstration during St John Paul II fall festival with his dog “Sabo”. He and Sabo were also a part of the “Blessing of Pets”.
Ben’e Freeman is a parishioner at St John Paul II and is Gus’s life partner. She quietly works behind the scenes in the office stuffing bulletins, organizing files for the parish administrator and provides valuable council. She helps at the Knights fish fry’s and other Parish events. You will also find her working in the kitchen and bussing tables for festivities. She also donated a digital piano to the church and has been a member of the church choir.
This family continuously shows their dedication to our Parish and the Catholic Faith. Their willingness to help is in keeping with the Highest Traditions of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Church.