Guided by Grace: How Haydee Lara Found Her Mission in Faith and Family

Haydee Lara, who serves her parish in a variety of ways, is April 2026's Disciple of the Month. (Photo provided)

Haydee Lara doesn't view serving in the Church as a responsibility. Instead, her service is a daily response to God's love. As director of religious education for her parish, Lara works alongside her husband to lead marriage preparation and FOCCUS sessions, helping couples and families deepen their relationship with Christ.

Her journey began during a time of spiritual emptiness.

“I discovered a great void in my life,” she recalled. “Somehow I knew God was the answer, but I didn’t understand how until I realized I was his beloved daughter.”

That realization transformed everything. What started as a personal search for meaning soon became a mission to share the love she had encountered.

“When I first came to the parish, I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “I went looking for help, and my pastor invited me to join a ministry. I realized I didn’t really know God, but I wanted to learn. I started to believe what I was hearing about him and experienced his love through my children and through people in the community. God became everything I needed. My life changed, and now I can’t imagine living without him.”

Lara said that memory of feeling lost continues to motivate her to serve others.

“I think about how lonely I once felt and how there are people out there going through the same thing,” she said. “Now, showing them who God is feels vital, because everyone deserves to experience that love.”

Over the years, Lara has seen both challenges and blessings in her parish community.

“Some people have left; others have joined,” she said. “The charismatic group closed, but the number of children preparing for the sacraments has grown a little. Sadly, only a few families stay afterward. Still, I’ve seen many blessings and fruits in people who are truly committed.”

Moments of transformation remind her that her work matters.

“When I see parents participating in Mass, retreats or VIRTUS workshops, I can tell God has inspired them to be there,” she said. “Even if they’re few, I know God has moved their hearts. They leave grateful and with the desire to continue.”

Lara believes that her family’s witness has also touched others in the community.

“People sometimes ask how we’ve managed to have the whole family serve together,” she said. “They joke that I must force them, but I tell them it’s God. It’s not our merit. We just said yes, and he did the rest. I try to listen to my children without judging them. Even when I fail, I consecrate them to God and ask him never to leave them alone.”

Through ministry, she has discovered how deeply she depends on God.

“I’ve learned that I need him more than I ever thought I would,” she said. “Without him, nothing would be possible. I’m his creation, and I feel very loved. Seeing others through God’s eyes makes all the difference. I pray for the grace to keep moving forward without looking back.”

Lara also expressed gratitude for the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization, which she said has helped her grow as a leader and a disciple.

“They’ve given me direction when I didn’t know where to begin,” she said. “Through OCIA, CCD, marriage prep and VIRTUS, they’ve shown me how to use the tools we already have. It’s been a real guide for me.”

Her message is one of gratitude and encouragement.

“I just want to thank everyone who’s been there when I needed it,” she said. “Thank you for your yes to the Lord and for the love with which you do this work. It truly shows. May God keep you strong on your path.”

Congratulations, Haydee, for being named the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciple of the Month!

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