Introduction

Greetings 8th Graders and Families!


I am Paul Rubio, the catechist-teacher for 8th grade Religious Education (RE) class for the 2021-22 RE year on Tuesday evenings.

 I am excited to welcome you to this new year.
 
I am a long-time Ascension parishioner, since about 2000, after attending St. Giles Family Mass Community for several years.  I attended Ascension’s RE program as a student during grades 7 and 8.  I am now starting my 9th year as a middle school RE teacher.  I grew up in Oak Park and attended local public schools: I am Irving Class of 2002, Julian Class of 2005, and OPRFHS Class of 2009.
 
I graduated in May 2016 with a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University.  After working at the Oak Park Public Library for nearly 2 ½ years, I started my current job as a cataloger in the Technical Services department at the Orland Park Public Library.  I feel my work as a librarian aligns well with that of being a catechist, since in both positions, I am helping people find the knowledge they need to live fully.
 
I lector and serve as Eucharistic minister at Mass.  I also am a Knight of Columbus in Ascension's Council, and I was part of the charter group when the Council started in August 2018.  (Dads, if you’re interested in joining this prestigious group, it’s easier than ever.  Please feel free to contact me for more info.)

A fun fact about me is that I thoroughly enjoy traveling the USA onboard Amtrak trains.  It's been particularly special to mark Amtrak's 50th birthday this year.  It's a great way to go at a different pace to see the country as I'm passing through it.  I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities to share about my train travels and how my travels connect with the faith life.

I am eager to meet everyone in our first class on September 21, and accompanying the 8th graders on their faith journey in the coming months to Confirmation and beyond.
 
God’s blessings,
Paul Rubio

Here I am posing on a dock before a boat ride through the Panama Canal waterway, taken by one of my fellow pilgrims to World Youth Day 2019 in Panama.  We did sightseeing in the rainforest after participating in WYD events, including Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.

In the photo above, I am wearing my News Bowl shirt from when I participated in that competition during my 8th grade school year at Julian.

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