Welcome Sr. Jean Marie, D.C., and Brother Roberto to the SHC Community

Sacred Heart Cathedral is pleased to introduce the newest members of our community, Sister Jean Marie Williams, DC and Brother Roberto Martinez. Sr. Jean Marie Williams, DC has a master’s degree in religious studies from the Catholic University of America and a master’s degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame. For the past seven years, Sr. Jean Marie has helped run a new ministry, the Daughters in Magadan, Russia. From 1932 to 1956 the city of Magadan was a major administrative center of the GULAG prison system in the far eastern part of the Soviet Union where more than a million people died. Sr. Jean Marie and two other Daughters of Charity (Krakow Province) worked with the Catholic Parish of the Nativity of Christ to minister to survivors of these prison camps and their families. Sr. Jean Marie also served as parish liturgist, organist and choir director, as well as a minister to the home-bound. Sr. Jean Marie returned to the United States this April and resides in the Caritas Sisters’ Home. At SHC, Sr. Jean Marie serves in a variety of roles, primarily working with the Community Life team. [caption id="attachment_366919" align="alignleft" width="250"] Brother Roberto Martinez[/caption] Brother Roberto Martinez comes to SHC after spending a summer serving delinquent children in the Philippines at the Bahay Pag-asa (House of Hope). This is one of Brother Roberto’s first international experiences, and is just the beginning of what he will embark on. Brother Roberto has had a very personal connection with the Christian Brothers.  Always seeking the Brothers as his “big brothers”, Brother Roberto looked upon the Brothers as his mentors during his high school years at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. During his sophomore year, Brother Roberto was diagnosed with germ cell cancer. The Brothers quickly sent teachers to his house and assisted his family with the funds to get Brother Roberto through high school. This life-changing experience deeply affected Brother Roberto, who, after his recovery, knew that he wanted to spend his life serving others. With the guidance of the Christian Brothers, Brother Roberto tutored and mentored students while he completed his bachelor’s degree in theology at La Salle University. Drawn to the vocation of the Brothers from a young age, Brother Roberto followed his calling. At SHC, he teaches scripture and at De Marillac, Brother supports students after school and teaches media graphics.