Guy Riga is a volunteer Jonesboro can always count on

Plainspoken lifetime parishioner takes pride in Blessed Sacrament church, school

Published: December 11, 2013

By Zita Taitano

Zita Taitano

"I’m proud of this school. I believe everything we do is what God gives us to do." - Guy Riga of Blessed Sacrament Church, Jonesboro

Zita Taitano

"I’m proud of this school. I believe everything we do is what God gives us to do." - Guy Riga of Blessed Sacrament Church, Jonesboro

Name: Guy Riga

Parish: Blessed Sacrament Church

City: Jonesboro

Age: 74

Family: Widowed (wife Martha died in 2009) with four children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Why you want to know Guy: A longtime parishioner of Blessed Sacrament, Guy is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer at the Blessed Sacrament School. He admits he is a private person but goes out of his way to help the faculty, staff and students of the school whether it is setting up chairs for Mass at the Knights of Columbus hall or other work he’s asked to do, such as hanging photos on the wall.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Arkansas Catholic’s theme this year is “Arkansas Catholic delivers a year of faith.” What have you done to strengthen your faith this year?

“There’s nothing in particular. I just try to be helpful to others. My faith has always been strong. From childhood, I had loving Catholic parents, and I never had any doubts about my God or where I stand. I try to attend Mass every week. We have Mass on Monday morning and Friday morning, plus the weekend.”

How long have you been a member at the parish? Have you been Catholic all your life?

I have been a member all my life. All 74 years.

Do you like being Catholic?

I think in the 74 years, I would’ve changed if it wasn’t important to me.

What’s the best thing about this parish and school?

That’s the one thing I like about the parish; it’s because they have a school. I’m proud of this school. I believe everything we do is what God gives us to do.

What was your previous occupation?

I am retired from the Army and served 21 years. I was a master sergeant. After that I worked in a lot of factories.

What is your educational background?

I have a high school GED.

What are your hobbies?

I read. I like associating with other people.

Who is your favorite saint?

I’ve adopted St. Michael. He’s the one who sent the bad angels to hell. He’s the one with the sword. He and the good angels, they fought the bad angels.

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