DECEMBER KNIGHT OF THE MONTH
JOEL SICAT
Clockwise from front: Lisa, Karina,
Joel, bernadette, Joshua, Noah,
Francis, Brianna, Aliyah, Shirley
by: Ricardo Teano, Retention Committee
Congratulations to Joel for earning the distinction as Knight of the Month. He has only been a knight for 4 months but his solid contribution to our council and church speaks for itself. Congratulations again!
Joel has been a Catholic since he was a baby as his family has been Catholic for generations. Even during WWII, his mother and family had to flee into the jungles to escape and while living in make-shift homes his grandfather would have the entire family pray every day.
Joel became a parishioner at SDC since moving to the area in May of 2021. He was formerly a parishioner at St. Thomas More in Irvine. His wife Karina and Joel really liked the atmosphere and people at SDC. They especially enjoy attending mass with the “singing priest” Father Thomas lol. They quickly fell in love with SDC and have been going to Santiago since.
Brother Joel is an only child, born in San Francisco as his mom was married late and had trouble conceiving. He was the only one that survived several pregnancies. He grew up in the small city, Vallejo, CA, He moved to Orange County in 1998 and lived in Irvine since 2000 until he moved to Trabuco Canyon in 2021. He has 2 daughters from a previous marriage, Aliyah (24) and Brianna (21). He recently got married in September of this year to his wife Karina and they are expecting their first child together; his first son, in late May. He also, takes care and the father figure of his 3 nephews Joshua, Francis, and Noah. His father, Joe, passed away in 2019 and since then has been taking care of his mother, Lisa (88), along with his aunt and her younger sister Shirley. Karina is a big help as she has been the one helping them recover from illness and disabilities. She has also been instrumental in helped Joel change to become a better man and a stronger Catholic. She was the one that suggested he join the Men’s Renewal in August as she had previously attended the Women’s Retreat. That weekend made a huge and blessed impression on Joel.
Joel’s background is banking & real estate, and he currently owns several assisted living homes which accommodate the elderly and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) patients. He finds it a very rewarding field as they take great care of residents and help the state place patients in their homes as there aren’t any permanent facilities for TBI’s.
During his free time he is part of the hospitality team at our church and currently part of the Men’s Renewal ministry that will be held in March. His wife is also part of the Women’s Renewal ministry, which will be held in February.
Here is the highlight of why he was chosen as the knight of the month. Joel has always been interested in becoming a Knight but never had the time nor opportunity until recently. He signed up at the last minute for Rewewal 6. That weekend changed his life and really renewed his relationship with God and the church. It opened doors he never had before and gave him the strength to be more involved with the parish. He really admired all the volunteer work and charitable contributions by the Knights and was eager to become a member. He is especially touched by the Garden of Innocence program as he believes strongly in Pro-life and admires what we do for the abandoned Jeffrey Christman,Rona Christman,Hannah Knapp, Domingo, Michelle Donato, Crishelle Christman, Ruby and Danny Knapp Knights of Columbus 9487 - January 2025 - www.kofc9487.com Page No. 6 and aborted children. He attended the service in October and was very touched and impressed with the Knights. It was truly a special moment and feesl blessed to be part of the Knights of Columbus. He helped with the fall festival weekend, cooking at the American food booth. He helped at the car wash and Brizio fundraiser along with donating to the Turkey dinner. He has attended every Knights meeting except for the September meeting as he got married that week. Being a part of this parish and council, has been a great blessing and he is very thankful to God and the parishioners for welcoming him and his family to Santiago de Compostela. He has met some wonderful and kind people and is very impressed with the ministries he is a part of and looks forward to being a part of others.
Once again congratulations Joel as the Knight of the Month.
