Family sings God's praises in words and deeds

Intermountain Catholic/Jenn Sparks

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LAYTON – In 2003 Jose and Norka Jorges arrived in Utah from Venezuela with their two daughters to work as part of a military team at Hill Force Air Base. They came as part of the military air force from Venezuela and received an invitation and a contract from a company to do modifications on the planes. Since then, they have chosen to remain in Utah for the job.

"The problems in Venezuela were another big factor," said Jose. "God brought us here."

As Catholics, their faith has helped them to keep united and grow spiritually. They have been parishioners of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church since their arrival in Utah.

"The search for God, praying and being in constant communication with God has helped us in this journey," said Norka. "Being here at the church has helped us in the fight that all migrants have when we live in other countries."

The Jorges first joined the St. Rose of Lima choir when their two daughters were learning to play the guitar.

"When the priest here was changed there was like a hole in the choir," said Jose, "so we decided to join our daughters in the choir."

Monsignor Victor Bonnell, who had been pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, retired in August. The new pastor is Father Clarence Sandoval, whose first day with the parish was Aug. 3.

The Jorges’ work has been noted because now they, with other couples, are in charge of making sure that the choir and the choir director have what they need.

"Being with our daughters, plus being closer to God – those spiritual elements have helped us to be stronger as a family," said Norka.

Besides being very involved in the choir, the Jorges as a family participate in almost all the activities of St. Rose of Lima Parish. It doesn’t matter if it’s filling bags with food, asking for donations, putting ornaments on the church or helping organize special Masses and events, the Jorges are always there.

"Being able to serve as a family keeps us united," said Jose. "This is a way to be able to be with God all the time. We are very grateful for all the things he gives us and this is just a little way of returning all the gifts."

"To be able to be in constant communication with God has helped us become stronger," said Norka.

The church has become their second family. "It’s very important to keep and grow our faith all the time," said Jose.

"I like how we can be together and be close to God as a family," said Maria Laura, the Jorges’ youngest daughter. "Being able to participate here [in the church] has brought us closer to God."

"They are a good example of what being a good servant is," said Ana Martinez, the parish secretary.