Paul Van Esch

[Reney Shammo]

Heput me into a loving Catholic family, and my parents made sure I was baptized and took me to Corpus Christi church in Roseville for my first Communion. I found him at the Communion rail as Father Roy Lepak presided.

They provided me with a K-12 Catholic education. After receiving a new name and the gifts of the Holy Spirit in confirmation, I strayed as a teenager. But with the help of a dear friend, a senior high school retreat at Dunrovin Retreat Center and faithful people at the St. Paul Catholic Youth Center, I came to my senses. He found me in the sacrament of confession, and he gave me the opportunity to work in youth ministry during a key period of my life with one of the first Blitz teams, now called the National Evangelization Teams (NET Ministries of West St. Paul).

We enjoy the rich heritage of our Church, which is one, holy, Catholic and apostolic, despite occasional signs to the contrary. What a joyful and meaningful gift our Catholic faith is to help us along our way.

Esch, 61, and his wife, Debbie, are active members of Transfiguration in Oakdale. They have an adult son living in Boston. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Esch is a human resources manager and musician. His performance schedule can be found at pauleschmusic.com and on social media. Esch is also a member of the national American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and the St. Joseph Business Guild based in North St. Paul.

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