Five minutes with…. John Voytas

The Catholic Voice recently spent five minutes with catechist JOHN VOYTAS of Narooma and asked him a few questions.

What parishes have you been in­volved in?

The Parishes I have being involved in have been Emu Plains and Springwood in the Blue Mountains in NSW, 38 Years in Springwood Parish.

What’s great about where you live?

I live in a beautiful part of the South Coast at Narooma, 5 hours from Sydney. A Peaceful and Quiet environment with wonderful beaches and lakes.

Who inspires you in your faith?

My inspiration for my Faith in recent times have been two recent friends – Father Joseph Tran parish priest at Narooma and Matt Ramson Catechist coordinator for the South Coast. They are humble people, always smiling and pleasant I can see the influence of Jesus in their lives.

Do you have a favourite Saint?

My favorite Saints are Saint John Paul II and Saint Sister Faustina both wonderful and spiritual  people. Both Polish who made a strong Catholic influence on our Faith and the World.

Have you been to any great con­certs?

My most loved concerts were Cats and Jersey Boys, both in Sydney wonderful joyous music.

Do you have a favourite sporting team and/or sport (and why)?

My favorite sporting team the Bulldogs rugby league team in Sydney. I was raised in the area in western suburbs and they were a home-grown club with many local players over the years.

What is your favourite food or beverage?

My favorite food is Wiener Schnitzel with mashed potatoes and homemade lemon meringue pie.

Do you have a favourite place to eat?

I don’t have a favorite eating place. I like to eat at all local restaurants and cafes

What is your favourite movie?

My favorite movie is The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara made partly in Ireland and Hollywood.

What is your favourite book and last book read?

I don’t have a favorite book but I like reading History especially by Peter Fitzsimmons. One of his best books was Ned Kelly with lots of background information about the times and life of this bushranger.

What is your favourite place for a holiday?

Favorite holiday destination is anywhere in Europe especially the historical areas in any country to experience the culture and food in the different towns.

Do you have any places you par­ticularly like to visit?

My favourite place to visit is Medjugorje in Bosnia /Herzegovina. I have been there twice. It is a Spiritual place where some young Visionaries over 30 years ago saw our Blessed Mother and still convey messages every month.

What is your favourite quote, phrase or motto?

My favorite quote was from Saint John Paul II’s speech when he was elected Pop:e “Do not be afraid, open your heart to Christ “.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice given to me was to treat other people as you would like them to treat you.