Faith is very important in my life and my experience at Santa Clara University just solidified that for me. I remember Going to the masses in the old mission church while I was a student from 1972 through 1976. They had taken the pews out of the church and we sat in circles and broke bread. It was a cool thing.

I wasn’t involved in ministries but I enjoyed participating in church events. When I moved back to Findlay it was a much more stoic existence, so I immediately got into things such as being a lector and they cantor and singing in the choir. As a 23 or 24 year old these things just hoped to reinforce my beliefs. I have served on the parish council and I’m a Eucharistic minister.

But now I can see how young people allow themselves to fall away if they don’t get involved.

I’m very blessed. I haven’t had what you would call a major life crisis. Last year was a little tough. But when I put things into proper perspective, my parents are alive, I have a great family, wonderful children, a wonderful wife and my first grandson is coming in July. Of course mine is the cutest one around.

I prayed daily for patience and for my kids to stay with the church. I pray to keep all my friends and family safe. It’s just part of my existence.