LAPORTE – Sometimes, there is a character right there in your midst, in one’s parish and maybe even standing at the altar. Such was the case at Holy Family Parish where the search was on for just the right character to take children on an Advent adventure.
Authors, and Holy Family parishioners, Mia Toschi, Madalyn Jozaitis and Saraidee Reyes-Villa found just the right character for their recently published children’s book, The Advent Adventures with Father Nate – the parish’s own pastor Father Nate Edquist.
The Advent Adventures with Father Nate is the first in a series of Adventure books. The Lenten Adventures with Father Nate is set to come out in early 2025.
Throughout the book Father Nate takes the reader on an easy to read approach to the Advent season, explaining topics such as liturgical colors, Advent wreath, Feast Days celebrated during Advent, and opportunities for the reader to pray along with him.
“As a cradle Catholic, I never understood why the colors of the vestments were changing and never really understood the behind the scenes of what was going on. I thought, ‘I’m sure children have questions as to what’s going on,’” said Jozaitis.
The idea for the book came as Jozaitis organized a library for the parish faith formation when she realized there weren't a lot of Catholic resources with liturgical seasons for children. That’s when she approached Toschi and Reyes-Villa about filling that void with a book of their own.
Toschi is a four time, Emmy-winning television news reporter who has shared stories about faith from all over the world. Toschi has a masters degree in education. This is her third book and second children’s book. Jozaitis is the director of religious education and office manager Holy Family Parish. She is also a former teacher in both elementary and special education. Reyes-Villa is a college student currently pursuing her degree in Communications. She also serves the parish as the faith formation and communications assistant. Amanda Jozaitis, an Indiana designer and illustrator, did the book’s illustrations.
Madalyn Jozaitis explained, “We didn’t want to lose the uniqueness of Catholicism, but also to break it down in a way they can understand. We used words like chasuble –then broke it down to the robe the priest wears - so that when the priest uses the word chasuble, they understand what that word means.”
“Approachable and human” is how Toschi described the character needed to be seen as. The description of Father Edquist in the book mirrors those who see him in the parish – “his eyes are the color of the sky…His friends call him a fit shepherd because he likes to exercise.”
“I’m glad we chose Father Nate as the character, because he does a wonderful job interacting with the kids,” said Reyes-Villa.
The book shares how he begins each day in prayer, which allows the readers to join Father Nate in praying the Our Father.
“Since the books have been out, the biggest compliment and positive feedback we’ve gotten is from parents and grandparents who have all said that they really like seeing the prayers in print so that when they are reading aloud at night, they can actually read the prayers with the children,” said Toschi.
The book has had an educational impact on adults as well, including those who have worked on it.
“Amanda isn’t Catholic. She learned a lot as well through illustrating because she had to learn a lot of details, like the vestments and a lot of nuances that the Catholic Church has,” said Jozaitis. She added that many of the proofreaders who were cradle Catholics, including some who are educators, took away new knowledge of their faith.
“There was really nothing geared for younger or older students in a clear, concise way. I think this book helps fill that void. Even the images themselves give a clear message,” remarked Reyes-Villa.
Father Edquist credited the authors for their work. “It is exciting to see a children's book arising from the creativity of our own parishioners. These authors have responded to a need by inviting young minds to dive into the richness of the Catholic faith. While I played no part in the book's creation, I am very proud of the authors and am confident that their work will capture imaginations and help form young disciples.”
Toschi said, “The Advent Adventures with Father Nate truly was an adventure for the four of us and we’re excited for the next adventure where we delve into Lent.”
It’s the authors’ hope that the book will give families an opportunity to catechize within the home. “As we draw an awareness of catechizing, but also remembering that the first catechists are the parents at home. This is a great resource that parents can intertwine with everyday life. It’s a way to make Catholicism an everyday adventure,” said Jozaitis
The books can be purchased at The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John or through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or thecatholicadventures.org.
Caption: Father Nate Edquist, pastor of Holy Family Parish and vocations director of the Diocese of Gary, holds a recently released book, Advent Adventures with Father Nate, written by parish members and authors Mia Toschi, Saraidee Reyes-Villa, and Madalyn Jozaitis. (Photo provided)