Being authentically Catholic each and every day is the best way for parents to guide their children, according to those who are doing their best to walk hand-in-hand with their families as they journey in faith.
Jennipher Graf, of Rolling Prairie, is able to model the behavior she desires her seven children to emulate through a love of the Eucharist and by taking advantage of the sacraments regularly.
Gary Wolfe, a deacon at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville, said he lives his faith authentically. The father of three sons said, “My children always see me as a Christian not just on Sundays. By living my faith 24/7, I attempt to be a good Christian role model.”
Natalie Santucci, of St. John, said parents need to be authentic and joyful to help their children grow in faith as they continue to step out in the world.
Graf, whose children range in age from eight to 24, said, “My desire for my children as they get older is that they have a strong personal faith in Jesus, not just an obedience because their parents practiced the faith, but because they know they can count on God.”
Having children in an environment in which they witness their parents and friends loving the faith is beautiful, Graf continued. She can’t stress enough the positive role homeschooling plays in her faith journey with her children.
“It is important to teach them from little,” said Graf. “The best thing for us was homeschooling. I am with them every day and I have a great Catholic program…with sacraments, traditions and traditional Church teaching.”
Santucci began bringing her daughter to church as an infant. “Gianna (Santucci) learned since she was young that this is God’s house, to be quiet and pay attention,” she said.
As her daughter grew older, she found books with stories about the Triduum and Easter, as well as a Mass missal that was geared toward her age which encouraged her to follow along.
“As a parent you need to participate in Mass and be joyful,” Santucci said. “When they see you engaged and joyful, they realize that Mass is not a chore. You must be the example you want your children to be; you must be there for them.”
For Santucci, whose only child just began her senior year at Lake Central High School, that involves going to Adoration, The Shrine of Christ’s Passion, and myriad parish events and activities.
Santucci added that she was not afraid to send her daughter to public school after attending St. John the Evangelist School. “She is grounded in her faith. She is not afraid to talk about her faith with others. And she is always open to talking with me if she has questions or needs encouragement.”
For homeschooling, Graf said her family follows the typical school year. “We always begin the summer with high hopes of getting some extra schoolwork done. Although many of the academics dwindle because all kids need a break, we always continue with things like reading, Mass, Rosary, Adoration, confession,” she said.
Graf is excited to begin this academic year. Her children are involved in sports, youth groups and other activities. She noted that surrounding your family with like-minded families and “finding balance” is very important.
Wolfe’s sons are 26, 24 and 12. “I encourage my boys to live the faith they were raised in, praying every day, going to Mass regularly, finding ways to offer their talents in service of the church.”
He, Santucci and Graf agreed that outside activities have a positive impact on their children. Programs such as Totus Tuus, a week-long Catholic summer camp for grade school through and high school students, and Steubenville, a summer Catholic conference for high schoolers, have helped their children learn about God and establish a personal relationship with Jesus while being surrounded by friends.
Wolfe said his children truly appreciate time to grow in faith with peers as well as with family. He hosts a Sunday Supper at his home each weekend, and they pray together often. “Spending time together as a family and worshiping our Lord is so important,” he said. “Even when we travel, we visit shrines, basilicas, cathedrals. And, of course, it is essential to find and go to Mass at new churches as we travel.”
Wolfe hopes other parents are willing to put the time and effort into helping their children be the people God created them to be. “I would tell other parents to live their faith in the authentic way that I have aspired to do, reminding them that children learn most from their parents and most especially how to develop a relationship with our risen Lord.”
Graf agreed. “Parents must be super intentional. We can’t relax and hope and ponder. We have to act to have faithful, creative, energetic children who want to keep in the faith and the Church.”
Caption: Natalia Santucci and daughter Gianna Santucci, a senior at Lake Central High School, enjoy a hotdog prepared by Father Sammie Maletta, pastor, at an Aug. 5 event at St. John the Evangelist. Natalie Santucci walks with her daughter in faith by going to Mass and Adoration together on a regular basis. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)