NEVER UNDERESTIMATE the positive influence a father can have on his child’s faith. Just ask Pope Francis, who previously spoke out about how dads can play an irreplaceable role in family life.
“Fathers are so necessary as examples and guides for our children in wisdom and virtue,” he said. “Without father figures, young people often feel orphaned; left adrift at a critical moment in their growth and development.”
In honor of Father’s Day, OC Catholic wanted to celebrate dads making a difference in a child’s relationship with God. To do so, we asked children of all ages to pen notes of appreciation to their own father figures.
Allow their personal letters to uplift and inspire this holiday weekend.
TO OUR DAD AND MISSION BASILICA PARISHIONER KEVIN MUÑOZ,
We are so grateful that you are our dad. We love you because you are nice, you teach us fun facts and you make the best breakfast. Thank you for all you do for us every day, for working hard so we can go to a Catholic school and learn about God and how much he loves us. Without you, our family would not be complete. We hope we can make more memories together!
Your kids, Arianna and Thiago Muñoz
MCKENNA SULICK CELEBRATES HER GRADUATION FROM CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY WITH HER DAD, ANDY SULICK. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
TO MY DAD AND SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT ANDY SULICK,
Without you dad, I would not have the most authentic, true example of faith. I have watched you at Mass for over 20 years, and I know how you love to spend an hour with God and our community every week. It is a time when you can refocus and become grounded for the week ahead. Each Sunday we spent sitting in a St. Edward’s pew together was special because you set an example of reverence, interest and care in the order of the Mass. As Santa Margarita Catholic High School alumni, we know a lot about our school’s charism, Caritas Christi, which means “the Love of Christ.” You have shown me Christ’s love each day just by being yourself. Your faith inspires me daily, and I am so proud to have such an incredible example of God’s love as my dad!
Your daughter, McKenna Sulick
SCOTT ALMQUIST ENJOYS A VACATION WITH HIS DAUGHTERS ASHLEY, HALEY AND LINDSEY ALMQUIST. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALMQUIST FAMILY
TO MY DAD AND HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISHIONER SCOTT ALMQUIST,
I’m so grateful that you raised me in the Catholic Church and have always made religion the number one priority in our family. Your unwavering faith and profound dedication to Catholicism have served as a beacon of inspiration for me, Haley and Lindsey. Anywhere we live, the Catholic Church always feels like home because of you. We are so lucky to have such an amazing role model in our faith journeys.
Your daughter, Ashley Almquist
GREG DE PERIO POSES FOR A PHOTO WITH HIS FAMILY INCLUDING DAUGHTERS CELINE AND KYLIE DE PERIO. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DE PERIO FAMILY
TO OUR DAD AND LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISHIONER GREG DE PERIO,
Thank you for everything you do for the family. Your unconditional love, support and dedication have shaped our lives in more ways than we can count. Thank you for always going above and beyond to ensure we have everything we need. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate all the effort you put into making our lives better. Your commitment to the family’s well-being is truly inspiring, an example for all fathers to follow. Thank you for being a pillar of faith in our lives. Your steadfast devotion to our Catholic faith has provided a strong foundation for us all. Your guidance to lead with kindness and generosity is a living example of what we strive to be at all times. You are the world to us and we cherish your love not only on Father’s Day, but each day of our lives.
Your daughters, Celine and Kylie De Perio
MATT FRANKLIN SUPPORTS HIS SON JOEL’S EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. PHOTO BY MIKE
VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
TO MY DAD AND SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR MATT FRANKLIN,
Thanks for always being goofy, funny and making awkward moments not very awkward anymore. You make youth group fun and because of you, I will continue my relationship with God and one day raise my kids in the Catholic church. I’m also grateful for our Friday nights together. As a family, we pray, enjoy dinner, watch a movie or do something together with my six siblings. It’s always lit.
Your son, Joel Franklin
GARRETT BUSCH POSES FOR A PHOTO WITH HIS FATHER TIM BUSCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BUSCH FAMILY
TO MY DAD AND ST. KILIAN PARISHIONER TIM BUSCH,
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable gifts you’ve given me. Your unwavering commitment to our Catholic faith has been a guiding light in my life. Thank you for instilling in me the importance of our spiritual heritage and for investing in a Catholic education that has shaped the person I am today, and many others who have been educated through St. Anne’s, JSerra High School and the Catholic University of America. Your courage to incorporate faith into our business practices and interactions with team members has not only set a strong ethical foundation for our company but has also inspired me to lead with integrity and compassion. Your example has taught me that our beliefs are not just a part of our personal lives but can be a powerful force for good in our professional world as well.
Your son, Garrett Busch