John Tolbin

Growing up the youngest of eleven children in a typical Catholic family of the 60's and 70's, I grew up going to catechism and mass on Sunday but not having an understanding of what it was all about. Although the routine was structured the concept was elusive.  Therefore, not having a clear idea as to why I was going I didn't object when my parents stopped attending mass during my teen years. As a result of this I did not receive the sacrament of confirmation. Because of this, during my teenage years my morals and values went astray, because of my lack of religious education. I would not realize how crucial those years of faith formation were until many years, and mistakes later.

Through a series of events I was led back to the church by grace, and only then did I realize it was not only myself that I had hurt but I nearly destroyed my relationships with my wife, children, and God.   It has only been by the infinite love and mercy of my Heavenly Father that I have been welcomed back with open arms, while fulfilling my role as a husband and father of seven children.