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June 16, 2022
Father’s Day is June 19
“A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child. Whenever a man accepts responsibility for the life of another, in some way he becomes a father to that person” (Patris corde).
The following three fathers were brought up in very diverse backgrounds with very different life experiences. However, they all share a devotion to the Catholic faith and enjoy fatherhood.
Juan Perez, Saint Mary Catholic Church, Ardmore
Juan Perez and his family have been members of Saint Mary Catholic Church for more than 15 years. He and his wife Teresa are the proud parents of five children. He is employed at Chick-fil-A.
Perez said, “I draw inspiration when times are tough from Blessed Stanley Rother, who gave his life to save his sheep.”
As for being a good father figure, he said, “I always want my wife and kids to be better Christians and follow the example of the Holy Family. ... I strive to be a good example and a good father to my kids.”
Deacon Juan Jimenez said the following about Perez and his family, “I wish every family was as devoted to Christ. They should use this family as an example. They never miss Mass, they are here early for Mass, they serve as Mass servers, they serve as lectors, the children are here. The family is far from rich financially, but they are so blessed and happy in many ways.”
Todd Allen, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ada
Todd Allen is 58 years old and was born and raised in the Catholic faith. His family moved to Oklahoma in 1970.
He has owned “Ada Forget Me Not Floral” since 2003. He is married to Teddy and they have two boys, Collins and Mitchell. His wife is an elementary school teacher and they have been married since 2014.
Allen said some of his goals as a Catholic include teaching his boys the importance of the faith, treating others with love and respect and to be good examples to others.
“My parents instilled a strong work ethic and I learned the importance of treating others with love and kindness from teachers and when I was in Boy Scouts,” Allen said.
He said, his parish priest, Father Thomas Dowell, reinforced the positivity of strong Catholic values for everyday life. Allen and his family donate flowers for the nursing home residents who have little or no family in the area.
Julie Welch, office manager at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, said, “If you observe Todd and his family at Mass, you will notice the very best in a dad’s unconditional love for his wife and children. He simply adores and appreciates his family.”
Larry Currie, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sulphur
Larry Currie was born in 1949 on a dairy farm. His fatherhood is modeled after the examples he learned from his uncle.
“I did have an uncle, David, who I named my son after, who was a kind, patient and compassionate man. As a dad, I found out, like my uncle, that I could love unconditionally and guide without force. Despite the rough childhood with my dad, I found out God had been with me all along,” Currie said.
In 2014, Currie met his future wife, Dorothy, and she invited him to church. He was brought up Baptist, but as he attended Mass, he developed a desire to know more. He believed that he had finally found the place where he could develop a relationship with God.
“Dorothy was the most holy person I had known in my entire life. I wanted to love and worship God as she did,” he said. “As Dorothy and I developed a loving relationship, I trusted her guidance and asked tons of questions about the Catholic faith.”
They were married in 2017.
Currie said, “I wanted to learn more about Catholicism and was invited to attend RCIA. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to learn more and looked forward to our weekly sessions. My confirmation was so emotional that I cried for love of finally getting that sacrament. My inner peace has grown exponentially since confirmation. I feel the power of the Holy Spirit dissolving my emotional doubts and fears with mercy and compassion.”
His son David said his dad is “the most spiritually-centered person” he’s ever known.
His wife said, “Larry has become a great example of what a father and husband should be. He is always striving to learn more about Catholicism. He is the kindest and most caring person I know.”
Currie summed it up with “Life is good … because God has been good to me.”
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Juan Perez and his family.
Todd Allen and his family.
Larry Currie
