My name is Pat Marot.  As I start this blog, I’m 51 years-old.  Because of my parents’ faith and that of my ancestors, I have been a Catholic nearly all of my life.   Despite my many sins and doubts, I have had a love for Jesus and his Church during most of that time.  Yet, only those closest to me know this and even they are really in the dark about what this means to me.  The reason for this is simple---I never really talk about my faith.  I discuss all kinds of issues related to the Church but never bring up my relationship with Jesus or how this has impacted my life.

In daily conversation, I have no problem discussing a myriad of topics other than my love for Jesus.  I can talk all day about my family and the joys of being a husband, father, and grandfather.  I love to discuss sports.  I can go on and on about the Reds, Bengals, Packers, or Buckeyes.  I can discuss my job or politics or a whole host of subjects.  But when it comes to anything about my faith, I shy away.  I could give you a list of excuses as to why this is true.  I fear rejection—check.  I fear being thought of as a weirdo and fanatic---check, check.  It’s completely awkward---check again.  The list goes on…

In my heart, I am acutely aware of all that God has done for me.  He has given me my greatest joys and carried me through the lowest points in my life.  And still, my response to others about him is silence.  

So, this blog is my first step at trying to repair this great omission in my life.  Through the Holy Spirit, I hope to share my bumpy journey of faith with you and things I have learned along the way.  I’m not a professional writer but what I lack in style, I will try to make up for in authenticity.  My hope is that in doing so this blog will bring others closer to Jesus and his Church.  If nothing else, I am trying to do what God is calling me to do (and calling every Christian to do).  And in doing so, I am comforted by Mother Teresa’s words, “God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.”

Special thanks to my daughter Liz for designing and setting up this site for her clueless Generation X father. You’re amazing!

Special thanks to my wife Mollie for editing these posts and for her love and support through our nearly 3 decades of marriage. 

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