Q&A With Anthony & Tuyet Tina Scarlatella

Mr. and Mrs. Scarlatella are raising their children (Gabriella, Joel, and Isabella) in the Catholic faith. They recently discussed some of the facets of growing their family in faith at St. Faustina’s.

Q: What are some of the joys and challenges of bringing up Catholic kids today?
A: Joys include seeing my kids live out their faith, hearing them sing praise and worship songs, and hearing them discuss Fr. Dat's homily each week. Challenges include seeing my kids struggle with their faith. There are still some parts of our Catholic faith that are hard for my kids to fully grasp.

This is a good reminder that there are peaks and valleys in every Christian’s life, even in a faithful family’s life. Children naturally have questions, doubts, concerns, and curiosities. Even theologians had difficult times grasping certain mysteries! By searching out answers together, families learn to trust each other and God. As Pope Francis has said “Only trust in God can transform doubts into certainty, evil into good, night into radiant dawn.” 

Q: How has your family gotten involved at St. Faustina's?
A: My husband, Anthony, is a Faith Formation teacher and Eucharistic Minister. My oldest daughter, Gabby, is an Usher for 4:30 pm Mass and my son, Joel, is an altar server. I (Tuyet Tina) have volunteered with youth faith formation and, as a family, we have participated in various events such as the Trunk or Treat, and St. Faustina's Feast Day celebration. We have also participated in the Traveling Chalice prayer program. 

The family’s involvement at St. Faustina’s is a good reminder of something: our parish isn’t just for Mass! Although Catechism refers to the Eucharist as the “source and summit of Christian life,” Catholics should remember that God wants us to have communion with Him, as well as each other. The parish life is full of fun, joy, community, and support.  

Q: What's it like being a young family at St. Faustina's? Are there any events or ministries that help you feel "tapped in"?
A: We have enjoyed being parishioners at St. Faustina’s! We have not had a chance to fully get to know other parishioners in-depth yet, but we are looking forward to being more engaged in the parish. (The above answer shows the ministries the family is involved in.) In the future I would love to see marriage seminars/events at the parish. I feel marriage is the foundation to family life. I would also love praise and worship night for families.

This answer is a great example of how a parish and a family is ever-changing. The Scarlatellas are very involved, but it takes time to get to know other parishioners on a deeper level. We also recognize that there are many events/ programs that are still to come. Parishioners are encouraged to call the parish office with ideas and they will forwarded to the appropriate person(s)!

Q: How has being a part of the parish helped your spirituality/ walk with Christ?
A: My husband attended his first ACTS retreat and was blessed by it. Being an example to our kids by us serving in various capacities has helped encourage our kids’ desire to serve the church as well. We love Fr. Dat's homilies. They are clear and connect the message to everyday life.  My kids are able to recall the homilies. We have attended live stations of the cross. This has helped my kids see visually what Jesus went through for us. 

Thank you, Scarlatella family, for being part of our parish and sharing your experience! We hope this encourages others to get involved in parish life, meet fellow parishioners, and remember there are several ways to encourage spirituality in your family. Just like there are 5 senses, there are multiple ways to grow closer to Christ, whether it’s prayer, reading, eating, singing, physical work, or fellowship with other Catholics.