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| My dad and his brothers (Rich, Bob, Dave, and my dad-Jim) have definitely had a huge impact on the faith formation of the Niermeyer family. |
Day 21: Men of Faith
It would be difficult to name all of the men who have had a significant influence on my faith over the years. Certainly, family members and close friends have greatly shaped my appreciation for what really matters in this life. I would include several priests, deacons, and seminarians among those who have helped Kevin and I grow in our love and understanding of the Catholic faith. We've been blessed beyond measure to have so many men of faith to inspire, instruct, and mentor us. |
| Mary Kate and Rick Vivacqua (aka Stitch, my Godfather) have been part of our family for years. I know Stitch's prayers and friendship with my dad ever since they went to St. John Fisher College together helped my dad get through some really tough times without giving up hope or faith in God. |
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| They say to choose your friends wisely, for you become what they are. Laura, Jeff, and John have been with us through some tough times as well as some really joyful ones. We lift one another up with our prayers and encouragement. |
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| Dick and his lovely wife Jeannine have been wonderful spiritual companions, parental figures, and two of our dearest friends ever since we met them in 2006 through Cursillo. |
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| The Baabs "adopting" us into their clan have given Kevin and me a father figure and four brothers to pray for and with. |
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| Monsignor Chester P. Michael is someone Kevin and I got to know through the two-year course in spiritual direction this priest developed for laity and shared with many members of our diocese and Cursillo family. |
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| Dr. Ed Smith, (creator of Transformation Prayer Ministry), his son Jonathan, and the amazing crew at New Creation Community in Chesapeake have inspired me a great deal over the past six years. |
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| Fr. Brian Capuano blessed the office as well as the Crucifix and Cross that hang on the wall at the recently-opened Dignitas Health Dr. Jill Zackrisson (pictured to Father's right) has opened her new primary care practice. |