The O'Madden's
Double Blessings Rich Alden
As with most young families, the weeks agenda can be full and at times chaotic. Nick and Mercedes make sure they leave time for faith formation. "One of the best parts of being a parent is seeing the girls put our Lord first by remembering to pray before meals or in the morning. 'Thank you Jesus for this day we offer you all we do, think and say,'” says Mercedes. Nick adds that, "the best part of being a father is, “seeing our daughters learn something new and seeing them happy." Life at SJV includes Mercedes guiding daughter Heaven who is in her preparation for first Eucharist. Sister Saoirse will follow in a few years. Nick has taken up the offer to join the youth choir. He enjoys singing and playing the guitar.
“Joining the youth choir allowed me to show my daughters how we can use any God given talent to worship Him. I’ve always believed in what St. Augustine said, ‘to sing is to pray twice’.” Home life and parenthood is a respite for Nick and Mercedes. Nick, a psychotherapist and PhD candidate in Forensic Psychology, says his Catholic Faith, “provides me a roadmap to ensure I’m fostering a faith-based morality to people I treat. It also comes with challenges as I work in a field that does not always align with my Christian values.” Mercedes, a clinical dietician, says, “My faith helps me to recognize and respond to the needs of my patients when faced with trauma, ill health, a chronic condition or sadness.” In their spare time the O’Madden’s continue to make memories while camping, cycling, watching movies, trying out new restaurants, searching for the world’s best cup of coffee and burrito. What excites the girls? Activities that allow them to use their imagination, playgrounds, going on adventure walks, traveling, spending time with family and friends.
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