Sue and Patrick had always planned on children, and had put off re-engaging with a local church until their family lives were in order.

Having children proved to be more challenging than they expected. Conceiving a child turned out not to be a possibility, and the process of adopting Sean (4) and Brianna (1-1/2) was difficult at times. This made the new parents more determined to make their family the strongest possible.

Choosing a church was a surprise as well. Sue was raised Roman Catholic and Pat grew up Methodist, so both wre surprised when they disagreed on which was best. Fortunately, the differences dissolved when a neighbor invited them to St. Bartholomew's. "It felt like home for both of us, from the minute we walked in," said Sue. "The first time we visited Sean’s Sunday School class, I turned to Pat and said, 'this is it...this is the church that values children as much as we do.'"

Surprisingly, the benefits for this family don't stop at the Age of Majority. Both parents started attending Adult Christian Education classes each Sunday, and found their own knowledge of the faith was growing. "We began to feel the difference at home…that’s what got me hooked," said Sue