Fruits

When I arrived at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in 2008, the first public event I attended was the parish picnic in September. I had met very few people at that point, and two of the first teens I encountered were Paul and Greg Dellino. Paul served on the Leadership Team for two years prior and would continue to do so in his senior year. He took me to the soccer field on the search for more teens and more introductions, and we found Greg. At first, Greg only gave me a passing glance when Paul told him my name, but then Paul added, "Greg, this is the new youth minister. His name is Daniel."

"Ohhhhhhhh!" Greg said, embracing me with a big hug. It was the first of many we would share over the next six years, and our friendship led me back to Seattle this week for Greg's wedding to a young woman named Stephanie he met at a church retreat in 2009. My time as youth minister and beyond is enhanced by the opportunity I have had to walk with Greg and Stephanie as a mentor, friend, and this weekend, as a groomsman and witness as they celebrated the sacrament of matrimony.

Stephanie likes to credit me with introducing them, but I can't take credit. In reality, Stephanie and her cousin Tori (one of her bridesmaids last night) had to attend a retreat to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, and they somewhat hesitantly agreed to go. Greg signed up as well. A friendship ensued, a relationship followed, and years later, a marriage began.

A few times at the reception, Greg and Stephanie's youth was mentioned (they are both 21). Young, yes, but surrounded by two incredibly supportive and wise families and steeped in a Catholic faith that introduced them originally and puts the Lord at the center of their relationship. Greg and Stephanie have many experiences to come. They will be living outside of their parents' homes for the first time. This year, Stephanie will work during the week and stay with her parents two hours from where Greg is going to school to finish his undergraduate degree. They will pay bills, negotiate time, discover how to share a bathroom, communicate in a new way, and enter into independence together. The prospects are thrilling and scary, but they go forth together.

I must admit that Greg and Stephanie's youth makes me nervous, but in reflecting on the times in my life that experiences made me nervous, I realize the decisions that required inner fortitude forced me to face the unknown, to grow, and to rely on the Lord. I hope, I pray, I believe that Greg and Stephanie's marriage will have the same effect.

Last summer Greg's father Steve died after a years-long struggle with a rare form of cancer. We celebrated his life last July, and this year, his two sons started families of their own in marriage. Steve left this world an incredible gift of life with his wife Jean, and the weddings of Paul to Erin in June and Greg to Stephanie in August signal how precious, fruitful, and lasting was a marriage lived well between Steve and Jean.

As a youth minister, seeing two former teens marry in the Church, give vows that express their love and commitment, and ask me to be part of their celebration is humbling and achingly beautiful. I will keep the Dellinos in prayer as their life's work begins of loving freely, totally, faithfully, and fruitfully each day they spend together.