A Knight Leading His Family Through Pandemic

Ryan Young uses the extra time with his family as an opportunity to lead them deeper in their faith.

Ryan Young is a Knight from St. Martin de Porres Council 7551. As a resident of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., his state’s stay-at-home order means he’s temporarily forced to stay home from work. Meanwhile, he’s determined to make the most of his extra time with family.

“In some ways it’s like a long date with your spouse — you’re getting to know each other again,” said Young. “And with kids you’re falling in love in an even deeper way.”

We’re able to slow down and appreciate nature, all the little things you miss in your daily routine,” he added.

As the 2018 recipients of the K of C’s International Family of the Year Award, Young’s family is known for their outstanding commitment to charity and the Church. Today, even as the COVID-19 pandemic has cut back on a lot of their normal activities, their dedication to their faith remains the same.

“We have more gratitude for the blessings God has given us, and for the first time in a long while we’re all together to pray as a family,” said Young.

As a husband and father, Young takes seriously his role in helping his wife and children develop their relationships with God and each other. This commitment to grow in love of God and neighbor is central to the mission of his family as what theologians call a “domestic church.”

That’s why, even in the context of the pandemic, Young sees this extra time together as a gift from God.

“You’re working on the virtue of patience more, working on the virtue of wisdom and understanding,” Young said. “It’s a very good time to pick up books and read by yourself and with your kids. It’s a good time to dive into theology and review the stuff we may have been taught many years ago, but with new authors. Or to pick up scripture and reestablish regular contact with the Word of God.”

It’s these disciplines, Young says, which allow them to stay strong and fearless through difficult times.

“Every family is different,” says Young, “but we can all take this time to grow in love — which is the heart of every domestic church.”

Young is featured in the K of C Into the Breach series, in the episode on “Evangelization.” The series also explores more on a father’s role in his domestic church here.

The K of C additionally offers an online library of printable pamphlets and prayer resources to support the faith of you and your family. Find all of these resources free from our Catholic Information Service.