Celebrating dads: Father of four a role model for others

“The road our children take will have hills and valleys and probably a few curves,” he chuckled. “We love them unconditionally even though we may not condone their actions or choices. Most importantly, God forgives through the awesome Sacrament of Reconciliation.”

Don Pesek enjoys time with family on pilgrimage to the Holy Land; from left are, Tommy, Paul, Don Pesek, Maggie, wife Cil and Kevin. Contributed photo

Pesek and his wife Cil have raised four children with the same compassion and love that has guided them their entire lives. And their dedication has paid off in dividends.

Their oldest, 28-year-old Kevin is the Campus Minister at Texas A&M-College Station and holds a master’s in theology. Paul, 25, graduated from Texas A&M-College Station and is currently discerning a life dedicated to the priesthood. Tommy, 21, has recently graduated from Texas A&M-College Station and is a musician. The youngest, Maggie, 19, just finished her freshman year at Texas A&M-College Station and is home for the summer.

“My priorities in life have always been: God and family. Everything else is a distant third. If you make time for God, you will make time for everything else,” he said.

Pesek lives up to his word. His list of volunteer activities at church are bountiful: from being active in the ACTS community, to the Knights of Columbus, to being a Scout Master for seven years, to his participation in the Fullness of Truth Conference. His volunteerism at church knows no bounds.

“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve the Lord. When people ask me when do I have time for everything, I tell them to ask God for the time. He’ll give the time you give to the Church back to you a hundred times over,” he explained.

Msgr. Roger Smith, pastor at St. Patrick, called Pesek a role model for men everywhere.
“He has a deep faith and love of God. He is a very committed and loving husband and dedicated father to his four children. He is dedicated to the Church, evangelization and to serving the Church in whatever way he can. He is a daily communicant. He took on the position of our Troop’s Scout Master for several years and knows how to challenge a young man to be the best that he can be. Even though he is now no longer the Scout Master, he still instructs the scouts who are interested in earning their religious awards,” Msgr. Smith said.

He added Pesek’s dedication for young people does not stop with his own children.

“As a father, Don’s greatest desire is that his children be virtuous adults, strong and faith-filled Catholics and that they get to heaven,” he said. “I believe this has been the focus of his example, teaching and prayers not only for his own children, but for all the young men he has had an opportunity to influence.”

Pesek acknowledged raising children in today’s fast-paced digital world might not be the easiest task. But he warned parents to stay away from the traps of the materialistic world, like amassing things such as fancy cars or expensive houses.

“I want to encourage people to spend time with their families. Spend time with your children while they are young. You will never get that time back. Families are a gift from God. Don’t give it back to God, cherish it,” he said.

The priority for his children has always been to help them get to heaven and “getting their souls right.” He has strived to ensure that God is at the center of their lives and they have embraced that spirituality and each one of them continue to carry it with them to this day.
Pesek recalled a family trip to the Holy Land in 2009 was a financial stretch, but was the trip of a lifetime.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. It was the best vacation ever and we spent it together, as a family,” he said.

When parents or those who play a significant role in children’s lives get frustrated with them, Pesek says it is important to remember their parish priest is there to offer assistance.

“Ask your pastor for guidance and direction. Let them play a significant role in your life. My kids grew up around priests. We had them over for dinner or went fishing together. Priests have been mentors for my entire family,” he said.

“My wife and I are forever grateful for the wonderful priests and sisters of our diocese that have been such a positive influence on our children’s spiritual lives,” he said. “What a blessing it has been to bring up a family in the city of The Body of Christ!”

Pesek acknowledged when times are tough, it might seem easy to come down hard on children, especially when as a parent, you know the potential is there for them to flourish. He said when this happens, take a step back and always fall back on prayer.
“Never underestimate the power of prayer,” he said.

“When our children do not live up to expectations, it’s important that you ask them ‘Did you do your best’ or ‘Do you feel that was your best effort?’ It takes patience, perseverance and humility,” Pesek said. “But we hope that our kids learn from their mistakes and grow in Christianity.”