Breakout Session:

The Importance of Grandparents in the Faith Life of Families

Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. In 2021 Pope Francis initiated a church-wide celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to take place on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This celebration highlights the vital importance of grandparents in the development and faith life of their grandchildren. Join Brian and Maria Dean as they share the joy that they have found in becoming grandparents, and the ways in which they support their adult children in passing on the beauty and truths of the Catholic Faith to the next generation.

Brian and Maria Dean

Brian and Maria Dean are parents to four adult children, three of whom are married, and grandparents to six wonderful little people aged 5 years old to 5 months. They have been active in various Catholic organizations in the Diocese of Cleveland for many years, including their on-going support for Cleveland Right to Life. They are also active members of Legatus of Cleveland, an organization of Catholic Business leaders committed to “study, live and spread the Faith in their business, professional and personal lives”. As a convert, Brian has spent a great deal of his adult life learning about the faith and striving to live it out daily. Maria, a cradle Catholic, strives to give her family what was passed on to her. They are members of St. Basil the Great Parish where Brian serves on the Finance Council. They have spoken at both Marriages of Grace and The Jesuit Retreat House Pre-Cana Days on issues including the importance of healthy communication in marriage and the challenges of everyday living. Both Brian and Maria have recently turned 60, causing them to take a step back to reflect on their journey, and refocusing their attention to the needs of their growing family, including the important role they will now play in the development of their grandchildren. Professionally, Brian has more than 35 years of experience as an investment advisor, CFA and CPA, and loves to both serve the needs of his clients and develop young people in their careers. Maria is a retired CPA/Financial Consultant, serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Cornerstone of Hope and enjoys spending a good deal of her time with her grandchildren.