MEET PARISHIONER CHRIS MEHRING: Embracing Joys of Fatherhood and Setting a Strong Example of Faith

Sometimes, Father’s Day doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves. So, let’s use this Father’s Day to celebrate the dads in our lives, both living and those who are no longer with us. Dads certainly shouldn’t take second fiddle — they often lay the foundation of a life of faith for children.

Chris Mehring has been a member at St. Leo’s his whole life. He has two children — Taylor, 26, and Thomas, 15. To Chris, being a father is the greatest gift of all. He’s thankful each day that God has allowed him to raise his two boys in the faith, and he has enjoyed watching them grow.

“I’ve been blessed by God with His trust to raise my boys in His church and faith,” Chris says. “I love being a role model/teacher/advisor and being there for them through thick and thin. It’s truly been a blessing and a dream come true for me.”

In the future, Chris plans to get involved in some ministries at St. Leo’s. For now, he models being a good steward by serving as a positive role model to Taylor and Thomas — leading them to the Catholic faith has been a big part of this. He hopes to see them continue with the faith with their own children and families someday.

Chris values his Catholic faith — put simply, he loves Jesus.

“I hope that someday when I pass away, I’ll get to go to heaven to be with Him,” says Chris.

Admittedly, life hasn’t always been easy for Chris. He believes that God gives us opportunities each day to do right or wrong, as well as to grow and learn.

“If I struggle with the opportunity at hand, I always ask myself, ‘What would Jesus do?’” Chris says. “I, like so many of us, have had my challenges, and through prayer to God and Jesus, I’ve always been given the strength to overcome them.”

Chris offers some advice for fathers who may be struggling with sharing their faith.

“If you’re at a crossroads with your children, you can come together over the power of Jesus and prayers,” he says.

In addition, Chris has found that faith has brought the three of them closer together.

“I am a role model to them, so when they see how important my faith is to me, I can see the foundation set for a great relationship with Christ,” Chris says.

In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his sons and creating memories. They love Husker sports, playing sports, fairs, carnivals, and motorsports. Chris also enjoys watching movies.

For Chris Mehring, fatherhood is the greatest gift of all. He’s thankful each day that God has allowed him to raise his two boys in the faith, and he has enjoyed watching them grow.