Single dad makes time for children

The father of a seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, he is divorced from the children's mother and has custody of them on weekends. Adjusting to life as a divorced father took time for this parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville.

"It was the most difficult thing I ever had to go through," he said. "It was a major change for me because I was a real family man."

Time for kids

While the children are with him on the weekends, that wasn't enough. "A whole week's a long time to go without seeing your kids," he said.

So he rearranged his work schedule to see his children during the day. After working 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., he goes to St. Pius X School's aftercare program to see his son. Mr. Bologna reviews his son's homework and catches up with him on the day's events. The next stop is his daughter's daycare center to check in with her.

The priority for Mr. Bologna is seeing his children. "I worked it out with my supervisor," he said. "I go in early or stay late. Whatever I have to do to see my kids."

Weekend routine

"I keep it structured," the father said. "It's worked out that we have a nice set routine."

Part of their routine is going to church as a family. "The big event is Mass," he said. Typically, they attend the Saturday evening vigil or the children's liturgy on Sunday.

Passing on Catholic traditions is something that Mr. Bologna sees as an important part of his role as father. "My parents were really strict about going to Mass," he said. "When I got married, I started to get more involved."

Faith and family

And while his son is only seven, Mr. Bologna is impressed with his spirituality. "It's amazing the spirituality he has," the father said. "That helped him through this."

There are perceptions of men and their role as parents that Mr. Bologna would like to see changed.

"There is a misconception that dads can't nurture children as much as a mom," he said. "As far as providing love and security and nurturing, fathers can do it. We're a parent, too."

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