We are Bill & Gayle Stock, parents of a blended family of 8 adult children, 21 grand and 1 great-grand. We're average folks with the blessing of a solid German Catholic background, both at home, and in school - with those holy nuns of (mostly) happy memory.  We have had considerable exposure to Black and Irish culture as well.

 

We used to think everyone grew up like we did, which is why we are constantly amazed and concerned that so many Catholics we know, spanning 2 or 3 generations, have so little knowledge of their faith. We can't count the times a friend has said, “I didn't know that,” or, “I never heard of that,” which is why we're writing these little tidbits.

 

Bill has a seminary education, with an M.A. In Theology, and is a long-time student  of Sacred Scripture. Gayle has been immersed in one ministry or another since high school.  She has taught CCD, taught inner-city remedial classes, and helped provide legal aid to the poor.