Rooted in Faith and Education: The Ricker Family’s Journey with Catholic Schools

By Jordan Whiteko
Multimedia Content Manager
The Catholic Accent

BELLE VERNON – Brandon and Danielle Ricker never imagined that enrolling their daughter, Ella,7,
at St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School, Belle Vernon, would lead them on a profound journey of faith and conversion. What began as a decision based on educational quality and Christian values soon blossomed into a deeper exploration of Catholicism that transformed the family’s life.

 “Having God at the center of Ella’s education was crucial for us. Smaller class sizes meant more individual attention, which we believed would help her thrive academically and morally,” Danielle said.

As Ella thrived at St. Sebastian, Brandon’s curiosity about Catholicism grew.

“I delved into history and theology; I was drawn to truths like the necessity of baptism and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. These revelations led me to convert,” Brandon said.

Danielle, who was born Catholic but drifted away during college, found herself drawn back to her roots.

“Returning to Catholicism with Brandon was a natural step. It’s brought our family closer, fostering regular Mass attendance and deeper discussions about our faith,” Danielle said.

Their faith extends beyond church walls.

“We pray together daily and discuss Scripture,” Brandon said. “I find inspiration from Catholic thinkers and resources.”

The family prays before school, at meals and at bedtime.

“We also explore our faith together through resources like the ‘Catechism in a Year’ podcast,” Danielle said.

The Rickers’ journey wasn’t without challenges, especially with family reactions.

“My dad and I debated intensely about Catholicism. Ironically, through our debates, he also embraced Catholicism recently, along with my sisters,” Brandon said. “My mom, who was raised Catholic, also returned to the faith.”

Their commitment to Catholicism led to reflections on their marriage, eventually blessed in the Church.

“Having our marriage blessed felt like completing a circle,” Danielle said. “Growing up, I never thought I would marry outside the Church, so this blessing felt like a relief and an affirmation of our faith and commitment.”

For Ella, attending St. Sebastian isn’t just about academics — it’s about growing in faith.

“I like learning about God and going to Mass with friends,” she said. “I am excited to learn new stories, like about Adam and Eve. I’m also excited about second grade and learning Spanish. I look forward to learning more and being a good kid.”

Throughout their journey, Brandon and Danielle demonstrate how faith and education can harmoniously coexist, enriching both their spiritual lives and their commitment to providing Ella with a holistic, faith-centered education. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of integrating it into every aspect of life.