NEXT GENERATION: John Siniscarco’s relationship with God guiding force in his life

Last Updated on February 21, 2014 by Editor

John Siniscarco might be a teen in age, but he has the maturity of an adult when it comes to his faith. He says he has a special relationship with God, isn’t afraid to tell you about it and is very proud to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Your family has been involved at Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament for a long time. What does this parish mean to you?

This parish is like a second home to me. I’ve been involved with religion at Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament for as long as I can remember. My spiritual belief was built from this parish. Although I have always been a member of Mount Carmel, I have been to a few other parishes for Mass from time to time. I really feel connected to Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament Parish and to God and I am thankful for that.

What is the first thing you remember about coming to church?

Completing my First Communion with my religion class. That was the first time that I actually felt God’s presence in my life and when my spiritual journey began.

You were an altar server for a number of years and moved on to become a lector. What did you like most about serving Mass?

It was the first time I was given responsibility to help out with the Mass. I also enjoyed meeting and getting to know some of the other altar servers in our parish. Through altar serving, I made a lot of friends that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Why did you want to become a lector?

I wanted to continue serving the Lord after I was finished with altar serving. I am not afraid to speak in front of people and I like to read, so I thought that lectoring would be a great way to utilize those gifts that God gave me.

In the fall issue of “More Good News” you were part of a story about parish teens who attended Notre Dame Vision 2013. In that article, you mentioned you had a good relationship with God even before you went. What is that relationship like?

My relationship with God is a powerful bond that will never be broken no matter what comes my way. God has always been there for me when I needed him. God helps me gets me through any problems that I may have in my life. Without God in my life, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.

Is there anyone who has helped you the most in that relationship?

My mom. Without her encouraging me to participate in church activities I may have missed out on a lot of really great opportunities. I am very thankful for what my mom has done for me.

Most young people generally don’t like to talk about their faith with their friends. Do you ever have the opportunity to talk to your friends about faith?

Yes, I have talked to many of my friends about my faith. Many of my friends support my belief in God, but some of them do not. I tell my atheistic friends that they’re missing out on so much. With God in your life you can conquer anything. When you don’t believe in God, you may feel hopeless.

I know you’re only a teenager, but how do you cope with life’s disappointments?

I try not to look at disappointment that much. I focus on the good things that happen to me and use that to block out the disappointments. Many times I pray to God for guidance to help me through the tough times. Praying to God always makes me feel better in times of disappointment.

Do you have a hero?

My father is my hero. He works some crazy shifts at work and sometimes he works all night. My dad made that choice because he wanted to be there for all of my sporting events as well as my sisters’. Until I get my driver’s license, he has been the main person to drive me to my friends’ houses and to all of my sporting events. He’s always has a good attitude and cooks the best food, too. His meatballs are the BEST. My father is really into tradition, too. Every Sunday my family and I go to Café Caruso. My father loved Caruso’s as a kid and now we enjoy it as a family. My father has also shown me how to be a man and to always stand up for what I believe in. He has taught me to be responsible and to live by my word.  I am very thankful and will always look up to my father as my hero in life.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given to you?

Never give up. Even when things are hard, never stop trying, because one day when you complete your goal, it will be the best feeling in the world.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever given to anyone?

Believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is one of the most important things one could have. If you believe in yourself, then anything is possible.

What do you hope the future holds for you?

I hope that in the future I will get accepted into a good program in a good college, and then get a good job. Also, I hope that someday I can settle down with a family of my own and live a life that I have always dreamt of living. That dream life consists of helping people and traveling the world. Right now, I am thinking about getting into something in the health care field. I am going to be doing some job-shadowing over the summer and I hope to get a better idea as to what profession I would like to pursue.

JOHN SINISCARCO
Age: 16
School: Junior at New Hartford High School.
Family: Parents John and Mary, sisters Shaelin and Fallon, grandmother Jessie.
Favorite movie: “Forrest Gump.”
Favorite TV show: “The Walking Dead.”
Favorite music artist: Eminem.
Things you like to do in your spare time: Hang out with my friends, play soccer and run track.