By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald

'Real World' couple grounded in Catholic faith

ASHLAND -- Both Sean and Rachel (Campos) Duffy, who now live in Ashland, have flirted with the bright lights of fame, but in the end remain grounded in their shared Catholic faith.

"Faith is a big part of our lives," Rachel said.

Sean, 32, who is originally from Hayward, and Rachel, 32, who was raised in numerous locations as the daughter of a diplomat, are both cradle Catholics.

Each had a stint as a cast member of MTV's Real World, one of television's early reality-based series. Rachel also did numerous guest co-hosting spots on ABC's daytime talk show, the View, and Sean has appeared as a commentator for ESPN's lumberjack shows.

Rachel, who attended Catholic schools, said she grew up surrounded by faith and has managed to hang on to it throughout the years. "It all started with my parents who are very devout Catholics," she said.

She credited being a part of Life Teen in helping shape her life during the impressionable teen-age years. The youth movement was started at her former home parish, St. Timothy in Mesa, Ariz., by its pastor Msgr. Dale Fushek.

"It was a very active and fun youth group with a lot of my friends," Rachel said.

"Faith created my social life, I went to Catholic school activities and took part in a Catholic youth group," she said.

Although he didn't have the opportunity to attend Catholic school growing up, faith was a part of the fabric of Sean's household, too.

"All of us kids and my parents went to church on Sunday," Sean said. "We went to religion classes, the faith was an integral part of my upbringing."

Both Sean and Rachel were altar servers as youngsters.

In college Rachel was active in the campus Newman Center at Arizona State University.

She said she carried her faith on to the Real World program, that many would consider rather liberal.

"I really learned a lot about other people by doing the show," she said.

Of her appearances on the View, Rachel said, "It was another show where my point of view and my faith came into play," she said.

She added,"We had discussions on everything, including abortion. I am glad I had the opportunity on a show like that, with that large of an audience. It was a very strong platform because some media make people who are pro-life to look like radicals. I think my appearance was a very meaningful to the image of pro-lifers. It showed we are normal and able to have discussion on a wide range of topics, but aren't going to fold on that particular subject."

Sean admitted to straying away from the faith in his young adult life. "I slid away from the church a little bit," he said. "I wasn't going to church every Sunday."

He also confessed that he was not being a good Catholic at the time of his Real World experience, but said the "Catholic" guilt was always was in his mind during the show.

"I was raised in a church and in a family where there are certain morals and beliefs you are supposed to live by, and that impacted who I am today," he said.

"Even though I went away and lived this kind of wild and crazy lifestyle on MTV, my morals and values are still core in who I am. The Catholic faith really helps keep kids on track."

One thing Sean is happy about from his MTV experience is that he found someone like Rachel.

"It was refreshing, once we started dating and were looking at getting married," Sean said. "Rachel was an instigator in bringing me back to the faith."

Sean and Rachel were married five years ago. About two and a half years ago they moved to Ashland, where Sean now serves as district attorney for Ashland County.

The Duffys currently have two children, Evita Pilar, 4, and Xavier, 2, and another child due in March.

Sean grew up with 10 brothers and sisters, while Rachel has two older brothers and a younger sister.

When asked if they were going to have 11 kids of their own they both shook their heads "no" in unison.

"We may have one more after this, maybe even adopt," Sean said.

Meanwhile, they are busy raising their children. That includes sending Evita Pilar to preschool at Our Lady of the Lake School in Ashland.

"We talk about Jesus and have religious art in our home. I think the school really helps with what we are trying to do and how we are trying to raise her."

Sean said the couple has concerns with education. "We decided to send our kids to a school where they have faith as a part of it."

As an added way to bring religion into their home, the Duffys have gotten in the practice of saying daily and meal time prayers as a family, with their children.

"They also go to grandma's house in Arizona about four or five times a year and get their own little CCD over there," Rachel said. "And my mom is always sending them rosaries and angel stickers."

As members of St. Anne Parish in Sanborn, the Duffys have helped start a youth group and youth discussion forum. With the monthly gatherings, young people are able to talk about issues of faith with the Duffys and Fr. Jozef Barszcz, the pastor.

The couple said it's vital for teens to be supported, not just by each other and their pastor, but also by other young adults in the community.

"It's important to encourage them that they are on the right track and they are doing good, " Rachel said

Sean added, "Outside the discussion group we do healthy, fun activities. It helps get them away from sex and drugs."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004