Dreams for Your Grandchild: The Hidden Power of a Catholic Grandparent

Colleen Mallette reviews Dynamic Catholic advisor Allen Hunt’s book for Catholic grandparents.

Dreams for Your Grandchild: The Hidden Power of a Catholic Grandparent

By Allen Hunt

Published by Dynamic Catholic

This book was given to me as a gift since I am, God willing, going to be a grandmother soon. As a spiritual advisor to Dynamic Catholic and a grandfather himself, Allen Hunt writes a detailed, inspirational book on how and why Catholic grandparents serve an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. In the opening prologue, his sentiments after meeting his first grandchild mirror what I have heard over and over from my friends who are already grandparents: 

A new dimension of my heart opened, one I did not even know I had, one that allowed me to love in an entirely new way. It happened in an instant. I didn’t ask for it. My heart just stretched and grew a whole new chamber. From the very first moment I saw him, I loved him. And I knew I would never be the same. (page 2)

Allen goes on to explain that even with this incredible love we have for our children’s children, God loves them so much more and has great dreams for them all. And as their grandparents, we have a calling, responsibility and opportunity to fulfill a new vocation to aid in passing along our faith to these precious little ones. Most people develop faith from their immediate family, and we have no greater calling in this latter stage of life than to pass along our faith. We know from experience the need to have the foundation of God’s loving presence in our lives to endure trials and have the hope of eternity with Him.

Part One: What’s at Stake 

In the first section of the book the author explains the important role of faith-filled grandparents. As our American culture struggles to fill the pews and avoid Sunday activities scheduled by secular coaches, the role of grandparents to pray for and gently encourage Mass attendance is important to the future of our Church and for their own salvation and happiness. Allen says,

For this book, I have spoken to hundreds of grandparents across the country and intensively studied the scientific and developmental research around the role and influence of grandparents. And I have applied my thirty years of experience in full-time ministry with families.” (page 15)

By adapting the ideas in this book, you will develop habits to be powerful spiritual influencers for your grandchildren. 

Part Two: 7 Steps to Greatness 

The author then reviews seven key ways to use the “Hidden Power of being a Catholic Grandparent.” Each chapter includes a reflection, a key takeaway point, a question to consider, an action step, a concluding prayer and one helpful tool. This sentence summarizes the way we are called to pass along our faith: “Live the faith, show them the path, and teach them the way” (page 98). This book demonstrates many practical examples on how to accomplish passing along our legacy of faith, which is really the most important thing we can give our grandchildren. 

One important concept the author explains within Step Three is to not ask growing grandchildren the typical question, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” The real question we need to ask them is, “Who does God want you to be?” By asking this question you are focusing on WHO, not what; GOD not their parents or even themselves; and BE not do (page 83). Grandparents are called to help their grandchildren dream big and fulfill God’s plan for their lives and not just focus on power or monetary gainful careers like the world would expect. 

Allen includes within Step Five: “51 Simple Ways to Build Habits Boldly” (pages 110-120). This list had so many good ideas that I found to be so helpful that I intend to refer back to them frequently as my grandchildren grow because they are wonderful, specific ways to grow their faith (by age range) through the four categories of Prayer, Study, Giving, and Evangelizing.

Epilogue 

Being a grandparent is a privilege and such a blessing. I am so grateful to have this encouraging and practical book to help guide me in this next important phase of my life. I want to take my role as Grandma to heart as God’s useful servant. Whether you are also a newer Grandma or more experienced one, whether your grandchildren attend Mass currently or not, this book will help you guide your family’s spiritual journey. 

Allen concludes the book with this message:

This is your vocation. God is nudging you forward. The time for action, the time for leadership, is now. It is not too late. (page 146)

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Copyright 2026 Colleen Mallette
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