Ep 2. Family & Faith

The episode of Wahlburgers season 5 titled "Family & Faith" centers around the Wahlberg family's strong religious ties and how it shapes their lives. The episode starts with Donnie Wahlberg, his mother Alma, and his son Elijah visiting a church in the outskirts of Boston, where they lived as a family. The trio talks to the pastor, who reminisces about the time Mark and Donnie used to attend Sunday school and how they were well-behaved kids. Donnie shares his experience of being a student in that same institution and how it helped him develop his thought process at an early age.

Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, Paul Wahlberg oversees the new catering menu that the restaurant will debut at a local charity event. Paul is excited to introduce samplings of the new dishes to his customers. He takes a cue from his mother's cooking and adds a few twists that align with his culinary expertise.

Donnie, who's been away on tour with his band, New Kids on the Block, returns home, excited to meet his nephew Elijah. The father-son duo spends time fishing and bonding, with Donnie teaching his son life lessons and about the importance of family. Their bonding session is interrupted by Alma, who drops by to check up on them, and invites them over for dinner. The extended family converges at Alma's home for a scrumptious home-cooked meal paired with heartwarming conversations.

The family dynamics are in full play when Mark decides to attend church with his wife and their four children. Mark's wife, Rhea, is a devout Catholic and takes her family to church every Sunday. Mark, who had not attended church in years, is apprehensive at first but decides to tag along. The episode delves into the Wahlberg family's Catholic heritage and the role it played in their upbringing.

As the family enjoys the charity event catered by Wahlburgers, the episode takes an emotional turn when one of the attendees share their story of overcoming a difficult time in their lives, emphasizing the crucial role faith played in their recovery. The episode ends with the Wahlberg family sharing their personal experiences of how religion has positively impacted their choices and their lives.

Overall, the episode "Family & Faith" showcases the Wahlberg family's tight-knit bond and the influence of their religious beliefs. It highlights how faith shapes their day-to-day lives and how they stay grounded despite their success and fame. The episode is a heartwarming representation of the family values, traditions, and religiosity of the Wahlberg family.