Last night, I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Knights of Columbus, Austin Chapter Meeting at Saint Mary, Our Lady of the Lake in Lago Vista (see picture below the sanctuary). My Spiritual Director Report focuses on the roles of fatherhood that I read from this article titled, “Reflecting on the greatest roles of fatherhood” (Adam Minihan, 6/16/2023). I would invite you all to click on this link and read the article for yourself:
https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/reflecting-on-the-greatest-roles-of-fatherhood/.
It was election night for the Chapter so I started my report by thanking Chapter President, Leo Saenz, and his officers for allowing me to serve these past two years. [I had served two years under his predecessor, Mike McLaughlin, so 4 years today.] I also thanked the candidates for office for their commitment to the Chapter and, after they were elected, congratulated and thanked them for leading the Chapter in the new fraternal. New Chapter President, Victor Medina, also asked me to continue as Spiritual Director, and I gladly accepted.
As I mentioned, in my Spiritual Director Report, I talked about the roles of fatherhood. Below are the roles that Mr. Minihan identified in his article. My commentaries are in italics.
A provider - “glorious self-martyrdom of our desires”
As fathers, especially early on when our children are infants and toddlers, we provide them with what they need even if we go without ourselves. For example, going without a good night's sleep to tend to the needs of a crying baby.
A teacher - “not just to provide but to create an atmosphere for him to thrive”
- “virtue is formed not by a single good act but by doing the good act habitually”
An establisher - “job to establish him, making him a disciple of Christ, so that one day he could go out into the world to spread the Good News”
- “Establishing a routine of living a sacramental life is the first focus.”
Fathers are called to lead his children to Christ and be disciples of Christ first and foremost. Therefore, a father needs to instill in his children the necessity of living a sacramental life, of going to Mass, of praying, of visiting our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament - living as followers of Christ.
An intercessor - “He must pray that the child, now a young adult, surrounds themselves with good, holy and virtuous people.”
- “have the foresight to be praying for his child’s friends, community and even their future spouse”
As a godfather to several godchildren, including our niece, I pray and ask for Mother Mary's intercession, protection, and guidance for my goddaughter, niece, and nephews every day after Mass. I also pray for their parents, grandparents, and all those people who touch their lives, that they have a holy, positive impact on them as good and holy role models.
Custodian of tradition - “The fullness of fatherhood is reached when a man becomes a grandfather.”
- “guard and preserve the good things he has established in this life”
- “sit down in front of the fireplace expressing the love he had for us and sharing a little wisdom”
- “remind us of the importance of spending time together, supporting one another, living a life of prayer, and making sure to pass on the Faith to the next generation”
This role of fatherhood reminds of the scene in "The Godfather" when Vito Corleone sits down with this son, Michael, and tells him how everything he did in his life, he did for the well-being of his family. Even though a father is no longer a provider for his adult children, he can still be a teacher, mentor, and intercessor.
The spiritual life - “We must change our daily routines and give up selfish desires for the greatest good, namely, developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
- “Spending time with Christ every day will not only change how we view the world but how we view ourselves.”
- “It is in prayer that he will not only teach us how to talk but when to talk.”
At the core of fatherhood is the Father's heart, which is why it is so important for fathers to be men of prayer, to have an internal spiritual life, and daily conversations with the Father in heaven, Saint Joseph, so that he may be the father that his children need him to be. As Knights, we always have a rosary in our pockets; we should remember to pray it daily for our family.
Conclusion - “To be a truly good Christian father, you must be a man of prayer. It is a necessary requisite to the vocation. The goal of a Christian father is to raise saints, and by his grace, one day on your deathbed, your children will express their gratitude that their father’s love gave them a glimpse of the Father’s love.”
Deacon Phúc’s challenges for all Knights for the month of June
PERSONAL & FAMILY: Attend the 14th Annual Men’s Mass on July 22nd, 9:00 A.M., at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manor, Texas and bring your sons, grandsons, nephews, godchildren, etc. (see flyer below)
COUNCIL: From April’s Challenge: Start men’s small groups for faith sharing with brother Knights in each council.
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