Fathers of Saint Joseph – Meeting Notes [24th Jan 26]

Date: Saturday, 24th January 2026

Location: St. Mary’s Pope’s Quay, Cork, T23 P8ER

West, B. (1801) The Ascension. Oil on canvas. Denver Art Museum, Berger Collection. Available at:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AThe_Ascension%29_by_Benjamin_West%2C_PRA.jpg (Accessed: 4 February 2026).

Context

We began the meeting with a time of adoration before moving into our reflections and discussion.

Reflection Reading

Book: LEAD: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness — Devin Schadt

Pillar 4: Discover the Disciple (Embrace the Child)

Reading 173: Stretching Us, Page 399

Main Reflection

The key image in the reading compared fathers to balloons. Without air, balloons are dull and cannot fulfil their purpose. When filled, they are stretched and able to rise. In the same way, fathers are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit so they can grow, be stretched, and rise with God.

We reflected on the duty fathers have toward their children — a call to sacrifice, to serve, and to follow the example of Our Lord. This stretching can be difficult, but it also allows fathers to become who they were created to be.

Shared Thoughts from the Group

We discussed what it means to “serve our children.” The group recognised that this service should be understood through the example of Jesus, not through worldly expectations or cultural misunderstandings. True service is rooted in love, sacrifice, and responsibility.

Personal Reflection & Final Thought

This reflection brought to mind my own father. Recently, I had been speaking about him with my wife. He had a strong and respected presence in our home. Some outside our family might have seen our home as very traditional, but what they may not have noticed was how deeply he was respected because of his constant sacrifice and dedication.

He worked long hours, often seven days a week, sometimes sleeping very little. Even when sick, tired, or facing financial struggles, he never stopped providing for us. He was a father of seven, and despite his heavy responsibilities, he was always available to listen and help whenever we needed him.

Looking back, I see how much he was stretched throughout his life. In many ways, he truly soared with God. When he passed away about four years ago, we felt a deep peace knowing he had lived the life he was called to live.