Fathers of Saint Joseph – Meeting Notes [25th July 2026]

Date: 25 July 2026

Location: St. Mary's, Pope's Quay, Cork

Opening Context

We began our meeting with a time of Adoration before reflecting together on the reading.

As our meeting took place on the Feast of Saint James the Apostle, we were reminded of his readiness to leave everything behind to follow Christ and his witness of courageous discipleship.

Reflection Reading

Book: LEAD: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness

Author: Devin Schadt

Pillar: Pillar 4 – Discover the Disciple (Embrace the Child)

Reading: 176 – The Prophetic Power of a Father's Words

Pages: 405–406

James Tissot (c. 1886–1894) The Pharisees Question Jesus about Tradition (also known as Dispute of Jesus and the Pharisees). Wikimedia Commons. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dispute_of_Jesus_and_the_Pharisees_(89477737).jpg (Accessed: 4 August 2026).

This week's reading explored the profound influence a father's words have on the life of his children. The author explains that children naturally believe what their fathers say about them, whether those words build them up or tear them down. Because a father is called to reflect the love of the Heavenly Father, his words can either awaken confidence, dignity and hope, or leave wounds that remain hidden for many years. Fathers are therefore encouraged to recognise the unique gifts God has placed within each child and to speak words that reveal their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God.

The reading continues the theme from our previous meeting on Losing Your Talent. Having reflected that our children are among the greatest treasures entrusted to us, we are now challenged to consider one of the principal ways we invest in that treasure: through the words we speak. A father's encouragement, correction and affirmation become instruments through which God forms the hearts of His children.

Call to Action

Intentionally identify the gifts and talents within your children, encourage them regularly, and let your words become a reflection of God's love and confidence in them.

Reflection Associated with the Reading

The accompanying Examen invites fathers to examine whether they truly recognise the dignity of each child as a temple of God and whether their words, example and presence help their children discover the gifts God has entrusted to them and grow towards holiness.

Shared Thoughts from the Group

• We reflected on how our own fathers' words shaped the way we viewed ourselves and influenced the choices we made throughout life.

• Fathers carry a great responsibility because, for their children, they often become the first visible image of God's fatherhood.

• Encouragement and affirmation can help children discover the gifts God has placed within them.

• Careless or harsh words can leave wounds that last well beyond childhood.

Personal Reflections & Final Thought

As we rotate through the four pillars in each meeting, the topics sometimes seem to change quite dramatically. This time, however, the reading felt like a natural continuation of our previous reflection on Losing Your Talent. Having recognised our children as one of God's greatest treasures, we were reminded that one of the principal ways we care for that treasure is through the words we speak. Our children come to us looking for reassurance, and in many ways we become the face of God for them.

My own children are still young, and I have already noticed how deeply my words affect them. They normalise what I allow, become concerned about what concerns me, and often look to me for guidance and reassurance. Growing up, I struggled with feelings of being unimportant and often doubted the value of my own opinions. It became clear to me that unless I continued to grow spiritually, seeking God's wisdom through prayer, the sacraments and the teaching of the Church, I would struggle to guide my children well. Christ reminds us that "it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth" (Matthew 15:11). Those words continue to challenge me to watch what I say, trusting that God's grace can shape me into the father my children need. Our children are a treasure entrusted to us, and caring for them with truth, encouragement and love is one of the greatest responsibilities God has given us.

Scripture

"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person." Matthew 15:11Catholic Bible: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/15