Fathers of Saint Joseph – Meeting Notes [9th May 26]

Date: 9 May 2026

Location: St. Mary's Church, 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 during the Easter Season, our reflection was framed by the Church's joyful celebration of the Risen Lord and the new life we are called to live in Him.

Reflection Reading

Book: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness

Author: Devin Schadt

Pillar: Pillar 3 – Assume Your Authority (Embrace Charitable Authority)

Reading: 126 – How to Overcome the Enemy of the World

Pages: 302–303

Murillo, B.E. c.1650. The Holy Family with a Little Bird. Oil on canvas. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bartolom%C3%A9_Esteban_Perez_Murillo_008.jpg (Accessed: 31 July 2026).

In this reflection, Devin Schadt reminds fathers that the beauty of creation is meant to lead us to its Creator. The danger arises when we become captivated by created things themselves—success, popularity, possessions or human approval—and lose sight of God. The "enemy of the world" seeks to draw our attention to what is temporary rather than eternal, encouraging us to measure our worth by the opinions of others instead of our identity as beloved sons of the Father.

For fathers, this is a call to protect their families from the subtle pressures of modern culture. Rather than raising children to pursue status or recognition, we are called to help them find their confidence in God alone. By living lives "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3), fathers can pass on a deep sense of security that frees their children from constantly seeking validation from the world.

Call to Action

Take time to speak with your family about the realities of eternity, helping them to see beyond the temporary attractions of this world and to live with their eyes fixed on God.

Reflection Associated with the Reading

The accompanying Examen invites fathers to examine whether they are protecting their children from the desire to seek approval from others, from unhealthy influences in media and culture, and whether they are teaching them to recognise what is truly good according to God's plan rather than the standards of the world.

Shared Thoughts from the Group

• How can we recognise whether our children's talents are genuine gifts from God or are becoming driven by the desire for popularity and approval?

• How do we teach our children that their identity comes from being loved by God, while still encouraging them to be charitable, welcoming and outward-looking towards others?

• Helping children distinguish between living for God's glory and simply seeking the praise of their peers is an ongoing challenge for every father.

Personal Reflections & Final Thought

This reading resonated strongly with conversations I have had with my own children. On more than one occasion, particularly when we have disagreed, I have tried to explain that my role as a father is not to make sure they always like me, but to do what is right in God's sight. I want them to understand that our decisions should never be driven by the desire to impress others, but by the desire to be faithful to God.

One conversation that remains with me was with one of my children, who was anxious about making friends. We spoke about how loneliness is often a common thread in the lives of people who later choose destructive paths. I encouraged him to see friendship not as something that exists for his own benefit, but as an opportunity to love others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether he felt confident or not, I encouraged him to greet others warmly each day and to include those around him. Since then, I have seen a real change in the way he reaches out to others. Likewise, with my daughter, I have tried to reassure her that her worth does not come from compliments or admiration, but from knowing that she is deeply loved by God and by those closest to her. Watching both of them grow in quiet confidence has reminded me that one of the greatest gifts a father can offer is helping his children seek God's approval above every other voice.

Related Scripture

• Colossians 3:2–3 – "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth... For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

  
  

  Catholic Bible: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/3