This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day. And indeed we should and need to, for about one in three children are being raised in families without a biological, step, or adoptive father (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). The reasons are many from poverty, behavioral issues, health risks, lack of education, and crime and substance abuse. The need for a father in a nuclear family cannot be underestimated.
Research shows that the influence of a father leads to better outcomes for their children in many aspects of life. A good dad also helps make a good mom (and I ‘ll be the same is true the other way around from good moms make good dads, though the study doesn’t mention this aspect). In terms of roles, the mother plays critical roles in children’s’ development in her own right. But, when it comes to the faith, the most important factor for raising children in the faith is a practicing father. Research from the Gospel Coalition showed that if a father regularly attends church, between two-thirds and three-quarters of children will follow in their footsteps. If the father is irregular or doesn’t attend, only one in 50 children will become regular worshippers, regardless of the mother’s church attendance (Robbie Low, Touchstonemag.com, 2001). Mr. Low even wrote, “No father—no family—no faith.”
These results were confirmed in a recent study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University in conjunction with the Payton Institute for Domestic Church Life (peytonfamilyinstitute.org). These newer studies emphasize the importance of both parents, but particularly the father’s role in the family.
So on this Father’s Day weekend, let us lift up our fathers and encourage, challenge, and thank them for their critical role in raising their children in the faith. This is no small deal! Indeed, the most important role parents, particularly fathers, are being called to do is raise up saints! That means the role fathers in their respective families have serious implications for ultimate destiny of our children. Thank you fathers! Thank you for stepping up and leaning into this most important role that God has given you. May you find support when it is most needed and courage when things are most difficult. And may you share in the joy of your children, just as God finds joy in you!
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor