Episode 256: Stop Treating Joseph like a Nativity Prop: Unpacking the Terror of Demons with Fr. Colin Lomnitzer

Dec 9, 2025

Fr. Colin Lomnitzer, a Diocesan priest from Bridgeport, discusses the profound impact of St. Joseph on Jesus and fatherhood. He delves into how Joseph’s actions challenge generations of wounded fatherhood and offer healing for those struggling with their own experiences. The conversation highlights baptism as a reparenting opportunity and explores Joseph's role in shaping healthy masculinity and emotional support. Fr. Colin emphasizes the importance of mentorship and St. Joseph's exemplary virtues as models for men today.

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INSIGHT

Baptism Reparents The Whole Person

Baptism reorients and heals our whole humanity, not just our spirit.
Greg Bottaro says Mary and Joseph reparent us by giving Christ's human heart its maternal and paternal forms.

ADVICE

Use Church And Family To Cement Baptismal Identity

Invite the church and family to remind you of your adopted identity after baptism.
Fr. Colin Lomnitzer tells parents and parishes to pledge support in raising baptized children.

INSIGHT

Saints Can Fill Family Gaps

Most people carry some wound from imperfect parents unless raised by Mary and Joseph.
Bottaro argues we can be raised by Mary and Joseph in areas where our original family misraised us.

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In this episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Colin Lomnitzer dive into the real St. Joseph—the man who quietly shaped Jesus' courage, work, identity, and tenderness far more than most people realize. For anyone wrestling with father wounds, questions about masculinity, or mission, this conversation offers a powerful and healing perspective.

Key Topics:

The surprising ways Joseph reverses generations of wounded fatherhood stretching from Adam to Abraham
The invitation to let Joseph father you where your own story carries hurt, fear, or mistrust
Why Jesus needed a real mother and a real father—and what that means for your own healing
The hidden "reparenting" offered through baptism and why Mary and Joseph matter for your emotional life
The overlooked link between Joseph's example and how Jesus treated women in the Gospels
Why the Church may be recovering a deeper understanding of Joseph right when the world needs fathers most

Learn More:

Connect with Fr. Colin Lomnitzer — Discover more about Fr. Colin's ministry accompanying newly-ordained priests.
From the Desk of Fr. Lomnitzer (Substack) – Reflections, notes, and insights from life as a Catholic priest.
Guardian of the Redeemer – St. John Paul II's apostolic exhortation on the person and mission of St. Joseph
"Double Trinity" Painting – The artwork featured on Fr. Colin's ordination card
Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph – A 44-day deep dive into the life and meaning of St. Joseph and Our Lady as they relate to our integrated human journey growing closer in union with Jesus Christ.
Related episodes on fatherhood and masculinity:
- Ep. 163: Leading with Weakness: Authenticity in Fatherhood
- Ep. 248: The Hard Part about Being Dads and How to Do It Well
- Ep. 31: What Everyone Gets Wrong about St. Joseph
Understanding "Development of Doctrine" (Referenced in this Episode) – Learn more in Being Human Episode 250
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