St. Joseph as a Model for Fatherhood (Devin Schadt)
Jan 16, 2025
auto_awesome
Devin Schadt, co-founder of the Fathers of St. Joseph and author focused on St. Joseph, shares profound insights on fatherhood. He discusses the crucial role of fathers in children's development and the negative impact of father absence. Schadt emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, deep relationships, and the model of St. Joseph in navigating fatherhood. The conversation touches on emotional challenges men face, the dynamic of father-son bonds, and the transformative power of faith in fostering authentic connections within families.
Fathers play a pivotal role in family dynamics, influencing their children's lives and shaping societal outcomes through their presence.
The importance of redefining traditional masculinity is emphasized, advocating for qualities like love, respect, and empowerment over domination.
Addressing loneliness among men is crucial for mental health; fostering genuine friendships can enhance personal well-being and family resilience.
The sacrament of confession serves as a vital tool for spiritual growth, enabling individuals to heal and reconnect with God.
Practicing blessings within the family not only invokes God's favor but also strengthens bonds and instills confidence in children.
Looking to saints like St. Joseph provides men with a model of humility and self-giving love essential for authentic fatherhood.
Deep dives
Building a New Studio
The podcast discusses the efforts to build a new studio for the show, with a funding goal of $38,000 to cover electronics, cameras, and lighting. The speaker expresses gratitude for those willing to support the initiative, mentioning that assistance is appreciated but they plan to move forward regardless. Different levels of support are available, with incentives such as rosaries and books offered to contributors. The speaker conveys a sense of determination and commitment to the project's success.
The Importance of Fatherhood
A significant discussion revolves around the crucial role of fathers in the family, emphasizing how their presence influences their children's lives. Statistics reveal alarming consequences, such as fatherless homes contributing to higher rates of incarceration, suicide, and poverty among youth. It is highlighted that fathers have a profound impact on their teens' decisions, including their sexual choices, and that the family unit, centered on the father, is foundational for society. The speaker argues that renewal within the church and society begins with strengthening the role of fathers and families.
The Responsibility of Fathers
The speaker reflects on the responsibility fathers have in nurturing and guiding their families, advocating for dads to become role models who embody qualities reflective of God the Father. Citing the power of male leadership in establishing healthy family dynamics, they argue that a father who loves and leads on behalf of his family creates an environment that fosters love and growth. The belief is expressed that to change the world, one must first focus on changing men, making them into responsible leaders who can initiate self-giving love. The discussion stresses that an effective fatherhood model can renew the church and the family structures within society.
Masculinity vs. Misogyny
The podcast addresses the challenge faced by men in the context of traditional masculinity in a contemporary society that may misinterpret it as misogyny. The speaker urges men to redefine masculinity by cultivating qualities of love, respect, and empowerment rather than domination. Through genuine love and affection shown to women and children, men can shift the narrative towards healthy masculinity that encourages mutual respect and dignity. The importance of modeling masculinity in a way that uplifts rather than diminishes women is highlighted as a way to overcome societal misconceptions.
Handling Relationships as Men
An exploration of how men can better navigate relationships with women reveals the significance of treating them with understanding and respect. The speaker advocates addressing each other's needs openly and understanding the inherent differences between men and women. By recognizing that women seek security in love and that men desire respect, partners can create a harmonious balance. Emphasizing communication, the importance of acknowledging one another's strengths and weaknesses is discussed as a pathway towards stronger relationships.
The Impact of Loneliness
The podcast touches upon the theme of loneliness, particularly among men, highlighting that many may suffer from a lack of meaningful friendships. The discussion reveals that toxic loneliness can affect mental health and well-being, comparing its effects to the harmful consequences of smoking. The speaker emphasizes the importance of forging genuine relationships and connections, suggesting that men should actively seek out friendships and support systems. Addressing loneliness is framed as essential not only for personal health but also for the strength and resilience of family units.
Confession and Spiritual Growth
The speaker reflects on the profound impact of confession in personal growth and healing. They describe a past experience of a heavy confession that led to a significant spiritual transformation, allowing them to feel a lifting of burdens. The importance of the sacrament of confession is highlighted as a means of reconnecting with God, aiding in the journey towards becoming a better husband and father. By embracing the sacrament and the grace it provides, individuals can overcome their burdens and grow spiritually.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
The discussion includes the necessity for men to confront their vulnerabilities and traumas from childhood to move forward in life. The speaker emphasizes that understanding and accepting one's past, including wounds, is crucial for personal development. They encourage men to seek guidance and mentoring from other men who can support their growth in the journey toward authentic masculinity. Recognizing the importance of both strength and vulnerability in relationships can lead to deeper connections and healthier interactions with loved ones.
Strengthening Marital Bonds
Practical advice is offered for couples seeking to strengthen their marital connection, emphasizing that genuine love is shown through daily actions. The speaker encourages men to actively participate in family life, offering gestures of care and support to their wives. Simple acts of kindness and affection go a long way in maintaining a solid foundation in marriage. Keeping the lines of communication open and being attentive to each other’s needs fosters an environment of love and respect vital for a successful relationship.
Blessing Family Members
The podcast highlights the importance of fathers blessing their family members, particularly wives and children. This ritual not only serves to invoke God’s favor but also strengthens familial bonds and instills confidence in children. The act of imparting blessings creates a sense of security and reinforces love within the family unit. The speaker encourages this practice as an essential aspect of fatherhood and a means through which men can embody the love and authority of God.
Imitating the Saints
The speaker emphasizes looking to saints, particularly St. Joseph, as models of fatherhood and masculinity. Saint Joseph’s profound example of humility, strength, and self-giving love serves as a guide for men striving to fulfill their roles as husbands and fathers. Drawing parallels with the challenges faced by families today, the speaker believes that embodying the virtues of saints like Joseph can lead to transformative change in personal lives and within the family structure. The importance of praying for intercession from saints is also highlighted as a means of seeking divine assistance in the journey of fatherhood.
Trusting in God's Plan
The final point of discussion centers around trusting in God's plan for family life and fatherhood. Despite the complexities and challenges that arise, fathers are encouraged to lean into their faith and trust that God has a purpose in their struggles. The speaker reassures that through prayer, devotion, and consistent efforts to lead and support their families, men can find fulfillment and success in their roles. Ultimately, faith leads to hope, and through God's grace, families can thrive.
Devin Schadt is a dedicated husband, father, and co-founder of the Fathers of St. Joseph, an apostolate committed to revitalizing authentic fatherhood. As an acclaimed author and speaker, Devin has written influential books such as "Joseph’s Way: 80 Days to Unlocking Your Power as a Father" and "CUSTOS: Total Consecration Through Saint Joseph," which explore the spirituality of St. Joseph and the profound impact of fatherhood. His insightful talks and writings guide men in their roles as fathers, drawing from Catholic teachings and personal experiences. Devin's passion for fostering strong families and deepening faith makes him a compelling voice on fatherhood and spiritual growth.
🍺 Get episodes a week early, 🍺 score a free PWA beer stein, and 🍺 enjoy exclusive streams with me! Become an annual supporter at https://mattfradd.locals.com/support
