Gathering of 8 June 2024 - A Father's Heart (Patris Corde)

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In his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, Pope Francis wrote of Saint Joseph:

"We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt13:55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt1:18; Lk 1:27). He was a “just man” (Mt1:19), ever ready to carry out God’s will as revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk2:22.27.39) and through four dreams (cf. Mt1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there was no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt2:1-12), who represented respectively the people of Israel and the pagan peoples."

As we prepare to celebrate Fathers Day 2024, our June Cor Gathering will discuss "Fatherhood," perhaps the primary role of a male human being on earth, yet it is one that is not just overlooked in the early 21st Century, it is a role that many in our society are hostile to and say is unnecessary.  In fact, in his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Saint John Paul II wrote about an attack on fatherhood in a modern society -- "A primordial rebellion against God's fatherhood, a desire to remove fatherhood itself."

The image presented on the left is a picture of a newly installed stain glass image at Saint Joseph Church in Eldersburg, MD.  The window was recently dedicated in March (for the feast of Saint Joseph) by Baltimore Archbishop and KofC Supreme Chaplain William Lori.  

The Knights of Columbus "Patris Corde Study" web site links you to the seven video lessons for the series.  The link "button" below will open the web page.  To view the videos, click on the "start arrow" in the video in the image.  The lessons are accompanied by a Study Guide that will be available at the Gathering.

We will present "Session 1 A Beloved Father" at the Gathering, however you are encouraged to view all of them at your convenience.

The Knights of Columbus video series, "Into the Breach" series presents 12 topics that are critical for Catholic men into which to gain greater insight.  While we will not directly discuss the "Fatherhood" lesson, we will discuss some of the topics mentioned in the video, including  the role of the father in protecting his children, including the risks for children being exposed to evil through social media.  The Button Below links to the video on Fatherhood, and all are encouraged to view it ahead of the Gathering.

The links below enable file downloads for several booklets and other readings that we will use for our Gathering.  These documents include: a) Pope Francis's Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, released on 8 December 2020, b) "With a Father's Heart, the "Patris Corde" for the Session 1: "A Beloved Father," c) Into the Breach Question 3 on "Fatherhood," d) "With a Fathers Heart: Prayers to Saint Joseph," and e) "Virtues for a Catholic Understanding."

You are strongly encouraged to download the the KofC Domestic Church series booklet on Saint Joseph for your reading enjoyment.  Finally, we present the KofC website for "Saint Joseph, Pray for Us," which includes the documentary film, "Saint Joseph, Our Spiritual Father."