VINELAND – In a side chapel of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Mark Berchem of NET Ministries urged the husbands and fathers gathered to “spend time, not money, on your children” for the best dividends.
“Be present to them. Include them in the things that you do, such as grocery shopping or household chores, and go to the things that they like to do and are involved in,” he said.
As well, he emphasized the importance of saying, “I love you, and I’m proud of you” to children, no matter their ages.
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“Time and words are the most valuable resources,” Berchem said. “In practicing these intentionally, we’re creating memories, and memories create values” such as faith, confidence and security in children, which have lasting, positive impacts.
Berchem, founder and president of NET Ministries Inc. – which trains youth to share the Gospel with their peers – and Manuel Huerta, NET Ministries’ retreat team director, were the keynote speakers March 16 at the “Step Up Dad: A Day for Men” retreat at Divine Mercy Parish. The two led presentations in English and Spanish, respectively, to inspire men to reflect, resolve and take practical steps to become a great dad. The day before, Berchem led a day of reflection for Diocese of Camden employees at Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, Glassboro.
Calling the men who were present in Vineland “eager to be the best possible dads they can be,” Berchem said he hoped the day would give them the encouragement and tools needed to be stronger fathers.
“Unfortunately, dads can get so caught up in the business of life that they don’t take time to think about being great dads,” said Berchem, who is author of the book “Step Up Dad! Your Kids Need You.”
During the Spanish-speaking session, Huerta encouraged the men to understand the need to “come closer to the Lord, accept His grace, and take small, practical steps to be that great dad that our children need us to be. … It’s important for fathers to know that the Lord desires to give them the grace to be great dads.”
Those who attended said they found spiritual fuel to power themselves and their families in the faith.
“I’m always looking to be a better father and husband,” said Mike Petrilli, a husband and father of three from Saint Peter Parish, Merchantville. “There’s been good, rich conversation among us men, and I appreciated Mark stressing the importance of being intentional in everything we say and do as fathers. They’ll [children] pick up on everything.”
From Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Holly, Rod Faigal, the father of four daughters, said the day was “not just for me, but for my family. … It’s good to know that there are Catholic fathers like me concerned about the world who want to raise their children in the faith.”
In addition to the talks, Mass was celebrated by Father David Rivera, pastor of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish in Hammonton, and all men took part in an Act of Consecration to Saint Joseph, entrusting themselves in the care of Jesus’ earthly father.
“It’s vitally important for men, in today’s culture, to step up for their wives and children as role models of virtue and faith,” said Dr. Michael Sims, director of the Diocese’s Life & Justice Ministries, which sponsored the event along with the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministries. As men joined together, they became “spiritual allies affirming each other in their gifts and talents.”
Andrés Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of evangelization, said: “As fathers, we have a key role in the evangelization of our family. It was a great day in which we were reminded of the love of the Heavenly Father for us and the call to love our children with the same love.”
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