The Talks
There are a number of talks during the retreat that focus on various issues relating to critical aspects of the dynamic relationship between a father and his son. These talks are structure along the lives of Cursillo witness talks. That is, all of these talks are by men who have been through this and can speak from the heart about their own personal experiences. Every talk begins with a scripture passage and reflection that address the content of the talk. Each of the Theme talks is followed by one-on-one father-son time (usually 30 minutes) to reflect on what they just heard. This is then followed by a father-son activity that relates to their discussion.
Some of the talks, presenters, and/or formats are rotated each year to keep the retreat fresh since we have so many dads who return each year (some with the same son and some with a different son.
Some of the talks, presenters, and/or formats are rotated each year to keep the retreat fresh since we have so many dads who return each year (some with the same son and some with a different son.
My Father, My Son, and Me
John and Aaron Parr going fishing!
This talk deals with a father’s relationships with the important men in his life and how these relationships impact his relationship with his son(s). This may include his father, grandfather, uncle, stepfather, etc.
In the photo at left, John and Aaron Parr act out a skit involving father and son going fishing as part of their talk.
Scripture: Luke 15:11-24 >>> The Prodigal Son
In the photo at left, John and Aaron Parr act out a skit involving father and son going fishing as part of their talk.
Scripture: Luke 15:11-24 >>> The Prodigal Son
Let's Talk, Son I
This talk is provided to the fathers only. It is an educational session on how to improve communication between fathers and sons. The speaker offers tips to the fathers on communication skills that can be easily translated into their everyday interactions with their sons.
Scripture: Luke 6:46-49 >>> Why do you call me Lord, Lord?
Scripture: Luke 6:46-49 >>> Why do you call me Lord, Lord?
Let's Talk, Dad I
John Beller with his guitar.
This talk is for the sons only. It is an educational session on how to improve communication between dads and sons. The speakers offer tips to the sons on communication skills in an entertaining and enjoyable way that can be easily translated into their everyday interactions with their dads. The speakers are dads who also have expertise working with young people. These guys are always knowledgeable, fun, and entertaining.
Scripture: Luke 6:46-49 >>> Why do you call me Lord, Lord?
Scripture: Luke 6:46-49 >>> Why do you call me Lord, Lord?
Living With Emotions
Greg Barrios talks about dealing with emotions
This session focuses on the emotional aspects of the father-son relationship. As sons approach adolescence, they often struggle with the issues that are associated with their emergence into adult males. They are often unsure of how they feel and how they should act in response to the physical, mental, and emotional changes they are experiencing. In addition, they have the added pressure of assuming more responsible as a young adult. At the same time, dads are struggling with their relationships with the sons often unsure of how to relate to these changes in personality, temperament, and responsibilities.
Scripture: John 2:13-17 >>> Jesus and the Money Changers.
Scripture: John 2:13-17 >>> Jesus and the Money Changers.
What is a Man?
Team member Dan Connelly talks with his son
This talk builds on the discussion in Theme Talk #2 and goes beyond just the emotional impact of the father-son relationship. The focus here is on the pressures that a son endures as he transitions into manhood and the effects that these pressures have on the father-son relationship. The speaker reflects on what it means to “be a man”. Our society today through the various media often presents a concept of what “a man” should be which is distinctly and disturbingly different from what the Church encourages and teaches us to be. The presenter talks about how he has struggled with the pressures of becoming a man and what he believes a man should really be.
Scripture: Luke 2:41-50 >>> 12-year old Jesus in the Temple.
Scripture: Luke 2:41-50 >>> 12-year old Jesus in the Temple.
What is a Monk and The Life of a Monk (Monk's Talk)
Most people have no idea what it means to be a monk and how monks go about living their lives according to the "Rule of St. Benedict". This talk is given by one of the Monks who lives at the Christ the King Priory in Schuyler. The sons appear most interested in what it means to be a monk and ask most of the questions of the presenting monk.
I Hear You Calling (Priest’s Talk)
This talk focuses on the vocations of being a dad and a son. These roles are not just accidental relationships but a true calling by God to serve through these relationships. In addition, both fathers and sons in their respective roles have responsibilities to each other, their family, and to all of God’s children.
Who do you say that I am?
While "What is a Man?" focuses on the issues of emerging manhood and how that impacts the father-son relationship, this session focuses on the issue of personhood. The core question here might be “Who am I as a person, as a dad, and as a son?”. What are the struggles that this father has endured to be a Christian in an often unchristian world? The speaker talks about modeling and reflects on how he has served as a positive role model for his son.
Scripture: Mark 8:27-33 >>> Who do you say that I am?
Scripture: Mark 8:27-33 >>> Who do you say that I am?
Special Sessions
These are sessions that rotate from year to year and deal with new and contemporary topics which have a role in the relationship between fathers and sons.
Let's Talk, Son II (Fathers only)
Let's Talk, Dad II (Sons only)
Once again, fathers and sons are in separate sessions to work on improving communication with each other.