This year, the annual Dads Morning of Recollection, sponsored by the fathers of Marist and Blessed Trinity High School, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Marist School. Men of all faiths are invited to attend, to celebrate commitment to God, country and family.

The featured speaker is Father Fred Wendel, Army chaplain at Fort McPherson, who left a growing suburban parish with a beautiful new campus to rejoin the Army, at age 59. Father Fred was drafted as a young man into the Army during the Vietnam War, serving in both the Signal Corp and as a chaplain assistant in Germany. He later finished college, served as a priest and joined Wyoming Army National Guard.

Returning home to Georgia, Father Fred served as a parish priest, most recently as pastor of Prince of Peace Church in Flowery Branch. But he again answered the call to military duty in serving the troops of all faiths during this stressful time of war.

During the morning, Father Fred will discuss “Answering the ‘Call of Duty,’ to God, Family and Country,” providing insight into the minds of youth, both those in the military facing multiple difficult deployments in war and those in our homes. According to Father Fred, “We are ministering to a 21st-century group of young people … There has to be an openness to taking them where they are at.”

The event begins at Marist in the chapel at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 1:30 p.m. All past, present and future fathers (and grandfathers too!) are invited for Mass and talks.

This year’s sessions will also include discussions led by Father Wendel, a question-and-answer session and discussions among the dads.

Don’t miss this unique chance for camaraderie with fellow men and a great time to compare notes on raising kids in today’s challenging times. Breakfast, lunch and drinks will be provided.