All fathers of the archdiocese are invited to take part in the 20th year of a well-loved tradition for guys: the Morning of Recollection for Dads with Msgr. Richard Lopez, a priest-teacher who is an institution at St. Pius X High School and throughout the archdiocese.

The tradition will continue at St. Pius X on Saturday, Jan. 29. Fathers will come together again to share their insights on the pleasures and rigors of fatherhood, faith and work, as well as to reflect on Msgr. Lopez’s treasured humorous anecdotes and spiritual teachings.

The morning begins with an informal meet and greet followed by Mass at 8:30 a.m. A light breakfast, typically doughnuts or biscuits, coffee and juice, is provided. The two morning sessions begin with insights and reflections from Msgr. Lopez based on his topic this year: “The Perfect Father … Thomas More.” Each session is followed by small group discussion work sessions as well as question and answer sessions with Msgr. Lopez.

Msgr. Lopez will close out the fellowship with his parting wisdom, thoughts and prayer. The morning will conclude with the opportunity to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation shortly after noon.

Men of all ages will benefit from Msgr. Lopez’s insightful presentations on being a better father, husband and spiritual leader by incorporating laughter, prayer, fellowship and Scripture readings into family life.  Fathers are typically entertained as well by a string of humorous stories related directly by teens about their dads, shared by Msgr. Lopez, who has taught at St. Pius for 29 years.

“A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father,” was one insight shared by Msgr. Lopez, as he challenged the men to be better parents.

Men “don’t get many opportunities to sit down and talk about faith and fatherhood. Here they are able to share ideas and experiences. The day is actually a blessing for me, and I am grateful for all of the men who are there,” Msgr. Lopez said.

Information and registration forms are available at all of the Atlanta-area Catholic high schools and at local parish offices. It is also possible to register online or via e-mail at dadsmorning@spx.org. For further information call the high school at (404) 636-3023.