What is the greatest gift a father can give to his child? Is it something tangible like a puppy? Or perhaps something fleeting, like time? 

Over 35 fathers including two spiritual fathers-to-be, were posed this question by Clement Ong at the Immaculate Heart of Mary last Saturday (10 June 2023). 

The workshop for fathers titled “A Father’s Mission” was led by Clement, a certified coach, therapist, and father of two. 

“To love your children,” one father said in response to Clement’s question.  

“Time, the time spent with them,” said another father.  

“Good answers, but the greatest gift a father can give to his child is to love his spouse,” said Clement. 

Clement explained that children often mirror their parents and when their parents are happy, so will the child.  

“When there is a happy marriage, things tend to also fall into place with the children,” he said, adding that in an exercise conducted by Centre for Fathering, the majority of children presented an image of their parents, when asked to show what they thought constituted a happy family.  

First year seminarian, Br Benedict Chan said that this resonated with him.  

During the workshop, the fathers broke into groups to discuss their challenges and to learn from one another.  

Sixth year seminarian, Br Marcus Chew who was also at the workshop, said that sessions like these allowed for men to have spaces where they could be supported and in turn support each other in their vocation of fatherhood.  

“I was personally very inspired and hopeful to see those present here expressing their desires to grow as a father,” he said.  

A Father’s Mission sets fathers on the path to become the fathers God has called them to be. Emulating St Joseph through practical insights, the fathers talk addresses the challenges faced by fathers and how best to take accountability.  

Check out the upcoming events and programmes at Catholic Family Life’s website. 

Should you wish to organise similar talks to benefit people in your parish or organisations, please contact us at cfl@familylife.sg.