Patris Corde

With a Father’s Heart is part of the Cor Ecclesiae Series and is designed for use in Catholic men’s ministry, particularly in a group study. This guide based on St. Joseph and Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter includes excerpts from Patris Corde, explanations and applications, as well as discussion questions and prayers.

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With A Fathers Heart is pictured with a statue of Joseph and Jesus.

Study Guide

The With a Father’s Heart Study Guide is based on St. Joseph and Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, With a Father’s Heart. This book is designed for council use, especially if you have a group of men who gather regularly to grow in their faith, whether that is through a parish men’s ministry or a council program.

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Man kneeling with family praying at alter.

Session 1 A Beloved Father

We hear about toxic masculinity in our age. In contrast to that, St. Joseph offers us a model of masculinity that is noble, strong, courageous, and self-emptying. Through St. Joseph, God teaches us what it means to be a good father and a good man.

Sample Study Guide

Session 2 A Tender and Loving Father

St. Joseph fills the void of fatherhood for those of us who did not experience the love of a tender and loving father. Encounter the fatherly example of St. Joseph with your men’s group through the newest study from the Knights of Columbus: With a Father’s Heart.

Couple reacts Joseph walking with a pregnant Mary reflecting on God's calling.

Session 3 An Obedient Father

St. Joseph’s obedience came from his deep faith in God and His providence. In every situation, Joseph had faith and put his faith into action. Deepen your faith in God, following the example of St. Joseph, with your men’s group through the newest study from the Knights of Columbus: With a Father’s Heart.

Stained glass art of Joseph accepting God's calling. Picture of a picture with wood shavings at the bottom.

Session 4 An Accepting Father

It is through St. Joseph’s actions and acceptance of God’s will for his life that we see a glimpse into what would later be Christ’s own prayer to God the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22:42). Encounter St. Joseph’s model of humble acceptance through this men’s group study from the Knights of Columbus: With a Father’s Heart.

A reenactment of Joseph leading his family on a journey on a donkey.

Session 5 A Creatively Courageous Father

For men, there is a danger of becoming passive when we are met with unfamiliar circumstances. Instead of acting, we can be paralyzed by the fear of the unknown or the fear of failure. The remedy to fear and passivity is action through creative courage. Just like St. Joseph, we too can move in faith and be creatively courageous. Learn from the man who met life’s difficulties with creative courage in this men’s group study from the Knights of Columbus: With a Father’s Heart.

Reenactment of Jesus as a young boy bringing Joseph a bundle of wood.

Session 6 A Working Father

Our work must not be our identity. Our identity rests in the truth that we are sons of the Father. Our God-given identity gives our work value and meaning no matter how grand or modest the job. Because we are sons of God, our work has eternal value. Learn to work with the heart of St. Joseph through this men’s group study from the Knights of Columbus: With a Father’s Heart.

Session 7 A Father in the Shadows

A chaste man, like St. Joseph, is not governed by his passions and desires and is free to love. When we practice chastity in every aspect of our relationships, we find happiness like St. Joseph did, “not in mere self-sacrifice but in self-gift.” Excellence in chastity moves beyond occasions of sexual sin, and it also brings to mind the freedom that is necessary to serve others. Learn from the Chaste heart of St. Joseph through this men’s group study from the Knights of Columbus: With a Father’s Heart.