This past weekend, The Heights School was delighted to welcome some 150 fathers from across the community for a day of reflection and fellowship at its annual Fathers Conference. This year’s event focused on how the life and teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá can provide inspiration and guidance for men as husbands, fathers, professionals, and citizens living in the busyness of 21st-century Washington, D.C.
The conference began with Holy Mass, setting a reflective tone for the hours ahead. The first talk, “A Father’s Worldview in the Message of St. Josemaría,” was given by Fr. Javier del Castillo, the Vicar of Opus in the United States and Canada. Though it is easy to see the goal of parenting as simply getting children to do the right things, Fr. Javier urged fathers to see their job as transmitting a worldview. He explained St. Josemaría’s worldview with four pillars: God is our loving Father, we are His sons (and sense ourselves to be so), people are companions and paths to sanctity, and the world is fundamentally good (though, wounded by sin).
Following a shared lunch at noon, the conference resumed with a special panel discussion led by Fr. Malcolm Kennedy and Dr. Darryl Glick, both of whom personally knew and met St. Josemaría. This get-together delved into the life of St. Josemaría, exploring how his vision for a lay spirituality blossomed into a way of life that serves men navigating modern challenges. Fathers were invited to reflect on how St. Josemaría’s message empowers them to find joy and meaning in both their work and family lives.
Headmaster Alvaro de Vicente delivered the final address on “Fatherhood as a Vocation.” In his talk, Mr. de Vicente offered practical insights into embracing fatherhood as a calling, urging fathers to find purpose in guiding and forming the character of their children. This session brought St. Josemaría’s themes of sanctifying ordinary work into the home, inspiring fathers to see their role as leaders in their families and models of faith.
The day continued with small group discussions, giving attendees a chance to share key takeaways and insights from the talks. Led by Heights fathers, these discussions allowed for personal reflection on how St. Josemaría’s teachings could be applied in their unique family lives.
The conference concluded with refreshments and cigars, providing fathers time to relax, continue conversations, and strengthen friendships amongst each other. This gathering embodied the spirit of fraternity and common purpose that makes The Heights so unique. Rooted in the vision of St. Josemaría, this year’s Fathers Conference reaffirmed The Heights’ commitment to supporting fathers in their mission, offering tools and inspiration to live their vocation fully amidst the joys and challenges of modern life.
You can listen to Mr. de Vicente’s talk on the vocation of fatherhood here.