CELEBRATING THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF FATHERHOOD: Parishioners Chris Robnett and Rod Becks Reflect

The family is the first place children learn the faith. That is why the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops lays out several ways to build a “domestic church” within our own families — for example, always attending Sunday Mass, praying a Rosary as a family, and inviting priests, deacons and sisters into your home.

Fathers have an essential role in building the domestic church. Children need to see their father leading the way in practicing the faith. Each father and mother made a promise to pass on the faith at their wedding and a child’s Baptism.

Chris and Jamie Robnett do their best to pass on the faith to their children, Audrey, Curtis, and Mia.

“It’s really important, especially in today’s environment,” Chris says. “There are so many negative outside influences. Our Catholic faith ties us back and brings us joy.”

Chris’s mother and maternal grandparents paved the way in the faith for him. The Robnett family moved to Quincy, Jamie’s hometown, about 11 years ago. They have both gotten involved in various ways at St. Peter’s. Chris is on the Stewardship Council and helps lead the Cub Scouts. He’s also an usher and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Jamie and Chris also participated in the Marriage Course this spring. Jamie is involved with the Girl Scouts and works part-time at St. Peter School. Chris considers this an important ministry for their family because Jamie is with the school children each day — serving as an example.

Rod Becks is further along in the fatherhood journey. He and his wife, Cathy, have three children, Eric, Heather, and Dustin, and six grandchildren. Rod’s parents were great role models in the faith.

“I try to be a positive role model by going to Mass and living a good life,” Rod says. “I have always told my kids and grandkids the Golden Rule.”

Rod feels blessed to have his whole family here in Quincy. Rod and Cathy are longtime members of St. Peter’s. They help out with the Coffee and Donuts Ministry, and Cathy also volunteers in the school library. In addition, several of Rod and Cathy’s grandkids are involved at St. Peter’s, and that makes both of them so proud.

Society’s view of fatherhood is so different from what the Catholic Church teaches. Chris wants to set the record straight that the father is there to set an example of the faith for the family, and Jamie is there as the anchor keeping everything together.

“The role of a father is to be a partner with his wife to make sure, not just the two of you, but the whole family gets to heaven,” Chris says. “Fathers need to be a leader and set the path for your family, to keep other stuff out of the way and keep them focused.”

Chris says that we all need to practice gratefulness and be aware that everything we have is a gift. He especially values his family. Rod feels the same.

“I am so blessed,” Rod says. “We have three good kids with wonderful spouses and grandkids. I’m blessed most by my wife, Cathy.”

In their free time, the Robnett family enjoys traveling, fishing, biking, riding bicycles, and being outside. Rod and Cathy love to watch their grandkids at their various activities. Rod also keeps busy in the summer playing golf and doing yard work.

Rod Becks with his wife, Cathy, and their grandchildren Marah and Conner Becks and Devin, Aubrielle, Bryson and Caylee Bradfield

Chris Robnett with his wife, Jamie, and children, Audrey, Curtis and Mia