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June 15, 2023
Father’s Day is June 18
Saint John Paul II believed fathers were vital to the success of every family and laid out his “guide” for fathers in his encyclical “Familiaris Consortio.” He said, “Being a father isn’t always easy, but with God’s help, all things are possible.” Saint John Paul II laid out five principles in his encyclical: Love your wife and children, take an active role in the education of your children, don’t be an absent father, be a source of unity, not division and be a strong Christian witness.
The following dads were both “cradle Catholics” but with very different backgrounds and upbringings who illustrate living out Christian fatherhood.
Jesus Robles
Saint Mary Catholic Church, Ardmore
Deacon Juan Jimenez describes Jesus Robles as, “… a great guy, a great father, great grandfather and extremely hard working. He really works hard to make sure that his family is involved with the Church and the sacraments.”
Robles has been married to his wife, Irma, for 33 years and they have four children ranging from 18 to 32 years of age. They have been blessed to have two grandchildren. Robles credits his own father as being a wonderful example for him.
“My Father has always been a role model for me and my family in the teaching of what is right and what is wrong, Robles said. “Ethics and integrity have always been a big part of my upbringing with our Catholic faith, always having the strength to do the right thing for others, in any circumstances.”
Besides working 50-60 hours per week and raising his children, Robles found time to serve the Church.
“I had the privilege and opportunity to assist as a catechist aid for five years and worked with different aged children that have now become young adults and are still active members of the Catholic faith,” Robles said.
His son, Kevin, said, “I deeply admire my dad's commitment and passion that he has towards his faith. He has been a great example and role model to our whole family, and I am encouraged everyday by what he has done through the Church, and for the Church.”
Joseph Benedict Semtner, Jr.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Konawa
Joseph “Joe” Semtner, Jr. never really had the opportunity to get to know his dad, as his father passed away when he was 6 months old. Both sides of his parents’ family had strong Catholic traditions that helped in raising young Semtner in the faith. He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 46 years and has three daughters and five grandchildren, with another on the way in late June.
Semtner said the following about his dad, “I saw how much our mom missed him as well as my older siblings who remembered him. So, yes, even in his absence, through the words of others, I knew he was a wonderful dad and role model.”
Regarding his personal faith and is commitment to the faith, Semtner added, “I think most of my challenges as a Christian Catholic have been self inflicted. Trying to do things without bringing Jesus into the equation used to be the norm. Now little decisions and especially big decisions include prayer. I still fail many times every day, but I keep working to make it less frequent. Sharon has been such a blessing to me. She came into the Church as a convert shortly after we married and embraced the faith and has pushed me to grow as well. We are very blessed by our daughters who have all been married in the Church and have outstanding husbands and children. They are all very responsible, strong willed and very loving. Sacred Heart’s CCD program is on Sunday morning, so Tim LaMack and I cook them breakfast. We have also started an adult class that runs concurrently with the CCD classes. We have had several be encouraged and have their marriage blessed. The Sunday breakfast is our ministry.”
His daughter Anna said, “My dad is the most kind, hard-working, humble and gentle soul I have ever known. He set a wonderful example in our faith and teacher when it comes to the Catholic faith.”
Finally, his wife Sharon said, “During our 46 years, we have never missed Mass unless a major illness, he has been a gentle saintly giant. He is the calm in every storm.”
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photos provided. (Top) Jesus Robles and family.
Joseph Benedict Semtner, Jr. and family
