By Rosemary Miller

Fathers are extraordinarily important in the lives of children.

In recognition of this, “Honoring Fathers” is the theme for the 13th annual Adoption Celebration in Helena at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Room 303 of the Montana Capitol. Other celebrations are being held throughout the state.

Adoptive fathers will speak about parenting and about their relationships with their children. This event comes a week after a celebration of adoption in Missoula, where an adoptive father and a birth father planned to talk about their experiences and about the relationship they share. Ceremonies formalizing the adoption of children were planned at both the Helena and the Missoula celebrations.

Often, a pregnant young woman will make an adoption plan through Catholic Social Services as a way of providing her baby with both a mother and a father. Based on their own upbringings, these young women know the importance of fathers and desire two-parent homes for their children. Catholic Social Services encourages birth fathers to be involved in the adoptive planning. For the child, that involvement will become an example of his or her importance in the life of the father.

A father’s presence provides a special kind of love and guidance for a child. Fathers become models for their children, and have the opportunity to see themselves through the eyes of their sons and daughters. Often, children see their dads as heroes.

Fathers build relationships by being “everyday dads” who take the time to shoot a few hoops with their children; beam while videotaping their daughters’ ballet performances; help children identify their abilities; and encourage them in the interests they wish to pursue. Just by spending time with their children, dads send sons and daughters the message that “you are important to me.”

As families gather during this Thanksgiving season, show appreciation for your dad. Reflect on lessons that were learned from him and can be passed on through the generations. Give thanks to our heavenly Father for providing us with dads who have helped us become the people we are today.


Rosemary Miller is the executive director of Catholic Social Services of Montana. For more information, call 406-442-4130 or 1-800-222-9383.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 25, No. 11, November 20, 2009.