This web site outlines the content of a book written by Michael Smith SJ entitled Between Fathers and Sons. Between Fathers and Sons is a program designed for fathers and their adolescent sons. The mission of the program is to help and encourage fathers to foster the ongoing development of their sons into psychologically and spiritually mature men. The Between Fathers and Sons program is a small step in the ongoing process of helping adolescent males grow into spiritually mature men whose lives are grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As this is the aim, each session is rooted in the gospel; a time for prayer and personal reflection based on a gospel reading is integrated into each session. The processes used during the program encourage open and honest dialogue between all the participants, especially fathers with their sons. The hope is that the father-son relationship will grow deeper, and each father will be encouraged to continue to nurture and nourish his son’s growth into mature manhood after the program has concluded. The program is not designed as therapy for a father and son whose relationship is severely disturbed. In such circumstances, a combination of family therapy and individual counselling with a professional therapist might be the best option.
Between Fathers and Sons 