ATLANTA--Approximately 105 St. Pius X High School fathers attended the school's Dads' Day of Recollection Jan. 25 in the chapel of the school campus.

Father Richard Lopez, a member of the St. Pius religion department, spoke to the fathers about what their children need and want from them. He based his comments on a survey the students filled out about their dads.

"Almost all students' comments about their dads were positive," said Father Lopez. "Many students are concerned about their fathers being overworked and stressed in these fast moving times."

He read from one survey in which a student wrote: "I'm not complaining about my dad. I'm just worried about him."

Father Lopez said that students appreciate it when their dads admit that they make mistakes, are human, and have fears and worries, as do their children. He said the students appreciate this more than dads' coming across only as unerring authority figures.

"Poignant recollections by surveyed students included a recollection of one dad comforting grandma after the death of grandpa," said Father Lopez.

Another wrote of the beauty of a toast recited by their dad at the grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary.

Father Lopez encouraged the dads to make time for prayer and let their children see them giving it a place in their busy lives.

Dads participated in group discussions on numerous topics that emerged throughout the day of recollection. Participants also had the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The day of recollection was sponsored by the Home and School Association. Organizers included Ron Barratt, Tom Boyle, Charles Bowen, Julian Fletcher, Mike Joyce, Bernie Haynes, Bill Hungeling, Dan Stewart, Gene Rice and Eddie Williams.

St. Pius X faculty members Mark Kelly, athletic director, and John Cobis, director of admissions, were also in attendance.