Daniel Simmons shared his personal journey and experiences as a father, foster parent, and adoptive parent. He emphasized the importance and joy of fatherhood, highlighting the role of fathers in creating, protecting, and guiding their children. Daniel spoke about the societal challenges and misconceptions surrounding fatherhood, urging fathers to embrace their responsibilities and authority with the support of God. He concluded by encouraging the audience to reflect on their own experiences of fatherhood and the impact of their faith on their paternal roles.

This engaging session begins not with a lecture but with a simple, reflective activity—inviting participants to name their favorite book and then explore five topics they’d love to learn more about. What starts as a casual exercise quickly opens a deeper conversation about how we nourish our minds and hearts.

In a momentous chapter for the Church and the faithful in America, the recent election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—calls us to deeper reflection, renewed unity, and heartfelt prayer. As we continue through the month of May, traditionally dedicated to Our Lady, we turn to her with childlike trust, asking her intercession for our new Holy Father, that he may lead with wisdom, courage, and love. At this second Saturday gathering of CORE, amidst new faces and familiar ones, we are reminded of why we come together: not only for fellowship and formation but because someone once invited us, believing it could make a difference. And it did. In light of this historic papacy and the guidance of Our Blessed Mother, we are challenged to extend that same invitation—to bring one more soul into this community of faith. As we look ahead to our upcoming breakfast, we recognize that what sustains us is more than just food or friendship—it is the quiet conviction that Christ is working in our lives, shaping us through one another, and now, through a pope who speaks from a land we call home. May we pray for Pope Leo XIV, and may his shepherding call each of us to be better men, better witnesses, and bold evangelists in our everyday lives.

Rooted in a spirit of reverence and introspection, this talk, Praying at the Foot of the Cross with Mary, invites listeners into a contemplative encounter with Christ through sacred music and the example of Our Lady.