Rising Son Breakfast Ignites Passion for Fatherhood and Community

On Thursday, August 13, Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of community members, parish leaders, partners, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and Fatherhood Program participants to the Rising Son Breakfast—a vibrant morning celebrating fathers, families, and the bright future they are helping build.

Held at the historic Pueblo Union Depot, the breakfast buzzed with conversation and connection as people from across Pueblo and Southern Colorado gathered to champion fathers on their journeys of confidence, stability, and purpose. The morning began with a moving blessing from Bishop Stephen J. Berg, setting a prayerful and hopeful tone for the event.

The Rising Son Breakfast was created to raise awareness and support for Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado’s Fatherhood Programming, which helps fathers build closer relationships with their children, improve communication, strengthen stability, and recognize the lasting impact of their presence in their families’ lives.

The morning’s purpose was simple, yet deeply moving: to remind the community that fathers matter — and that when we rally around them, everyone benefits.

When fathers are supported, children feel more secure, families grow stronger, and entire communities flourish. That message echoed throughout the morning as guests shared tables with fathers from the program, heard stories of growth and perseverance, and discovered how encouragement, practical tools, and community support help fathers take meaningful steps forward.

Joe Domko, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado, reminded guests that Fatherhood Programming is more than a class — it is a ministry of presence, dignity, and hope. He emphasized that when fathers are encouraged and equipped, they can better show up for their children, strengthen their families, and contribute to a healthier community. His remarks invited everyone in the room to see support for fathers as an investment in Southern Colorado's future.

John Register’s presentation brought that message to life. A Paralympic Silver Medalist, U.S. Army Combat Veteran, and nationally acclaimed voice on resilience, purpose, and overcoming adversity, John captivated the room with energy, humor, honesty, and conviction. Centered on the theme “Amputate to Elevate,” his presentation challenged guests to transform adversity into advantage.

Through his story of resilience, purpose, and perseverance, John reminded the room that hardship does not have to define the rest of a person’s life. His message connected deeply with the fathers in the room and with all who believe that no person’s future is limited to their hardest moment. For many, his words brought the mission of the Fatherhood Program into sharper focus: with support, perseverance, and community, fathers can rise, grow, and make a lasting difference in their children's lives.

By the end of the breakfast, the room felt energized and deeply connected to the mission. John’s message did more than inspire; it helped guests see Fatherhood Programming through a wider lens. Supporting fathers is not only about meeting an immediate need. It is about helping men rediscover purpose, strengthen relationships, and build a legacy of presence for their children and families.

Sponsors and community partners made the event possible. Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado extends heartfelt thanks to Mike and Rae Ann Blazer, Headlining Sponsors, for their generous support of the breakfast and the Fatherhood Program. Gratitude is also extended to the Knights of Columbus, Venue Sponsor; The 30 Club Community Charity Foundation; El Pomar; Crisalida; KIX Country; and the many individuals and organizations who supported, attended, and helped make the morning possible.

Guests represented a wide range of community partners and friends, including the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Foundation, Diocese of Pueblo, Crisalida, Pueblo Latino Chamber, CASA of Pueblo, Knights of Columbus, Caring for Colorado, Vectra Bank, Bank of the San Juans, Pueblo Business Connections, Posada, Pueblo Diversified Industries, members of the City of Pueblo Leadership, and many others who share a desire to strengthen families in Southern Colorado. The breakfast also highlighted the quiet but essential work of staff, gracious volunteers, Table Captains, and planning committee members. From inviting guests and preparing materials to welcoming attendees and creating space for meaningful conversation, their efforts helped make the morning warm, organized, and centered on the mission.

Most importantly, the breakfast honored the fathers themselves. Their presence reminded everyone that Fatherhood Programming is not simply about classes or curriculum. It is about real men, real families, and real chances for growth. It is about fathers who want to be present, fathers learning new tools, fathers working toward restoration and stability, and fathers who want to make a positive difference in their children’s lives.

The Rising Son Breakfast was far more than a fundraiser — it was a joyful celebration of connection, gratitude, and renewed purpose. The event offered a powerful glimpse into the heart of Catholic Charities’ work, illustrating why standing with fathers is essential to building vibrant families and a stronger Southern Colorado.

Every moment of the morning reinforced a simple truth: when we champion fathers, we build a brighter, more united community.

Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado is grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, prayed, and gave in support of the Fatherhood Program. Because of this generosity, the organization can continue walking alongside fathers as they strengthen their families and help create a brighter, more hopeful future for their children.

The morning was a powerful reminder: when a community unites around fathers and families, lives change—one relationship, one conversation, and one act of support at a time.

Visit Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado to learn more about the compassionate services they offer https://www.ccsoco.org/.

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