Marriage and fatherhood don’t come with an instruction manual, but they do come with a mission: lead your family closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ. On Morning Air, John Morales welcomed Catholic apologist Cameron Riecker to talk about the “real spiritual pressure” on families, and what men can do to stay steady.

After reviewing nearly a thousand surveys from young men, Riecker said one struggle dwarfs the rest: “About 85% of those surveys, men say their number one issue is lust.” He warned that so-called private sins don’t stay private. “This is the battle for masculinity,” he said, and for husbands and fathers, “it’s got to start with chastity.”

Riecker also pointed to the spiritual weight of a father’s witness, noting that he had seen research suggesting a father’s faithfulness strongly shapes whether children remain faithful. His takeaway was blunt: “The father determines the creed of the family.”

But he didn’t leave listeners discouraged. He insisted this fight is winnable, especially when men are willing to show up, seek help, and build accountability. And when life gets exhausting and distractions multiply, he urged men to reframe the struggle as a place where God strengthens virtue.

His practical counsel was clear: make room for mental prayer, pray the Rosary, and stay especially close to St. Joseph. Joseph is the quiet protector who acts promptly, obeys God, and teaches sacrificial love.

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