RIVER FALLS – What does it take to be a great dad? On Saturday, Feb. 24, St. Bridget Church in River Falls will host a free, half-day rally that offers answers.

The Knights for Dads Rally will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event includes a light lunch and book; freewill offerings are welcome.

The event features two dynamic speakers:

• Matt Birk is a father, a Super Bowl Champion, NFL All Pro, husband, Harvard graduate, and pro-life supporter. Matt speaks to audiences nationwide and authored All Pro Wisdom: The Seven Choices that Lead to Greatness.
• Mark Berchem is the founder and president of Catholic NET Ministries in West St. Paul. He is a husband and father. He earned master’s degrees in social work and theological studies and authored the book: "Step Up Dad! Your Kids Need You.”

Together, they will share practical, actionable steps to nurture and guide children. Attendees will learn to:

• Recognize their power to guide and nurture children
• Spend time not money
• Affirm their children
• Have meaningful conversations
• Set a good example
• Find allies for their journey as fathers and husbands

All attendees will receive a copy of Mark Berchem’s book.

The River Falls Knights of Columbus launched the Knights for Dads Rally last year after reviewing the disturbing facts about fatherlessness. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in four children live without a father in the home. Fathers need to be more than “present” in the household; they need to be involved, but don’t always know how; and many fathers do not recognize the powerful impact they have on their children.

The morning’s theme is “Fatherhood: Man’s Highest Calling.” Doug Weiss, chair of the Knights for Dads Rally, explained, “While dads are our primary audience, God calls every man to protect, teach, mentor, support and pray for children just as God our Father loves and cares for each of us.”

The event welcomes all men – married and single, young, old and in between – to learn how to rise to the highest calling in their lives. Men of all faith traditions are encouraged to attend.

The event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus councils at St. Bridget Church in River Falls, St. Patrick Church in Hudson, and St. Mary’s Church at Big River.    

Registration and details can be found at SignUpGenius.com/go/KnightsForDads24  or click QR code.