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Dads and sons in matching shirts

Fraternitas

The Brotherhood of Fathers

Fraternitas empowers Catholic fathers to confidently pass on their faith to their children, addressing the critical gap where 56% of Catholic teenagers report never discussing faith with their dads. In a world where parents face overwhelming societal and social media challenges, and Catholic resources for fathers are scarce, small, intentional steps today can transform future generations. Children raised with faith enjoy better mental health and lower risks of mental disorders and substance abuse, but without fathers’ direct engagement, they are unlikely to embrace Christianity as adults.

Fraternitas Houses strengthens fathers in faith, equipping them to become the spiritual leaders God calls them to be.

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Watch our video of DADCAMP® 2025!

Fraternitas Houses

Meet dads where they are already active (parishes and schools) to build community and offer plug-and-play household resources.

DADCAMP®

A father-child experience that fosters meaningful conversations, lasting memories, and a brotherhood of faith-driven dads.

Fraternitas App

An interactive platform with gamification, peer connection, faith resources, and tools to answer kids' big questions.

Fraternitas Houses Retreat

Date & Time: December 12, 2025, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Marian University

Please RSVP here by Tuesday, December 9th: 
Click Here to RSVP

CALLING All Men and DADS!

Join other men at Marian University’s campus for our Fraternitas Kickoff for the 2025/2026 year. Our theme is “Hidden Beauty.” 

Featured Speaker: Fr. Rick Martignetti

Our speaker, Fr. Rick Martignetti is VP of the Franciscan Leadership Institute and Lead Chaplain at Marian University.   He will guide us on a retreat of prayer and meditation to prepare our hearts to experience the mystical treasure of Tree of Life; Saint Bonaventure’s retelling of the Origin, Passion and Glorification of Jesus Christ with imaginative reflection and personal encounter with the Lord!  The mission of Fraternitas is to empower dads to pass their faith to their families.  Pray, learn, and discuss how to be a better father... and enjoy coffee, a light breakfast and lunch all included!  

Hosted by Marian University’s Franciscan Leadership Institute. 

Why Attend?

Fraternitas Houses is dedicated to helping dads pass on their Catholic faith to their families. Come to:

  • Pray: Deepen your faith
  • Learn: Gain practical insights for fatherhood
  • Discuss: Connect with other dads
  • Enjoy: Savor a free delicious breakfast

Hosted by: Marian University

Upcoming Fall Fridays

Join us for these upcoming events, all starting at 6:30 AM:

  • December 12, 2025 – Marian University Campus
Fraternitas House Flyer

 

Thanks to Our Sponsor

Logo of The Catholic Woodworker featuring a shield and cross design.

Spiritual Weapons. Built for Battle.

Fraternitas Programs

Mark Bridenstine

For more information, reach out to:


Mark Bridenstine, Director of Fraternitas
📧 mbridenstine@marian.edu
📞 317-361-8084

Mark has spent the past year helping build the Fraternitas program with the Franciscan Leadership Institute team at Marian University. Throughout his career, his experience collaborating with teams has been invaluable in designing unique opportunities for dads to deepen their faith and become stronger spiritual guides and protectors for their families.