The Grief of Dads: Support and Hope for Catholic Fathers Navigating Child Loss

For a variety of reasons―including cultural norms, a man’s traditional role in the family, and lack of support―a father’s grief often fades into the background when his child dies. The Grief of Dads was written by Catholic fathers just like you who have lost a child at any age and from any circumstance. These dads offer the support, spiritual guidance, and companionship you need as you make your way through grief.

Winner of a third-place award in the front cover artwork category from the Catholic Media Association.

The Grief of Dads is an important resource to help you know that you are not alone and to work through loss and the upheaval of deep grieving with help from men who have been there, too.

Authors Patrick O’Hearn and Bryan Feger, along with Ryan Breaux of Red Bird Ministries―an organization that guides individuals and couples through the trauma of losing a child―want to normalize conversations about men’s grief.

Drawing on the richness of the Catholic faith, they offer stories from the men in the Bible and from male saints who knew the pain of losing a child and yet found hope and healing in God. The authors share their own stories and the experiences of seven other fathers who lean on their faith and seek healing with help from the sacraments, the Bible, fellow Catholics, and the devotional practices of the Church.

The book includes resource lists, journaling space, prayers, spiritual reflections, and letters of spiritual support, as well as guidance for friends, family, and pastors of grieving fathers. Kelly Breaux, cofounder and president of Red Bird Ministries, wrote a chapter for wives as well.

Patrick O’Hearn is a Catholic author of several books, including Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University and a master’s degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville. O'Hearn works as the director of ministry expansion at a Catholic non-profit, Stewardship: A Mission of Faith.

His work has been featured in the National Catholic Register and Aleteia. O'Hearn has appeared on EWTN’s Women of Grace and At Home with Jim and Joy, EWTN radio, Relevant Radio, and Iowa Catholic Radio.

He and his wife, Amanda, lost three of their five children to miscarriage. The O’Hearns live in the Southwest.

Bryan Feger is a scientist and medical writer. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and a doctorate in physiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves as a high school catechist and as part of Yokefellows Prison Ministry.

After experiencing the loss of three children from miscarriage, he feels called to let other dads know they are not alone, grieving is necessary, and healing is possible.

He lives with his wife and son in Durham, North Carolina.

Kelly and Ryan Breaux cofounded Red Bird Ministries following the loss of four of their children—two boys and two girls. The organization helps parents who have lost a child to find healing. Red Bird partners with dioceses and parishes to provide the tools and resources to support families who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.

Ryan and Kelly coauthored Restoring Love. Ryan also contributed to several books published by Red Bird Ministries for group and couple’s programs offered by the organization. Ryan and Kelly provide mental health content for the Hallow app. They have been guests on a number of Catholic radio and TV shows, including At Home with Jim and Joy on EWTN, Rome Reports, the Catholic Faith Network, Seize the Day with Gus Lloyd, and Kresta in the Afternoon. Their work has been featured in the National Catholic Register, Radiant magazine, FemCatholic, Aleteia, and in numerous diocesan publications.

Ryan works as a key account manager for Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and is in his second term as an alderman. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Kelly and Ryan Breaux cofounded Red Bird Ministries following the loss of four of their children—two boys and two girls. The organization helps parents who have lost a child to find healing. Red Bird partners with dioceses and parishes to provide the tools and resources to support families who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.