"But as to reading individual Fathers, I wouldn't know where to begin..."
+Ignatius, +Polycarp, +Justin Martyr and +Clement of Rome then +Irenaeus. Read them prayerfully and as if you are listening to a priest give a fine sermon just to you. Don't look to find confirmation of what you believe (we all do that, its hard not to); learn what they believed. Don't look for common threads, they'll find you. Keep your bible handy.
Thanks for the advice. I had already read all of Ignatius' and Polycarp's writings. A bit of Justin and Clement. And Ireneaus, I read "Proof of Apostolic Preaching", rather than his more well-known "Against Heresies". I intend on returning to them. I think I am going to have to try to limit my time here and do more spirtual reading instead. So much to read... I think the trick is that you mention - read them prayerfully. I've read them more for information in the past. Now, that I have read some of their works and have read other people's expositions on their doctrinal teachings, I need to go back and prayerfully read them.
Thanks again for your patience and advice.
Brother in Christ