You taught me how to love, what it took..
You never said too much, but still, you showed the way,
and I knew, from watching you….
Nobody else could ever know, the part of me that can’t let go…
From Everything I Own, written by David Gates
My father seemed different from other fathers in my neighborhood. He was a quiet man, not very tall, but strongly built, with piercing blue eyes. He was not one for emotional expressions, showing his devotion not so much in words, but in deeds. He didn’t say a lot, but my mother and us kids knew that we were loved- he worked endlessly to make sure that we had what we needed, and with our mother, he molded us to be people of Catholic conviction, in our thoughts, words, and actions.
I see St. Joseph is the way I see my father- and I cherish his memory as we mark 35 years since his passing this past month. I miss him, but I hear his quiet and strong voice in many places, moments, and other’s voices. I have been blessed with a happy memory.
Father’s Day gives us a chance to honor and remember our fathers, as well as those who are and have been father figures for us. May their memory, words and examples point us to our Savior. Joseph, pray for us.
-Fr. John Sheridan
Beginning June 22, the Feast of Saint Thomas More and John Fisher, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrates Religious Freedom Week. Join us in promoting religious freedom For the Good of All.
All people desire to know their Creator. All people have a natural impulse to seek the good and to live in accordance with that good.
All people can flourish when they pursue the truth about God and respond to the truth. Religious freedom means that all people have the space to flourish. Religious freedom is both an American value and an important part of Catholic teaching on human dignity. When we promote religious freedom we promote the common good and thus strengthen the life of our nation and the community of nations. Learn more at www.usccb.org/religiousfreedomweek
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
On World Refugee Day we pause and remember the 25 million people who have had to flee their countries in search of safety for their families.
Learn more about refugees and Catholic teaching at justiceforimmigrants.org
A Father’s Day Prayer
God our father, we give you thanks and praise
for all fathers young and old , especially our
own fathers.
We pray for young fathers, newly embracing
their vocation; may they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy
and sacrifice.
We pray for fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering; may they
know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love
and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who are no longer with
us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. Amen