Dear Parish Family,

While driving by a home with a large yard sign which read “Hero’s Live Here,” I thought of how much we honor our first responders, doctors and nurses. This awareness was heightened with the pandemic and should be.  What about that man, we call father, dad, or daddy?  Was he not for all purposes our first hero? From our earliest recollection, didn’t we feel safe tucked in his arms, holding onto that gigantic finger and hearing the gentleness of his strong voice? We knew he was a hero who was here to provide for us, protect us and keep us safe. Somehow we knew the immense love and pride he had for us.   In Proverbs 20:7 we are told “The righteous man walks in his integrity. His children are blessed after him.”

According to the dictionary, FATHER (NOUN) means one who loves, supports, guides, encourages and inspires his child.  Is this not what our heavenly Father does for all of us?   DADDY (NOUN) means a person who loves unconditionally, wears many hats, encourages & teaches, a spider killer, sand castle builder, bug catcher, story teller, fort builder, car singer & car fixer, advise giver, joke teller, piggyback ride giver and knows everything!  I am sure these are lifelong assets. As I look to honor my beloved Daddy on Father’s Day, I know he continues that immense love and guidance from the heavens above.

Pope Francis proclaims, “Every family needs a father who shares in his families joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children and offers them firm guidance and love.”

We continue to ask God’s blessing on all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, father figures and uncles.

Mary Jo