Congratulations to each and every dad in our parish community!     and to all visiting dads today too!     

What is a dad?     Wow!     A dad is so many things!    He is someone very special!  He teaches us how to be strong and also caring.    Dad shows us this when we are young, by tossing us up into the air and catching us so we never fall and get hurt.    He seems to be our family protector, who makes our home and family feel safe.    When dad is around, noises during the night or walking outside in the dark do not seem fearful.    Dad sometimes is not a man of many words, but he does often tell us how much he loves us.      Often dad shows his love by the wonderful things he does for us.     He teaches us by his example and his encouragement good sportsmanship, whether we win or we lose.    Dad encourages us when we fail.     And, dad teaches us to respect the efforts and talents of others when we win.   He teaches us never to gloat.      Dad is a very special guy!     If we are lucky, he will be among our best friends all our lives.

During this Father's Day, let's each recall the great man our dad is/was.    With much fondness, let's remember so many wonderful events and activities with our dad.    And, let's make sure we express our gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to our dad.     Not only today, but everyday!

And, if you are a dad, remember what a vocation God has given you!    How you behave, how you act and speak, God uses to teach us about Himself.    How truly special you are! Be the dad you want your children to fondly recall and love!      Be the dad, whose very life and words teach us daily Who Our Heavenly Father is.

Happy Father's Day dads!

We again are having our Father's Day Novena of Masses for the all the fathers --- living and deceased --- whom you request to be remembered.      This Novena of Masses begins with today's 5:00 p.m. Evening Mass.

To have your father, grandfather, uncle, son, brother, nephew, father-in-law, son-in-law, big brother, little brother, etc., whether living or deceased, remembered in this Novena of Masses, please list his/their name(s) on the Intention Envelope that you find in the pews today. Remember the Novena of Masses begins this evening, so return your Intention Envelope by the 5:00 p.m. Mass this afternoon.

If the man/men you are remembering is/are alive and you wish to give him/them a Father's Day Card, please take whatever cards you need from the back of the church as you leave Mass today.    If the man/men is/are deceased, then just list his/their name(s) on the Intention Envelopes found in the pews.