Thank you for the many ways you reflect the love God the Father to your children, being in your family like St. Joseph was in the Holy Family. Thank you for making your life a sacrifice…a total gift of self, of [your] life and work; placing your heart and all your abilities at the service of the family God has entrusted to you. (cf. Paul VI, March 19, 1966).
As a father, did you know that the witness of your faith is one of the most important factors that influences whether that child will continue to practice their faith as an adult? (See Families and Faith: How Religion is Passed Down across Generations by Vern L. Bengston). Why is this? Because God designed it this way! In God’s plan, the father is the one who offers the family to God. In the “domestic church” that is the family, the father is given the grace and responsibility to lead his family in faith. Fathers, you exercise the universal priesthood you received at baptism in your families by bringing them to the Lord. Don’t worry if you don’t feel equipped for this task! It can be quite simply done like praying before meals, blessing your children at the start and end of the day, making sure your family (including you!) goes to Mass every Sunday, bedtime prayers, and simply talking about your faith on other days besides Sunday. The more your children see you pray and see you choose God first, the more they will learn to do the same.
Contributed by the Faith Formation team
A Father’s Spiritual Bouquet is a beautiful way to honor your father, whether he is near or far, living or deceased. If you wish to honor your father, husband, grandfather, or any other special father during the month of June, please take and complete an envelope from the Welcome Center and place it in the offertory collection or drop it off at the parish office.
The Spiritual Bouquet will be included in the Prayers of the Faithful for Sunday Masses during the month of June. The envelopes for the spiritual bouquet will be collected and placed in the Sanctuary near the St. Joseph statue.