Sunday we celebrate Fathers. There are actually many fathers in our lives.
Of course, there’s our dad. Or stepdad.
There are grandfathers and fathers-in-law.
Priests who we call Father and the Holy Father, the Pope.
And the greatest of them all … God the Father.
They all play an important role in our lives, our families, and in the world. And they are deserving of our thanks, recognition, and prayers.
Fathers are Wonderful People
By Helen Steiner Rice
Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should …
For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills…
And Father struggles daily
To live up to “HIS IMAGE”
As protector and provider
And “hero or the scrimmage” …
And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,
But if you look inside Dad’s heart,
Where no one else can see
You’ll find he’s sentimental
And as “soft” as he can be…
But he’s so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife…
But Fathers are just WONDERFUL
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolade of praise,
For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness…
And like OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
He’s a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be ALWAYS ON OUR SIDE.
This week’s issue of Genuflect celebrates Fathers with a look at the history of Father’s Day, how it’s celebrated around the world, how to be a Catholic father, St. Joseph as a role model, and the first person of the Trinity, God the Father. Sunday is also Trinity Sunday so we take a quick look ahead at what that’s all about.
Thank you to all the fathers for all you do to love and provide for your family and others in your care. I pray you have a blessed Father’s Day.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Editor, Genuflect
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The Surprising History of Father’s Day
Many people assume Father’s Day (and Mother’s Day for that matter) is a holiday designed by greeting card makers to turn a profit. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The story behind how this day became a holiday is actually a tale of determination by one woman and a decades-long fight to get fathers the recognition they deserve.
The Essential Role of the Father
The mother is the heart of the family but the father is the “head” of the family. What then are goals that every man who is called to the marriage vocation should aim to attain so that indeed he can live out what is true “fatherhood” in a world of “drop-out dads,” negligent fathers, and overly timid men? Here are three.
This Father’s Day: Vow to be a Committed Catholic Father
It is mid-June, so it is time for the annual national “head nod” to fathers on Father’s Day. For many, Father’s Day will pass unrecognized; for others, Father’s Day will be celebrated with “man-gifts” (e.g. tools, sports gear, etc.) and perhaps with a pleasant BBQ with family. But how many will ponder the dismal state of fatherhood and what each father could do better? Christ expects Catholic fathers to seek holiness and perfection as each Catholic man will ultimately face the King and give an accounting for how he shepherded his children. This is a call for Catholic men to prayerfully assess their effectiveness as fathers for Christ on Father’s Day and vow to become Committed Catholic Fathers.
Randy Hain’s Checklist for Catholic Dads
Randy Hain writes: After recently reflecting on my conversations with other dads, I made a list of the actions I am working on which I learned from my father and my own experiences as a parent. Just making this list was convicting and challenging for me, as I became acutely aware of where I fall short. Yet developing this list has also inspired me, and I try to reflect on these actions during my prayer time each day. I have a long way to go, but I believe living up to these expectations will keep me headed in the right direction.
Virtual Father’s Day Retreat
Father’s Day is this weekend and it’s time to honor dear old Dad. Fathers share helpful advice and wisdom throughout our lives (or at least they try to). Even if we’re too busy or stubborn to listen, dads are giving us tips on how to make our lives the best they can be. This virtual retreat helps children and their fathers connect with those wisdom moments and one another.
10 Father’s Day Traditions Around The World
From teaching you to ride a bike to walking you down the aisle, fathers have a special place in all of our hearts, so be sure to show them how special they are this June 18th. If you are still trying to nail down the perfect plan, we have a few ideas for you! Here’s a visual of ten different Father’s Day traditions around the world, so you can be inspired by how others show gratitude to the men that raised them.
5 Reasons Every Man Should Love St. Joseph
St. Joseph often slips under the radar because of his quiet demeanor and hidden life. However, he has much to teach us about growing in holiness. Here are 5 reasons to discover St. Joseph.
Why do we Call Catholic Priests “Father?”
Fr. William Saunders writes: A Baptist friend asked me, “Why do we call priests `Father’ when Jesus told us not to call anyone on earth `father?'” Here’s how he answered this question.
The Father, First Person of The Trinity
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, MD provides this look at God the Father, including the origin of God’s name, who He is, 9 qualities of God, a look at Fatherhood, and more.
What is Trinity Sunday All About?
Trinity Sunday is this Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know, along with a nifty downloadable at-a-glance resource.
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