What a weekend!  (Actually, I’m writing this column on Wednesday — before my anniversary weekend.) Anyway, I am presuming that all has gone well for this weekend as I celebrate the 50th Anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood.  There is the Mass on Friday, June 18, followed by an outdoor Fiesta.  Although at this writing, I’m aware of some of the details that have gone into these celebrations, I am told that there are a few surprises! 

One big factor is the “heat wave” that is predicted for these days! I hope that all has gone well as I know we had planned for some cool-down areas, lots of water and even a few portable fans and misters. 

Most of all, I know that to make all this happen and to pull it off requires a lot of work and preparation.  Thanks to all who have put in weeks of time, talent, energy, creativity, patience and prayers for my Anniversary events.  From Holy Spirit staff, all have worked so hard: Teresa Griffen, who headed up the entire project from start to finish: what an amazing job! Cheryl McArthur who worked on invitations and finances; Yvonne Kacvinsky and Cindy Wayne, who handled so many calls and questions; Scott Knisley and Kayla Falco who planned the music and liturgy of the Mass, as well as those who participated in the Mass: Sr. Karen Crouse and Deacons Rich Green, Thomas Roberts, and John Breeden; Anna Forsberg and Tammy Kastrup, who helped out in many ways, especially in hosting the visiting clergy — priests and bishops; Louie Latina, Eliana Pacheco and Aiden Niehoff who provided all the technical video and audio components; and finally to the Maintenance Crew — Anthony Bolino, Mark Medina, Tony Medina and Rob Dagnesses who put in hours of busy and heavy work. 

Thanks also goes to the splendid cooperation of Bishop Gorman High School, especially John Kilduff, President of Gorman, and Bridget Michlik, Director of Advancement.

And finally, to all the many volunteers who offered their time and energy to this wonderful occasion!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!    

50 years ago, I picked this date and this very same weekend to honor my father who was so proud to attend his son’s ordination — along with my mother, of course. So, I close by wishing all fathers a most “Happy Father’s Day”! Thanks for all you do to raise and take care of your children, no matter their age! And, may our fathers who are deceased be enjoying eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

Have a great week! God bless you.

Heavenly Father,
Today we ask You to bless our earthly fathers
for the many times they reflected the love, strength, generosity, wisdom and mercy that You exemplify in Your relationship with us, Your children.

We honor our fathers for putting our needs above their own convenience and comfort;
for teaching us to show courage and determination in the face of adversity;
for challenging us to move beyond self-limiting boundaries;
for modeling the qualities that would turn us into responsible, principled, caring adults.

We ask your blessing on those men who served as father figures in our lives.
May the love and selflessness they showed us
be returned to them in all their relationships,
and help them to know that their influence
has changed us for the better.

Give new and future fathers the guidance they need
to raise happy and holy children,
grounded in a love for God and other people -
and remind these fathers that treating their wives
with dignity, compassion and respect is
one of the greatest gifts they can give their children.

We pray that our fathers who have passed into the next life
have been welcomed into Your loving embrace,
and that our family will one be day be reunited in your heavenly kingdom.

In union with St. Joseph,
whom you entrusted with Your Son,
we ask Your generous blessings today and every day.

Amen.