June 19, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
In tomorrow’s Gospel reading from Mark, we hear the well-known story of Jesus sleeping in the stern of a boat, as a storm rages around him and the disciples. Frightened by the ferocity of the sea and their teacher’s apparent indifference to their peril, the disciples wake Jesus Christ and question his concern for them. Jesus quells the storm and questions their faith, leaving the disciples to ponder the person before them, both human and divine.
On this Father’s Day weekend, I reflect on this authoritative and tough loving relationship between Jesus and his disciples, and the authoritative, loving and always evolving relationship between a father and his children. A father is one of the primary authoritative and loving figures in a child’s life, providing guidance, shelter, and stability to his family. The roles of fathers and mothers have evolved over the past 50 years, with two-income working families and the wide-reaching impacts technological advances have had on our society. But, as we see with St. Joseph, our model human father, certain paternal roles will always remain important, including:
- Validating each child’s innate dignity as a person, so he or she recognizes their human worth.
- Taking the time to teach a child life skills, so he or she can navigate their worlds confidently.
- Demonstrating your faith in prayer, Mass attendance and service to those in need.
- Giving your child your presence without the distraction of smartphones and media.
- Guiding a young adult or grown one as they navigate their own lives, offering your life experience and helping to break a fall.
As is true in all of life, as fathers themselves age, accept with grace that your children may need to help you out, from time to time. This is the evolving part of your relationship and one as natural as the care and love you showered on your children during their formative years.
As the disciples feared for their welfare in the Gospel reading, Jesus Christ chided his followers for their lack of faith in him and their knowledge that he would carry them through. As parents, and especially fathers, let your actions and interactions with your children each day convey that the comfort and faith they place in you is unshakeable.
I wish you all a Happy Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday, and a blessed and wonderful start to your week. Happy Father’s Day to all our fathers, grandfathers, and godfathers this weekend! And today, please pray for the newly ordained Fr. Nicholas Morrison and the seven transitional deacons who were ordained this morning at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Watch the ordination.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Saturday, June 19; Sunday, June 20; Monday, June 21; and Tuesday, June 22:
Saturday, June 19:
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by Deacon Will Garcia.
Sunday, June 20:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by Deacon Will Garcia.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass Readings and Mass Aid.
- Sunday online Mass at 10 am. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer. Mass Readings and Mass Aid. (Please note that this is the final virtual Sunday liturgy).
- In-person Mass at 12 pm in church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer. Mass Readings and Mass Aid.
- In-person Communion service from 1:30-2 pm in the Gathering Space. (Please note that this is the final in-person Communion service to be offered on Sundays).
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by Deacon Will Garcia.
Monday, June 21:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
Tuesday, June 22:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Rosary in Spanish at 6:30 pm. Led by Deacon Will Garcia.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
Last Sunday Online Mass and In-Person Communion Service Offered on June 20
The online Mass premiering at 10 am Sunday, June 20, marks the last virtual Sunday liturgy our parish will offer during this time of COVID-19. If you watch the Sunday online Mass, please stay on for a few minutes after the Final Blessing for special messages from Fr. John Dillon and Deacon Jim Datovech.
With Cardinal Wilton Gregory’s decision to reinstate the obligation for Sunday Mass and holy days on June 26-27, we look forward to welcoming everyone back for in-person Mass next weekend. Beginning June 26-27, the parish will return to its pre-pandemic Mass schedule of 5 pm Saturday and 8 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am and 5 pm Sunday. Please see the web site at www.sfadw.org to review our safety protocols in the church, ensuring we are gathering as safely as possible during COVID-19.
