Praise Those Fathers
Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.
Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a worthy and virtuous father.
Let us praise those fathers who, by their own account, were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. As well, let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by words and actions of their children.
Let us praise those fathers who, despite marital discord, have remained in their children's lives.
Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a worthy and virtuous father.
Let us praise those fathers who, by their own account, were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. As well, let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by words and actions of their children.
Let us praise those fathers who, despite marital discord, have remained in their children's lives.
Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has nurtured a thriving life.
Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect.
Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.
Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.
Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.
Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.
Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.
- Prayer of Kirk Loadman adapted by Debra Mooney, PhD
- Prayer of Kirk Loadman adapted by Debra Mooney, PhD
I am blessed to have been loved well by my Dad and my Grandpas. They each encouraged me in different ways: Dad instilled in me the importance of stepping up to lead in hard circumstances and fostered in me the belief that I could excell in anything that I endeavored to do. He also taught me the language of "sports" which has served me well as the mother of 3 boys. Grandpa Falanga showed me that life was supposed to be fun as he played games, sang songs, and danced with me, my sisters and my cousins. And Grandpa Volkmor asked "thinky" questions and listened when I answered showing me that what I thought and had to say were important. What gifts!!!
BUT
Here is the often unspoken gift, when you are 23 and you marry a man, you have no idea what kind of father he will be. I am so grateful to be parenting alongside Tim. For all of the strength, fun, encouragement, imagination, music, guidance, and love he has shared with Matthew, Jacob, and Luke, I can't say "thank you" enough. I especially want to say "thanks" for being a Dad who doesn't reluctantly show up at Mass each week just to check off a box. Thanks, Tim, for being happy about Church, for being involved in music ministry, helping me with my crazy ministry, and going on Mission trips with the fellas. You have set quite an example for them to follow!
How about a song for all of our "DADS"? RECKLESS LOVE is a tune about how much God loves us, but I think it is also a great song to celebrate the men in our lives who never made us earn their love and who day after day gave themselves away in order to help us become...
This is an all time favorite of mine (and Tim's). It was the theme song for the High School Mission Trip that we went on with Luke after his Senior year. Turn it up, think of someone who has loved you well and give God thanks for all that love:
TWO JUNE OPPOTUNITIES
GARDEN STROLL
Come celebrate the beauty of God’s creation by joining us for the Garden Stroll on Sunday, June 25 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
Find out all of the details and register on the Parish Website:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2023/05/15/a-walk-in-the-gardens/
***Please note that the Dombrowski's address was incorrect on the original advertising. It has been corrected in the bulletin as well as the website.
Emily Janoch to Visit
Please join us June 27 at 1:00 as Emily Janoch, daughter of Greg and Nancy, will come and speak about her work with CARE, International. Here is what Emily plans to share:
"Many often see those who suffer poverty and inequality as 'victims', and say, 'They need us.' On her recent trips to Ethiopia and to Mali, she was again blown away by how people have stepped up as leaders in the past years. They can use a little help, but they are already doing so much, even in the hardest circumstances.. It turns out that we really need each other."
The weekend looks like it's going to be beautiful!! I hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy the "overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God" that he showers on us through the wonder of creation including one another!
With joy and gratitude,
lyn