Junior School

A Fathers’ Day Prayer

In sitting down to write a few words about our celebration of Father’s Day, my thoughts turned to a prayer that I have reflected on and pondered quite a bit. Rather than paraphrase this prayer, I thought I would share it with you as it is:

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 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.

And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

(Source: https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/fathers-day-prayers)

As we pray this prayer and praise these fathers, we give glory to God, whom Jesus taught us to call ‘Father’.

My family’s celebration of Father’s Day was very simple this year, with homemade gifts and cards and a walk in the park being just about all there is to report. I found this simplicity just delightful! Although I appreciate the thought that goes into the gifts and fancy meals of ‘normal’ years, there was something about this year’s celebrations that moved me more than ever, and I am grateful for that.

I would like to thank all those who contributed to and participated in the College’s beautiful Father’s Day Liturgy last Friday. I’m sure you will all appreciate that such events do not simply happen but are created through the hard work of people who help us to express our love and appreciation to our fathers and father figures. The leadership of Ms Daley, Mrs Tatola and Fr Jack in this area means so much to our community.

Year 5 Students of the Fortnight

The most recent Year 5 Student of the Fortnight Award recipients are:

• William Ardagna
• Lucas Ettorre
• Louis Gilroy
• Adriano Guerrieri
• Noah Ianni
• Archie Truscott.

Congratulations to all these boys!

God bless,

Ben Munday

Director of Junior School