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Dear Parents and Carers

As we celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, we pause to think of the importance of having someone in our lives who is loving, offers a guiding hand, and shares their wisdom and help.

God the Father gave up his only son, Jesus Christ, so that we might be saved through him. In doing so, God provides an example of the very vocation of fatherhood.

The call of the Gospel is challenging — and so is the vocation of fatherhood.

Fatherhood is a vocation, a call from God. Fathers are called to serve as teachers, models, guides, authority figures, and companions to children. But fathers are real and imperfect people who, for many different reasons, make mistakes. However, they often offer committed love over the years, which in turn helps form them in holiness.

Studies show that the personal example of a father figure teaches children how to live and cope with life and how to practice faith. A father’s example is more than just words.

Today, in a special way, let us be grateful for:

Our fathers — by birth or adoption — who love us and support us through life
Our single parents (mom or dad), who love us and walk with us through life
Those grandparents and extended family members/special people who step into the role
Our church leaders, who take on the role of guiding us through life
And God our Father, who will always teach justly and grant us boundless mercy.

And if, for any reason, your father is not present in your life or not as perfect as you wish, let us pray for our fathers and that all might experience the love and support that they need.

One final image from scripture related to fatherhood is the famous story of the Prodigal Son. In this story from Luke (15:11-32), we read that “While [the son] was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.” Let us reflect on all fathers who wait in vigil for their children — waiting and watching out with hearts full of compassion.

Happy Father’s Day!

Keep smiling

Cathy

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