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I want to say a word of "thanks" to Fr. Frank for his column in last week's bulletin. Also a word of "thanks" to all of you for welcoming him and being so kind as he has been getting used to his new parish and the surrounding area.
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Sunday, we recognize the national celebration of Father's Day. Founded in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd at the Spokane Washington YMCA. It was in honor of her father, William Jackson Smart, who was a Civil War veteran and a single parent of six children. It took time for a national "Father's Day" holiday to gain steam and fell into relative obscurity for some time as well. In 1966 President Johnson made the first official proclamation of a National Father's Day. Six years later, it was made a permanent holiday.
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Fatherhood seems to be gravely misunderstood in our culture today. There is a great need for men to be good fathers to their children and husbands to their wives. St. John Vianney once said that: "if God took the name Father it was to inspire in us a great confidence in Him." Yet our current culture is bent on dissolving this relationship of fatherhood and denying the Fatherhood of God.
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It is interesting that the Curé of Ars notes that in calling God "Father" it inspires confidence. But he is right... Confidence inspires trust and trust is born from love. Confidence in God's love allows us to trust in His commands and lets Him lead. Pope St. John Paul II notes that at the heart of Original Sin is the abolishment of "fatherhood" - this lack of trust, of confidence, of love in God. Adam was supposed to step in and defend Eve, he was supposed to protect her so that she could trust in his love - have confidence in him ... He was supposed to show who God is to her. Adam was supposed to trust in God, in His protection, and His love.
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The fact is that men and women are different. They speak something of the language of God to one another, reveal something of His nature to one another. Yet this does not fit within the framework of today's cultural narrative of "equality". The differences in men and women only serve to enhance life, bring about our true identity that finds its origin in God. Men, therefore, need to rediscover the nature of true fatherhood that reflects who they are and their unique creation. A recent article I came across on this subject offers the following characteristics on true fatherhood:
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- An authority without being authoritarian
- A leader without being a frontrunner
- A visionary without being arrogant
- A servant without being servile
- A lover with being sentimental
- A supporter without being subordinate
- A disciplinarian without being punitive
- Merciful without being spineless
- Humble without being self-deprecating
- Courageous without being foolhardy
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Next week, I will expound upon what these mean. For now, let's take a moment to lift up our fathers - spiritual, biological, adopted ... whatever ... lift them up to God in order that they may regain a confidence in Him and become a more perfect reflection of His love.
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The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is RESTORED. Starting this weekend, all Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield will once again be required to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Spread the word!! Please read Bishop's letter here.
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Summer Men's Hike - the Young and Catholic Men's group is sponsoring a men's hike June 27th. Meet at the Notch Visitor Center at 2pm and hike to Mt Holyoke summit for Mass and BBQ. Register at www.ycmen.org
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Donations are being accepted for the following: Summerfest Gift Baskets and the Altar Rails. Please call the office for more information.
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Confessions are held on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
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Fr. Frank invites you to his next presentation: Catholic Art and Symbolism. To be held Thursday, June 24th at 6:30pm in the parish hall. All are welcome!
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A Eucharistic Holy Hour for Vocations will be held at St. Jerome Church in Holyoke on Friday June 25th at 6pm. Join Bishop Byrne and Fr. Jon and pray for vocations to the priesthood!
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Training for Altar Servers and Lectors is scheduled for Wednesday June 30th at 6:30pm - following Benediction and Thursday July 1st at 6:30pm for those who cannot make it on June 30th. Please contact Fr. Frank for more info or to sign up.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
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There is a new Coffee With FJ episode this week! See below:
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Support Holy Family
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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