Happy Father's Day

06-18-2023Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

I came across an interesting invitation to husbands/fathers offered in a recent parish bulletin of St. Ignatius Church in Hickory, Maryland. “As a Father’s Day gift to God our Father and our families,” these men are invited to participate in a public commitment to the following resolution before the Saturday vigil Mass this Father’s Day weekend. Consider taking this pledge or sharing it with someone you love. It has been found that a father’s faithful and active participation in the life of the Church has a profound, positive impact on the rest of his family.

Courageous Resolution

I RESOLVE before God to be responsible for the spiritual welfare of myself, my wife and my children.

I WILL love, protect and provide for them as Jesus loves, protects and provides for His Church.

I WILL take upon myself the responsibility to encourage regular participation in the Sacraments of the Church and lead by example.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and to honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God, and I accept my responsibility as the primary educator of them in the Roman Catholic faith.

I WILL train them to respect authority and live honorably.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with love, respect and compassion.

I WILL forgive those who have offended me and reconcile with those I have offended in any way.

I WILL walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to the teachings of His Church, be obedient to His Word and strive to do His will.

I WILL work with the courage and the strength God provides to live in accordance with this resolution for His glory until He calls me home.

“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong!” 1 Cor. 16:13

God bless you and Happy Father’s Day!

Fr. Bob