Catholic Family Vignettes

This Father's Day, my dear husband gave a precious gift to our youngest son, Maximilian. Max made his first confession, with his father and grandfather patiently waiting for his emergence from the confessional.

It has always been a great joy to both of us to present our children to this beautiful sacrament. The boys, especially, have developed a great love for confession and frequently avail themselves of its graces.

Maximilian is on his journey towards the reception of First Holy Communion. He will receive on the Feast of Christ the King, just as his brother Michael did, last year. After making his first confession, Max could hardly contain himself as he contemplated the day he will receive Jesus. He told his older sister Meredith, "He's really there, you know!" Such a simple statement, and yet how profound.

"He's really there, you know!" Read more!

Tomorrow is Father's Day and my children and I will be blessed to spend it with two of the best fathers ever...my husband and my dad. These two men are such beautiful examples of fatherly love and we will all be blessed to spend tomorrow honoring them.


Here is a beautiful prayer for all fathers:

Prayer of Pope John XXIII - for Fathers

Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus
and chaste husband of Mary,
you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty.
You supported the holy family of Nazareth
with the work of your hands.
Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you.
You know their aspirations,
their hardships, their hopes.
They look to you because they know
you will understand and protect them.
You too knew trial,
labour and weariness.
But amid the worries of material life,
your soul was full of deep peace
and sang out in true joy
through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you
and with Mary, his tender Mother.
Assure those you protect that they do not labour alone.
Teach them to find Jesus near them
and to watch over Him faithfully as you have done.

Amen.

May this Sabbath day be filled with the joyful celebration of fatherhood. Blessed be our own Father, God, forever. Read more!