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From Fr. Mike Gabriel
This Sunday is Father’s Day. I'd like to dedicate this message to all the wonderful fathers, father figures, and male mentors who have touched so many lives, whether your own kids, others' kids, family, folks mentored or coached, and the world-at-large.
Fathers are heroes for all that they do: from teaching us how to ride bikes to ensuring we were picked up on time for our music classes or sports practices – our fathers have lovingly cared for us since childhood.
Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being you. We appreciate your existence and the often silent but impactful role you have played in our lives.
As we give tribute to and celebrate our love for our fathers (and mothers) by way of words and actions, I am especially grateful for my dad, who will be 95 in August. Although his dementia and physical difficulty is getting worse, every week I am blessed to be with him.
My father did all he could do to make sure we had a great education and a roof over our heads. He worked seven days a week from 5 am until too late. He is humorous, and I never saw him sick or complaining. He says repeatedly, “And life goes on.” He suffered a lot because of my mom’s illnesses and death and showed us how life goes on.
Show your dad (and your mom) some love today, tomorrow, and every day. Give him a card. Take him out for dinner. Give him a hug. Share your joy with him. Celebrate the kinship you have together.
Priests' Convocation
Next week, from June 17-21, is the Priests' Convocation. Please pray for all the priests of the archdiocese, so they can serve the people of God. All weekday masses throughout the diocese will be communion services.
Here, we will have communion services on Thursday, June 20, Friday, June 21, and the morning of Saturday, June 22. I will not be able to attend the conference, I will be away Wednesday until Saturday afternoon.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. I ask that you support and pray for all priests this coming week.
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, you offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the Cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave your priestly people a share in your redeeming sacrifice.
Hear our prayer for all the priests of this Archdiocese of Chicago, especially as they gather in convocation. Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to you, the divine Master, the Good Shepherd.
May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience. Let them be shepherds according to your own Heart, single-minded in service to you and to the Church
and shining examples of a holy, simple and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Upcoming Events
At the end of the month, there will be some Eucharistic processions and liturgies. They will offer time to join other from many other parishes to celebrate the Eucharist as the source of unity.
Our Deanery will have a process and devotions on Friday, June 28, starting at 6:00 pm at Holy Child Jesus Parish (formerly St. Margaret Mary Church), 2324 W. Chase.
Our Vicariate will have a celebration on Saturday, June 29, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash.
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