Our ABC sale again provided many individuals the opportunity to let go of household items for the benefit of our parish; and gave many ‘bargain hunters’ the joy of finding an unexpected treasure ultimately benefitting our parish. Thank you to Walter and the many volunteers who organized the gathering and sale of items.
Always the third Sunday in June, so very close to the solstice, the first day of summer. My godfather, Uncle Joe, provided me a poignant moment of manhood, a simple nurturing gesture that often defines fathers. He struggled with mental illness most of his adult life but remained a fixture within the family. He stayed at our house during the time of grandma’s death and burial before going back to the care center. I came downstairs, running late for the visitation, with a tie in my hand. Without asking, he realized I was having difficulty properly tying my tie. Without saying a word he got up from the kitchen table, took my tie and, standing behind me, tied a perfect ‘Windsor’ knot. He smiled and sat down, and I fumbled for the appropriate “thank you.” Moments define fatherhood, what we learn, what we perceive as appropriate and responsible, eventually melding us into the direction in life we need to take and the person God created us to be. For all fathers, and parents who provide the moments that form our own integrity, and understanding of life: Alas, it is the beginning of summer the anticipated season that graciously welcomes us all outdoors to witness and participate in God’s magnificent creation. Henry James, writer and author, echoed our thoughts: "Summer afternoon— summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." Psalm 8 expresses the gift of God’s creation we are called to enjoy, share and preserve: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet. Pope Francis eloquently exhorts us to carefully participate in the gift of creation, nature and the opportunities each season offers while preserving such for the next generation. “We exist only in relationships: with God the creator, with our brothers and sisters as members of a common family and with all of God’s creatures within our common home. . . .We have broken the bonds of our relationship with the Creator, with our fellow human beings, and with the rest of creation. . . .heal the damaged relationships that are essential to supporting us and the entire fabric of life. . . .this interconnected web of life.”
May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do and wherever you go. And may you talk with God this summer within the touch of his creation.

God Bless,
Fr. Tim
“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.” (Reed Markham)