Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all my sons and son in law! You are all terrific Dads, each with your own style. I see some of your Dad in each of you, and that's all to the good!

Yesterday we gave a talk to 33 lay leaders for the diocese. Mostly asked questions and listened to their concerns and difficulties. Funny how the older you get, the less sure you are you have all the answers.

Today at Children's Mass, the Liturgy was delightful. It's Father's Day here too. The priest and deacon were followed in by a squirming procession of little kids all ages. Then again at the Kiss of Peace, they all rushed forward to greet the priest. Kids handled the server jobs at mass and about 15 or more sang in the choir with enthusiasm and ON PITCH!

At the beginning, we heard the full sound of the choir, turned to the back of the church and watched the stately procession start up the aisle. There were the altar boys (and girl) leading, in red cassocks and white tops, the leader swinging the censor with great dignity. Then the other lectors, candle bearers, cross bearer, clergy, and the wiggly parade of kids. I really got a sense of the ancient, living ongoing life of the Church.

At the final procession, back up the aisle, little kids again came rushing, and a really sweet little girl named Cristel held proudly to Dick's hand all the way out. Her white dress looked lovely and her long dark pony tail swung happily back and forth.