Father's Day 2023

June 17, 2023
Author: Hannah DeVivo

This Sunday is Father’s Day! Let’s look at the role of a father and what examples we have to encourage the fathers in our lives.

The Role of a Father

When reflecting on the role of a Catholic father, I was prompted to share with you an excerpt from one of our books: Saint Joseph, Patron of the Home and Home Sellers which you can purchase here!

Counsels and Maxims for Married Men

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church

and handed Himself over for her.”

–Ephesians 5:25

A husband should strive to continue after marriage the manly chivalry, strength, generosity, and tenderness that made him so attractive in the days of his courtship.
Reverence is the product of the home, and what is learned in the home is never forgotten.
The unselfish husband will never be unmindful of the great burdens and sacrifices which marriage and motherhood lay upon a woman.
After marriage your wife should come first in your affections, but this does not mean that you are to neglect your mother or father, whom you can never repay for all they have done for you.
Parents may advise but should never force upon their children any particular career in life.
The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
The light that shines furthest shines brightest at home.
A loving soul illumines and warms the house better than a blazing hearth and a lighted lamp.
The married who live in harmony and mutual love can defy the world; without this unity, all the world cannot make them happy.
The best way to win the respect and obedience of your children is to show them a good example.
A father who neglects prayer, Mass, and the Sacraments, must never wonder when his children do likewise.
The father is the head, the mother is the heart of the home.
Mutual consideration and tolerance are sure to make married life happy.
You cannot have the respect of your children if you disrespect their mother.
Children bring blessings to every good home, and they are one of the surest guarantees of the unity and fidelity of the husband and wife.
And at all times remember your vows:

I, ( name) take thee, (name) for my lawful wife,

to have and to hold, from this day forward,

for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Amen.

God the Father

Just as mothers have Mary to look up to for inspiration and help, fathers have the ultimate role model: God Himself. When Jesus was on earth, He called upon His Heavenly Father frequently. It always strikes me how God the Father sent His own Son to suffer and die for the forgiveness of sins, and yet Jesus is always praising and talking to Him. It shows the great love and respect that exists between the Two.

Jesus shows us that a father is in control and powerful, yet loving and always there. Jesus makes it clear that He always submits to the will of the Father, and yet Jesus is not afraid to come to Him with His petitions. When Jesus was experiencing His agony in Gethsemane, He said: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus was completely trusting and sure that whatever God the Father willed would be for the best.

Saint Joseph

Let us not forget another incredible role model for fathers: Saint Joseph! Just as God chose Mary to be the Mother of God, there needed to be another very special and holy person to care for Jesus. God chose Joseph for this task. Although we have no direct quotes from Joseph in the Bible, there is much that can be learned from his actions. I happen to love Saint Joseph and am incredibly inspired by his loyalty and care. He strikes me as someone who didn’t seek praise or approval. He did what he knew to be right and holy. His decisions were made with careful consideration for those whom they would affect. When Joseph had decided to divorce Mary quietly in order to protect her, the angel came and encouraged him to be not afraid. After this, Joseph chose to accept and care for his beloved bride. He decided to help raise and love the child that was not his own.

Gift Ideas for Dad

Here are some wonderful gift ideas for the father in your life:

1. A Coffee Mug. We have awesome mugs and travel cups that are sure to put a smile on his face!

2. A Rosary. Saint Padre Pio once said that the rosary is the weapon of these times. What a great gift for the Spiritual leader and protector of the household! Here is a special one for dad.

3. A Pocket Knife. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about my husband, it’s that he always has a knife on him. These come in really handy!

4. A Pocket Prayer Book. These are great for on-the-go or anytime prayers and encouragement!

5. A Day of Rest! It is so important that we all take times to rest, relax, and recharge! This Father’s Day, consider some ways you can help the dad in your life to take some true relaxation time for himself. Ask him what would be helpful and what he needs.

6. Tools. Oftentimes, dads will really want or need something but may not purchase it for themselves. Take some time observing him and get curious about what he may be missing. Tools or equipment can be a great way to show your appreciation and care!

7. A Novena, Mass, or Special Prayers. Lifting Dad up in prayer is always helpful and incredibly powerful.

8. ASK- Remember, we are all different and have our own needs and wants. If you are unsure of what to do for the dad in your life, ask him!

Special Prayer for Dad

There is a powerful novena prayer to Saint Joseph that’s over 1900 years old. It has never been known to fail. Let us pray this together, lifting up all fathers as a special intention.

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power, I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.

Whoever reads this prayer, hears it, or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on them. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in any fire, nor will they be defeated in battle.

Saint Joseph, Patron of fathers, families, and a happy home,

please pray for us.

Before You Go

Whom do you look to for inspiration and fatherly guidance?

Do you have any fun plans this Father’s Day?

Have you learned anything new in this article?

I would LOVE to hear from you. Send me an email to Catholic-Living@Autom.com Be sure to follow and subscribe to the links below for more tips and information.