FATHER’S DAY IN AMERICA:  This weekend we wish a ‘Happy Father’s Day’ to the living and deceased dads, grandpas, stepdads, foster dads and Godfathers of Queens.  That’s me above in the arms of my dad 50 years ago. He is still hanging in there at 85!

We thank these men for the gift of life, for their guidance and firmness, protection and discipline, and for sacrificing so much for their children.  Masculinity and fatherhood seem to be frowned upon in the political correctness of 21st century America.  As Catholics, we want to be what Jesus called the ‘leaven for the dough’ that makes the culture rise, to appreciate once more the role that fathers play in the lives of children, at every age and stage of development.  It is my prayer that fathers will continue to play an active role in the upbringing of their children in the Catholic faith.  Studies consistently show that fathers who practice their faith are much more likely to raise children who practice theirs as adults. 

Dads are the unsung heroes who work late hours to provide for their families, and stay up late when they get home to help the kids with their homework and school projects.  Perhaps your dad was the one who took the training wheels off and later on the one who gave you your first driving lesson.  Maybe he walked you down the aisle at your wedding.  For all this and more, dads deserve our thanks, not only on Father’s Day, but every day.  May they enjoy the blessing of God the Father and St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, and the patron of all fathers.  Pray for us!   

SUNDAY 3PM

FRIDAY 10PM

Directory pick up continues in Vincentian Hall after Masses this weekend. This is your last chance to pick up your book while coming to Mass if you are among the 124 persons or families who put a picture in the book who have yet to pick it up.  There are a limited # of books for purchase for those who chose not to be in the directory.  Those books cost $25 and are only available during the week at the parish office.  We are open Monday – Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

With over 100 attendees, we need more than 60 volunteers, and the need this year is great.  Our most important area of concern is having ‘crew leaders’ who will be responsible for small groups of 5-6 students each day of VBS, taking them through the rotation to the different stations, and being available each day from start to finish, that means showing up well in advance of the 9am start and not leaving until after the last child from your group has met up with whoever is picking them up after. 

Parents – this is ideal for high schoolers who need service hours.  If they are already moping around the house, playing too many video games or spending too much time on their devices, ‘voluntell’ them that they will be helping with VBS!  Adult volunteers are also needed and welcome. Please contact ‘Bible School Betsy’ if you can help or need more information: bkoval@queenschurch.com.

The early registration discount of $5 off is good until July 6. No family will pay for more than three registrations, the other kids in the house attend for free! It really helps us plan if you sign up early, thus the discount, though walk-ins at the door are still accepted. Let’s get those kids enrolled!

There are still some tags at church for items we need donated toward VBS. Boxes are at the doors and at the entrance to the parish office to collect your donations.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching” (Heb 13:8-9).

Fr. Tim MacDonald

Pastor