Father’s Day reminds us that fathers are a tremendous source of love, strength and protection for a child. Notwithstanding the faithful and heroic efforts of single moms bringing up children in today’s society, children still need to be around Christian men who are positive role models; men who are actively involved in their life of faith, possess spiritual passion, and are faithful fathers and husbands. Undoubtedly, parishes need more men to be involved in the spiritual development of young people.

Several months ago, Pope Francis convoked the Synod on the Synod. There have been many such gatherings throughout the history of the church. This one would be different: the impetus would come not from the top down, but it would start by hearing first from the people of God. What are your hopes, your dreams, your fears for all of us as church who despite our different backgrounds and differences hold the same faith in Jesus Christ?

At the Tower of Babel, the sin of pride and the arrogance of humanity led to the multiplicity of languages and confusion and division of the nations. But just as the passion of Christ heals the original sin of Adam and Eve, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost heals the sin of the Tower of Babel.