Catholics in US asked to pray, fast for fathers
June 14, 2013
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking Catholics to pray, fast, and abstain from meat on June 14 “for fathers, that their attentive care for their children may reflect God the Father's unending love,” as well as “for those who grieve the absence of their earthly father, that God the Father may comfort them.”
“The importance of fathers to children is one reason why the Church defends marriage as the union of one man and one woman,” a USCCB flyer continues. “Every child deserves the best chance of being raised by his/her mother and father together. By uniting a man and a woman for life, marriage creates a ‘sanctuary of life’ where children can receive the love and care of both father and mother together.”
The bishops’ conference has asked Catholics to pray, fast, and abstain from meat on all Fridays until the conclusion of the Year of Faith for intentions related to the sanctity of life, marriage, and religious liberty.
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Posted by: shrink -
Jun. 14, 2013 6:48 PM ET USA
The good news is that the Church recognizes the indispensible role of fathers. The bad news is that they just noticed, after 1/2 century of silence. At the root of all social pathology is the derelict male who fathers children. It's good that the Church notices, but once a year will not get the job done.
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Posted by: phil L -
Jun. 14, 2013 9:25 AM ET USA
Timothy, the USCCB has asked all Catholics in the US to pray and fast on Fridays each week until the feast of Christ the King on November 24. Each week the USCCB announces a new intention for that Friday's fast. You can see the announcements-- and even sign up for weekly reminders-- on the web site for this Call to Prayer: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/call-to-prayer-pledge.cfm
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Posted by: timothy.op -
Jun. 14, 2013 9:03 AM ET USA
Is it possible to report on announcements of this sort before the day of, so that we may plan to comply? (It is sometimes the afternoon before I get to check the headlines.) Thank you.
