Father’s Day is coming up and we are all searching madly to find that little something special for the main man in our lives. It is a great day to say thanks to our Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles or that special person who represents the father in our lives. We know that we should be doing this every day, but this one distinct day reminds us to make a real effort. Father’s Day is an important time to recognise the hard work of those in our lives that we see as fathers and father figures. What a father is, can be different for every individual, and it’s important to recognise those who might not fit the typical label of a father, but are still just as important in our lives. Being a father is more than just being a man in the house – it encompasses particularly the traits of being caring, loving, supportive, vulnerable, encouraging, and gentle. We wish all ‘Fathers’ a very lovely day on Sunday 3 September this year. 

God our Father, 
We give you thanks and praise for fathers young and old. 
We pray for young fathers newly embracing their vocation; 
May they find courage and perseverance 
to balance work, family, and faith in joy and sacrifice. 
We pray for fathers around the world whose children are lost and suffering; 
May they know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow. 
We pray for men who are not fathers 
but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice. 
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers 
who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory 
and nourish us with their love, 
Amen.