USCCB - (Office of Media Relations)

June Pitches

Father's Day Time to Reclaim Fatherhood

Good fathers do more than simply provide financial support, a fact worth noting on Father's Day, June 2, especially as groups in the United States work to reclaim fatherhood. "Catholic men of all ages should be leaders in this new social movement to reclaim fatherhood," says H. Richard McCord, Ed.D., head of the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth. "They are supported by the Church's teaching and pastoral concern for the family and also by the example of St. Joseph. The bible shows him engaged in the tasks of fatherhood, such as taking Jesus and Mary out of danger, seeing that religious and civic duties are carried out, providing a home. He is an actively involved husband and father. Were it not for him the Holy Family might have had an even tougher time than it did. The same can be said of today's fathers and their families."

Richard McCord can be reached at 202-541-3043.

Choose Graduations Gifts Worthy of a Milestone

For many, June marks graduation, one of the great milestones for youth. "It's a time for meaningful gifts," notes Sheila Garcia, who advises the U.S. bishops on family issues. "For high school graduates I'd suggest gifts that help them to make the transition to college or the working world, including a handmade quilt or special pillow to remind them of home, and a religious gift, a cross or medal to remind them of their faith. For the college grad I'd recommend something that will help him/her to take responsibility for the future, like a gift of stock in a socially responsible company, and a bible and other spiritual books. This also might be the appropriate time to pass on family heirlooms, like grandpa's watch or great-aunt's ring."

Sheila Garcia can be reached at 202-541-3041.

New Priests Join Diocesan Ranks in June

Dioceses nationwide welcome new priests to their ranks during June. "This year's new priests reflect the changing nature of the Catholic Church in the United States, a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds," notes Father Timothy T. Reker, director of the U.S. Bishops' Office for Priestly Formation and Vocations. "Almost 25 percent of those ordained were born outside of the United States. The average age of these priests is approximately 35, and a number of them entered the seminary from the fields of education, business, law and medicine." (For further information, a press kit, "Class of 1998: Priests for a Future Full of Hope," is available upon request.)

Father Timothy T. Reker can be reached at 202-541-3033.