Happy Father’s Day!

Brothers and sisters,

Let us ask the Lord to strengthen our families and our parish!

As we celebrate our dads, grandpas, and father figures, let us offer prayers of gratitude and thanks for those who protect and guide us. Our culture is in danger of blurring the significance of strong fathers. While “Dad jokes” may be difficult to bear, a good father passes on the enduring wisdom of God and encourages his children to endure amidst any adversity or afflictions.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is the perfect celebration to pair with Father’s Day. We are reminded that being a dad is about relationships. A man first embraces a life of self-offering and unites with his wife. Too few in our culture are willing to speak plainly about the important and powerful truth that a family is strongest with a loving relationship between husband and wife, backed by the teamwork of mother and father (along with the extended family and community) in raising children. This does not discount or demean the valuable contributions of dedicated single parents. Just as God reveals himself in relationship—a Trinity of persons—the family mirrors the significance of relationships.

We are created in the image and likeness of God. Our parents are called at our baptisms to help us recognize that God dwells with us, having created and redeemed us. Parents take on the responsibility of showing us how much we are loved, beyond measure or expectation. In this light, the Bishops of Maryland released a new pastoral letter, *The Face of Christ in a Digital Age* (mdcatholic.org/2025-pastoral-ai). The document invites us to discern a basic question in the face of artificial intelligence: “Will we allow technology to form us in its image—or will we shape it according to the Gospel?” I encourage you to read this pastoral letter, which calls us to stay focused on communion, compassion, and mission. As you think about your “Summer Reading” list, consider the media we consume. What is on your list to strengthen your faith and increase your knowledge of the Lord?

As we express our prayers and gratitude to Fr. Anthony as he prepares for his new role caring for two parishes in the Diocese of Great Falls – Billings in Montana, I am glad to announce that Archbishop Lori is appointing Fr. George Asigre as our associate pastor and Catholic chaplain to Howard County Hospital, beginning July 14. Fr. George is a priest from Ghana who has previously ministered in Baltimore.

Please lift in prayer Deacons Bienvenu, James, Shiadrik, Alex, and Tommy, who will be ordained priests by Archbishop Lori this coming Saturday at 10 AM at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Ordinations are beautiful liturgies, and all the faithful are welcome.

Next Saturday, we’ll also celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Join us for the 4:30 PM Vigil Mass, which will include a Eucharistic Procession after Communion. As we proceed to four locations on our campus, we are reminded of our call to take Christ with us to the four corners of our parish boundaries and beyond. We are meant to bring the real presence with us and in our encounters with one another. This wonderful procession will culminate with Benediction. Following the prayers and adoration, we’ll come together to be fed physically—join us for fellowship and a great meal. Let us know you plan on joining by sharing your RSVP at olphparish.org/reg-hub/.