St. Manuel Morales (Feast Day August 15)

1898 – 1926

Manuel Morales grew up in Mexico. As a teenager, he entered the seminary but left to help support his family. Manuel became a baker and was married with three children. The Mexican president at that time held many anti-religious views, yet Manuel continued to share his faith publicly. He was part of many local organizations, serving as the secretary of the Catholic Workers Union and the president of the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty (LNDNR). Manuel and other leaders of LNDNR—David Roldán and Salvador Lara—were arrested while coordinating how to legally get a priest friend, Fr. Luis Batiz Sáinz, released from prison. The gentlemen were beaten and tortured. They were told they could be released if they renounced their faith, but they would not. Manuel and Fr. Sáinz were taken in front of a firing squad. The priest asked that Manuel be spared since he had a family. Manuel responded, “I am dying for God and God will take care of my children.” His final words were, “Long live Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe!” He is considered a martyr of the Cristero War and was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

·       Why do you think Jesus is moved with pity for the crowds?

·       What does Jesus mean when he says, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few”?

·       Jesus appoints the apostles to help the crowds and lead others to Christ. In what way do ordained clergy (bishops, priests, deacons) help and lead people to Christ today?

·       What inspires you about the life of St. Manuel Morales?

Plan an Outing with Dad

Whether Dad is a pro on the golf course or more of an ace at putt-putt, an afternoon of golf is fun for the whole family. If kids (and parents) are beginners, stick with miniature golf. Going to the driving range is a great activity to start learning the "real" game.

Maple Bacon Double Cheeseburgers

These sweet and salty burgers are bound to be a hit on Father's Day.

3 lbs. ground beef chuck

Vegetable oil, for the grill

12 slices bacon, halved

3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Coarsely ground pepper

6 sesame hamburger buns, split

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp ketchup

2 tsp spicy brown mustard

1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce

Kosher salt

12 slices Colby jack cheese

Pickle chips, for topping

Form the ground beef into 12 thin patties, about 4 1/2 inches wide. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Preheat a grill to high and lightly oil the grates.

Meanwhile, put the bacon in a large nonstick skillet (it's OK if the slices overlap -- they'll shrink). Turn the heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the bacon to a plate. Pour the drippings into a bowl and reserve.

Return the bacon to the skillet in a single layer. Drizzle with the maple syrup and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook over medium heat, turning the bacon to coat in the syrup, until glazed, about 1 minute; remove to a plate to cool. Brush the cut sides of the buns with some of the bacon drippings. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce in a small bowl.

Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides. Working in batches, grill the patties until marked on the bottom, 2 minutes, then flip and top each with a slice of cheese. Cover and cook 30 more seconds for medium doneness. Toast the buns on the grill. Assemble the burgers: Spread the mayonnaise sauce on the buns. Fill with the pickles, patties (2 per burger) and bacon.

From https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/photos/great-fathers-day-recipes

Blessing of Fathers

Today, we say a prayer of blessing on all who show fatherly love.

Father in Heaven,

Bless new fathers and wise grandfathers.

Bless loving uncles and caring godfathers.

Bless fathers who await the birth of their child with joy.

Bless men who did not expect or want to become fathers.

Bless men who embrace fatherhood through adoption or foster parenting,

step-parenting or single parenthood.

Bless men still waiting and hoping to become fathers.

Bless fathers whose work takes them away from their children.

Bless fathers whose work is with their children.

Bless fathers whose lives are shaped by war, poverty, or violence.

Bless fathers who work for peace, freedom, and justice.

Bless teachers and mentors who serve as father figures.

Bless pastors and ministers who lead as loving parents.

Bless men who are separated from their children, by force or choice.

Bless families without fathers and all who love in abundance in their absence.

Bless fathers who have lost a child.

Bless children who have lost their father.

Bless all whose fathers were loving.

Bless all whose fathers failed to meet their needs for love.

Bless all who celebrate today.

Bless all who struggle today.

We ask all this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Search your church building to see if any works of art depict any of the twelve apostles. You may want to bring a list of their names to help your search!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sent out the twelve to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This week, proclaim the good news of Jesus to someone you don’t know. Ask the Lord to send someone to you that has an open heart and is ready to receive the good news.

Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington is credited with starting Father's Day after hearing a sermon on Mother's Day while attending church with her father. Dodd wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, who raised six children after his wife died during childbirth.