Read: My Dad, My Hero by Father Anthony Strouse

This Sunday, June 19, is Father's Day. Each day this week, we are publishing a personal letter from sons who wish to pay tribute their dads for being great Christian fathers in the mould of Saint Joseph.

Today we hear from Father Anthony Strouse, Pastor of Saint Pius X and Saint Matthew parishes in Flint, who is pictured below with his father, Deacon Rob Strouse, upon his dad's ordination in 2019. Also pictured is Deacon Rob's wife and Father Anthony's mom, Susan. Deacon Rob currently serves the Catholic Community of Saint Jude in DeWitt. Father Anthony writes:

Dear Dad,

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being a great dad! Your paternal love and example were my first examples of the love of our heavenly Father. You helped me learn virtue, both by encouragement and by helping me back to the right path after I had wandered off it.

You were the first person I told that I was seriously considering a vocation to the priesthood when I was in high school, and your support for me encouraged me not only to pray and think about my vocation, but that I could take the leap to actually go to seminary at Saint John Vianney.

For my twelve years as a priest, and eight as a pastor, your business acumen has helped me greatly as a pastor in being a good steward of the resources that the People of God entrust to their parishes.

You honored me greatly by asking me to vest you when you were ordained a deacon. I have enjoyed watching you serve at Saint Jude, using both your smart business sense as well as your desire to serve the poor and those in need.

I am proud of you, both as my father and as a deacon. God bless you and keep you in faithful service to God, the Church, and us, your family.

Love,

Anthony