In keeping with tradition, the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bessemer and their pastor, Father Paul Asih, M.S.P., honored the men of the church on Father’s Day, June 16. Father Paul delivered a special blessing at the Sunday Mass and recognized “the hard work, dedication, and love fathers provide their children.” The women of the historic church, which has been a fixture in Bessemer for more than eight decades, gave the honorees monetary gifts, Father’s Day cards, and boxed lunches. Parishioner Shawna Lockhart read the poem “Only a Dad” by Edgar Guest to the gathering, and parishioner Thelma Newton lit a candle as the congregation offered a silent prayer for deceased fathers. The women later joined the men for a group photo.