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June 17, 2020Father’s Day June 21
Saint Joseph took Mary into his home, moved his business at least three different times, saved his family from destruction and had unquestioning faith in God. He has stood up as a role model for all ages, and some father’s like Deacon Dennis Fine and Deacon Juan Jimenez have sought to follow his example.
Dcn. Dennis Fine - Ada/Sulphur
Deacon Fine was 12 years old and the oldest of seven children when his father left the family. Besides always being there for members of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Ada, he has always been there for his family. The retired analytical chemist has been married for 40 years and has two children and four grandchildren.
“Dad was always there for us. He was the assistant coach for my little league team, he was the assistant scoutmaster on every campout, he was there for the high school football games to watch me in the marching band. It was something he just did. As a child I took this for granted. Now as a parent, I see how much he sacrificed for his children,” his son Ben said.
His daughter Sarah said, “Dad is someone who has never met a stranger. He greets everyone with warmth and can find a way to connect with anyone he comes across. Is it because he’s from a small town where you actually do know everyone? Maybe. It also seems like this is the natural result of genuinely caring for all people and wanting them to feel safe in his presence. It’s a gift, and one that is especially appropriate for his role as a deacon.”
His son Ben added, “Like Saint Joseph, he is a humble man. He has a doctorate in chemistry, yet he never talks about it. Instead, he is a man of kind words, a loving smile and a caring hug.”
Dcn. Juan Jimenez - Ardmore
Deacon Jimenez was raised by his grandparents, Trinidad Jimenez and Anastasia Vergara, who led him into the Catholic faith. Deacon Juan is the father of five children and has been married to his wife Maria for 20 years.
“Being part of Deacon Juan’s life is a privilege. He is the most caring father, an honorable husband and a very hard worker. He has been my rock and my support through good times and rough times,” Maria said.
She attributes his vocation to the former pastors of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ardmore, Father O’Toole and Father Dowdell. Deacon Juan also enjoys working with his current pastor, Father Kevin Ratterman.
“My dad is a great example as a father, I couldn’t ask God for a better dad. Sometimes he talks too much, but always with a purpose. He teaches me to play guitar and to play for our church choir,” his son Juan said.
Deacon Jimenez’s 10-year-old son Gabriel said, “I like when he spends time with me. We play soccer, we enjoy running and I like to talk with him about random stuff. He prays a lot. Sometimes I joined my parents in evening prayers, it’s a long list of prayers, psalms and canticles.”
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
