Restoring the importance of fathers in the lives of children and in communities.

Returning the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.

Those are the goals of a “Celebrating Fathers” workshop that will be offered by the Gannon University Social Work program and by Men of Valor Ministries, Inc. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 in room 104 of Gannon’s Zurn Science Center, 143 West 7th St.

It is free and open to the public.

The event is designed to celebrate fathers and children by reestablishing the roles and responsibilities of each while also emphasizing to the fathers the importance of being involved with their children.

The dads in attendance will vow to:

• Teach their children to honor God.
• Respect and honor the mothers of their children.
• Remain financially responsible to and for their children.
• Pray for their children.
• Pray for their communities.
• Work to improve the communities in which their children live.

Mothers/women are also welcome to attend. In addition, participating children will learn about the importance of adhering to adult authority.

Each participating father will receive a framed certificate. Also during the service, the Erie Family Center for Child Development, and its Foundations of Fatherhood Program, will be recognized by Erie City and Erie County government as one of the oldest and most successful fatherhood programs in the area.

For more information, contact the Gannon University Social Work department at 814-871-7781.