We wish the parish a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday. Please note that the parish office will be closed and there’s only one Mass at 12 pm.

The message below is from Father Brian Jordan’s message for the upcoming bulletin for Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Dear sisters and brothers,

Greetings!

Next year our country will be observing its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026–when America declared its independence from England. It is not only a civic holiday but also a reminder that our sovereign nation was founded on religious liberty in which all types of religion can be practiced and respected.

Our parish staff and Synod Committee will be meeting soon to plan and prepare for the 2025-2026 year for all liturgical celebrations; holidays; evangelization and religious education programs and social concerns. Among those important events will be our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration on the weekend of July 4, 2026. We will observe this grand event not only for its historical importance but also discuss what democracy, good government and civic responsibility means as American Catholics.

Once again, our Synod Committee will be responsible for the three hallmarks of a good, effective parish: liturgy; evangelization/education and social concerns. Other parishioners will be asked to join these three integral committees. Why? Our nation celebrates its independence each year. We are also reminded that we as the People of God are DEPENDENT on God and we are INTERDEPENDENT upon one another. We truly need God in our lives as believers and worshipers. We really need one another for mutual support and reassurance as sisters and brothers of the same God. No man or woman is an “island” by themselves. We meaningfully need one another for social interaction.

Our nation began with the title “Lady Liberty” with a feminine identification of strength and caring concern. That is nothing new. In today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the writer describes the personified Jerusalem as a mother who cares for her infant child has a rich context. A verse reads “as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” Our nation’s forefathers and foremothers believed that God was always directing us when we make wise and just decisions for freedom, democracy, and care for the needs of the marginalized. This is evidenced in the end of today’s Gospel passage from Luke, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in Heaven.”

On behalf of the Franciscan friars and the parish staff, God Bless America and God bless our cherished parish!

Father Brian