Dear Parishioners:
As we all know, former President Trump survived an assassination attempt on his life this past Saturday. Thankfully, the attempt failed. However, it does give all of us an opportunity to reflect on political discourse and our role in that political discourse. It is incumbent on all of us to bring a sense of peace and respect to our political discord. The old saying is: Hate the sin but love the sinner. Similarly, we may hate the issue/political position BUT love the holder of that position!
The United States Bishops have asked us to pray the following “Prayer for Civility”.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where uncivil words prevail, show me how to model love.
Help me remember the God-given dignity of all and invite others to do the same. Show me how to build bridges and not walls and see first what unites us rather than how we diverge.
Let me seek to understand before asking to be understood. Give me a listening heart filled with empathy and compassion. May I be clear in sharing my own position and respectful and civil in describing those of others.
Let me never tolerate hateful ideas. May I invite all to charity and love. Lord, help me to imitate your compassion and mercy. Make me an instrument of your peace. Amen
This coming Friday, July 26th, is the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, the Blessed Mother. That also makes them the grandparents of Jesus. Pope Francis has proclaimed a special Sunday in the church year. From now on, the 4th Sunday of July will be: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Pope Francis has written:
There are some things we really need to take care of: Children and grandparents… Grandparents are the living memory of the family. They passed on the faith; they transmitted the faith to us…How important grandparents are for family life, for the passing on of the human and religious heritage which is so essential to each and every society. How important it is to have intergenerational exchanges and dialogues, especially within the context of the family.
I would especially like to encourage all grandparents to take seriously the responsibility of passing on the Catholic faith to our grandchildren. Take the grandkids to Mass, teach them the Hail Mary, Our Father, etc. Tell your spiritual stories and how you treasure Jesus in your life!
Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God. In Christ,
Fr. Brian
PS: A special “thank you” to Gabby and Letterio Parisi. These two children had a lemonade stand and donated all the proceeds to Parish Outreach for the poor – truly living out the Gospel message.