Dear Friends in Christ,
Our true freedom comes from the gift that God has bestowed in each of us. This upcoming week we celebrate the Fourth of July and remember our Founding Fathers who set forth a beautiful vision for our country which is based on this gift of freedom. The people of the United States of America have enjoyed freedom in many areas these past 237 years. Please join us on Thursday, July 4 from 11am until 12 noon for a Holy Hour so that we can continue to pray for our country, for her leaders and also to give thanks for the great vision of those who founded our nation.
If you are traveling this summer, please do not take a vacation from Mass. It is very enriching to visit parishes in various locations and experience the local culture. I invite you to bring a bulletin back as well as I enjoy looking through them and seeing the creativity and activities that are occurring in other places.
Our Summer Celebration Parish Picnic was a great success! We enjoyed great food, fun and fellowship and were able to enjoy our new facilities of Shepherd’s Field and the park-like atmosphere behind the Church. Thank you to all who planned and participated in the afternoon.
When you come before the Lord this week, please pray for me, for the Priests of our parish family, for our Religious Sisters and our Staff. Pray that we can truly embrace and live Our Mission which has been discerned and entrusted to us. Know that we will remember you, your loved ones and your intentions as well. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor