One Nation Under God My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, A little more than a week ago, our nation witnessed yet again much civil unrest, rioting, and violence. Without a doubt, some of the acts committed were immoral, even gravely so. I’m not going to play the blame game. There is enough of that already happening right now. I simply want to remind each one of you and encourage you in our common obligation and privilege as Christians to pray for our nation and its leaders. No matter who you voted for, no matter your thoughts on the truthfulness of the outcome of the presidential and congressional election results, no matter your opinion of the outgoing president or the incoming president, as Christians we must remain united in sincere prayer for our nation and its leaders. Please, join me and all citizens of faith in praying for peace in our nation, for truth, for an end to unjust violence, for just laws which uphold the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death, etc. Especially join me in praying for a peaceful transition of power between presidents and for a safe and dignified Inauguration Day.
Jesus said, “In the world, you will have difficulties. But have confidence: I have overcome the world” (JN 16:33).
God our Father, Giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people. Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation´s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will. Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the "culture of death." Lead us into a new millennium of life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen. (From www.catholic.org)
Spiritual Needs Just as a reminder, the priests of the parish are on call to visit the sick at home, in the hospital, in an emergency, or when one is dying. A priest can pray with you and your family, anoint the sick or dying, and if possible, hear their confession and give them Holy Communion. It is helpful that you notify the parish as soon as possible of a family member or loved one who has become seriously ill or even may be dying – the sooner, the better. If you can avoid it, do not wait until the person is approaching death to call the parish. A priest will come regardless; however, if one is at the point of death, the priest may not be able to come in time to administer the Sacraments. Remember: The Sacraments are for the living. After death, the priest, can still say prayers and bless the body; however, the person cannot receive the Sacraments. Please do not assume that we know that your loved one is ill or dying. Be assured that we pray for our sick parishioners daily. They, in their suffering, have a special place in the heart of our parish.
On a related note, please notify the parish office by phone or email if you or a loved one is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion from the priests. Homebound parishioners will be added to a schedule to receive brief visits from the priests on a semi-regular basis.