Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

In response to certain challenges that have been before the Supreme Court to the integrity of the religious freedom as secured by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, the USCCB inaugurated the Fortnight for Religious Freedom several years ago, now called Religious Freedom Week. While some are hopeful that a recent Supreme Court decision a few weeks ago securing the rights of a Colorado baker would bring some resolution to these challenges, that case does not establish any precedent. I encourage all of you to be alert to various challenges to our freedoms – not only our religious freedom, but our basic rights to privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom to exercise our conscience. The national dialogue on these matters – indeed the international dialogue as well – is at times very disconcerting. We need to be vigilant, intercede with our congressional representatives and state legislators, and persevere in prayer. When we vote for state and federal officials, we need to be mindful of the whole package and work towards the clarification of our rights and freedoms. The national prayer is observed from June 22nd – 29th.

Today is Father’s Day – we are mindful of the important men in our lives – our real fathers, virtual fathers, spiritual fathers, and mentors – who have been positive and strong role models for us in our lives. I was blessed with a wonderful father, grandfathers, uncles, teachers, priests, and mentors who guided me along the way. We pray for all of them, and we pray for the young father’s in our community, that they will have the grace and strength to serve as wonderful fathers as well.

Now that school is out for summer, there are some projects we will be working on here at the campus. While there is much to be done, financial and time restraints limit our ability to do all that we could and perhaps should do in the school building and on the grounds. We will do the most with the resources that are available to us.

There are some academic initiatives that we are working on as well. Through a generous donation from a parishioner we are able to purchase a new math series for the elementary grades. This is something that we had wanted to accomplish and so having this opportunity is a great asset to the school moving forward. There is certainly more to do, but every school, no matter where, is in the same situation, if not worse off, than are we.

Our new principal, Mr. Kevin Donahue, officially begins his administration on July 1st, but he has been hands on in the school for the past several weeks, interviewing candidates for positions, reviewing programs and schedules, and meeting staff and parents. We will have a formal welcome meet and greet at the end of the summer.

Over all things are well. Father JM reports that, other than rain every day, things are going well at home. His grandfather seems to be doing better. Let us continue to keep Father and his family in prayer.

School has ended at the right time, the weather is getting great now!

Blessings and peace to everyone,
Fr. Garry