Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

A most blessed Fourth of July Weekend to all. This observance reminds us of the uniqueness of our history as a nation and the fundamental principles that guided the vision of the Founders of this country. Among the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence are: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” The current political climate in our country polarizes radicals on both the left and the right, seeding threats to those rights and even challenging some of the fundamental rights codified in the Constitution and its Amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights. As we are concluding the week of Prayer for Religious Freedom, let us be ever mindful of our need to persevere in guaranteeing that our rights and freedoms are protected. We do this as we participate in the public forum by voting and in keeping informed of current affairs. Likewise we ought to express our concerns to our elected officials through appropriate media and expression. In four years we will observe the Sesquicentennial of our independence. Let us pray that our nation will experience a time of healing and reconciliation as we approach that milestone. We owe it both to the Founders and especially to our descendants.

As this is a holiday week things will be quieter than usual here, but next week we begin the first of the three weeks of the Summer Religious Education Camp. There are still some spaces available in weeks two and three if you have yet to register. For those of you who have chosen the traditional weekly program throughout the year, those classes will be held on a schedule of Sundays instead of Wednesdays. This change is to help both the volunteers and families in scheduling and managing the other life issues that occur in the week. It is also easier to connect the program to the Sunday Mass obligation.

Next weekend we will observe the Solemnity of St. Benedict, the patron of our parish. In accord with the custom of the church we suspend the ordinary Mass of the day and celebrate the life of our patron saint. Of course, as his feast day is Monday, July 11 we will celebrate his sanctity and contributions to the life of the church that day also.

In the Narthex you will find St. Benedict shopping bags. As we now need to carry our own bags into the supermarket and other stores, we felt that this would be a great way to not only provide a service to you, but also to promote our church and school in the community. There is no cost for the bags, but if you would like to make a donation, please feel free to do so. Thank you!

I hope you all enjoy the long weekend. Travel safe and be well.
Fr. Garry