This weekend affords us the opportunity to reflect on the great privileges and responsibilities that we all share as citizens and as residents of the United States. Tomorrow we will witness the swearing-in of a new president, yet one who has previously held that office. This is a peculiarity witnessed only once before in our history, the only president born in New Jersey, Grover Cleveland. At a time of great division in our country, we pray for healing and a positive vision for the future; with the uncertainty of global conflicts, we pray for peace; with the devastation we see in California caused by wildfires, and those who in North Carolina are still suffering from the hurricane last summer, we pray for their safety and security, and that they have the resources necessary to rebuild their lives and provide for their families.
Tomorrow we also pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who gave his life in the struggle for civil rights.We have yet to achieve his dream and, while many honor him and etch his words on stone, the principles and goals for whichhe worked and died, remain unheeded. Okay, that was a lot.
We are working our way through quite a stretch of cold weather, with threats of snow on the horizon. This places a strain on the St. Vincent de Paul Society, as the needs of those who are already living on the fringe, increases during this time of the year. Thank you for your generosity to the food pantry and the efforts of the Society to alleviate these needs.
Going back to the wildfires, many have asked about a special collection or some way to help. The easiest way to respond to this disaster -- or any national disaster -- is to go directly to the website of the diocese impacted and contribute to them directly; in this case Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Their website has very clear directions on how to make a donation to assist with the wildfire victims.
Catholic Schools Week begins next Saturday evening. We have a wide schedule of activities planned for our students. If you are interested in SBS for your children -- or grandchildren -- please register for the Open House on the website.
I hope everyone has a blessed week ahead and, hopefully, it warms up a bit this week. Fr. Garry