Dear Parishioners, 

This week, the Bishop is in our presence as we honor first responders with the traditional Blue Mass at the Basilica.  I want to take the time to thank all police, fire, EMT and other men and women who serve our community in times of need.  They are essential for a healthy and safe community, so I am not supportive of the attempts in our country to defund them.  There are certainly mistakes made and individual people to blame, but that is not true for the majority of men and women who serve us.  I often say that same thing about priests and religious in the Church when everyone is blamed for wrong done by a few.  I thank the many men and women who often risk their lives to be the first to respond to a crisis in our community.  Let us pray for them, ask God to keep them safe and as a community give them all they need to do their work well.  

                  On Monday evening at 6:30 PM, October 7 at the Basilica, the Bishop will return to bless the manger scene and the altar of Prince of Peace.  This war in the Holy Land seems to be increasing, and more and more people are suffering.  The Mass will be for peace in the Holy Land and around the world.  In one sense it seems far away from us but the effects of this conflict and the direction it could take make us turn to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, and ask for his grace and presence.  Our time together in prayer is a testimony to our commitment as Christians to believe in and to work for peace in all aspects of life.  Hope you can join us for the Mass on the anniversary of the taking of hostages and the beginning of the war in the Holy Land.

                  Another note on peace, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi is Friday, October 4.  We hope to have the blessing of pets and animals on Saturday this year at 10:00 AM at Holy Family field and the lawn at Holy Trinity.  St. Francis’ love of animals and all of God’s creation and his call to be an instrument of peace are both important elements of our faith. This is a great family event, including grandparents.  Children easily connect with animals and God, and these events brings them easily together.  The blessing of animals is part of our Catholic culture that makes deep impressions on the heart.  Hope to you there next Saturday.

~ Peace, Fr. Daniel