Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict’s:

At last all of the schools in the area have closed now for vacation, and all of the summer activities can get underway. We were able to conduct the first week of the Summer RE Academy this past week, though the number of students was less than usual due to the extended school year resulting from excessive snow days last winter. Some 650 children will participate in the academy this summer. As this is Fourth of July week, there is no RE this week, but we are reviving the Vacation Bible School for the four days this week.

The weekend of July 11 - 12 is very important around here as we celebrate the feast of our parish patron, St. Benedict. On Saturday, July 11 (the feast day) we will hold Solemn Morning Prayer (Lauds) at 9am. This is the prayer of the church, and provides the parish the opportunity to pause and reflect on the life and the saintly mission of St. Benedict to the church. Please join us if you are able to attend. A light reception will follow morning prayer.

All of the Masses on the weekend will be Solemnity Masses for St. Benedict. We can suspend the celebration of Ordinary Time Mass for the celebration of the parish patron.
 
Next weekend is, of course, the observance of Independence Day. As we observe the 250th anniversary of the adoption and signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are reminded of the noble principles upon which our nation was founded. Bishop O’Connell has written a poignant letter reflecting on our American heritage which can be found further along in this bulletin. There, he writes in part: “Our nation was born from a bold conviction: that every human
person possesses an inherent dignity bestowed not by kings or governments, but by the Creator. This truth, so central to the Declaration of Independence, resonates profoundly with the Church’s teaching on the dignity of the human person.” I encourage everyone to take the time and reflect on his letter. 

I am sure that many of you will be traveling and enjoying the holiday weekend and for many the beginning of the summer vacations (pay no mind to those who call 4 July the middle of summer!). I hope everyone travels safely and enjoys the time with family, and friends. 

Blessings, 
Fr. Garry