Pastor's Corner, July 5, 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

On this Fourth of July weekend we love to watch the fireworks and are moved by the sight of the American flag. Love for our country is not foreign to our life as Christians. As a matter of fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity” (2239).

The love of country should compel us to be involved in society and the political process. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia writes in his book Render Unto Caesar, “I’ve grown increasingly tired of the church and her people being told to be quiet on public issues that urgently concern us. Worse, Catholics themselves too often stay silent out of a misguided sense of good manners.”

Archbishop Chaput concludes that “if we really believe God exists, that belief will inevitably color our personal and public behavior: our actions, our choice, and our decisions. It will also subtly frame our civic language and institutions.”

At times we all hear people complain about the direction our country is taking or they complain about this politician or that decision. If we truly love God and our country, we will not remain silent but get involved so as to make a better future.

In Christ,

Msgr. Baker