This year Independence Day coincides with First Friday. The good but limited understanding of God in our American civil religion and founding documents is rounded out by the fullness of revealed truth as found in the Catholic Faith. For example, the merciful Sacred Heart of Jesus indicates God is more than the “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God” in the Declaration of Independence but a God close to in the incarnated Second Person of the Holy Trinity—Jesus of Nazareth. We need to be one nation “under God” (the Knights of Columbus were instrumental in adding to our Pledge of Allegiance), but we also need Americans to know that full revelation of that God in Jesus our Lord and in the Catholic religion.
So WE WILL BE OPEN tomorrow, July 4, for First Friday and Independence Day. Doors open at 10:30 am with Eucharistic Exposition, 11:00 am Confessions, 11:30 am Rosary, Noon Mass followed by Sacred Heart devotions. We close at 1:30 pm. Let’s live the fullness of the Catholic Faith—it is the most patriotic thing we can do as it draws down divine blessings upon our country.
This Saturday, July 5, is First Saturday. It will follow its normal schedule: Doors open at 10:30 am with Eucharistic Exposition, 11:00 am Confessions (3 priests available), Noon Mass followed by Exposition, the Rosary with 15 minutes of reflection on its mysteries, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Eucharistic Benediction. Just as we pray for our country on July 4, on this First Saturday let’s implore the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to whom Jesus entrusted world peace, to intercede for our world to return to her Son Who alone can give us true peace.
To communicate with me, please email me directly at abunaalex@yahoo.com or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries