July 1, 2009
Dear Parishioners and friends of St. Bernard,
The month of July holds powerful memories of family picnics, swimming with friends, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and vacations at the beach. As New Englanders we jump into this month with great energy and abandon since it’s one of the few months in the North-East that we have warm weather! July also reminds us of the wonderful nation we call home. Parades, fireworks, flags, and patriotic hymns mark the birthday of this great country.
A month centered on family gatherings, values, and patriotic pride should also be centered on our relationship with God. Perhaps the old songs and poems and pledges need to be revisited periodically to remind us what we as a nation are all about. Our pledge of Allegiance to the beautiful Red White and Blue clearly states that we are one nation under God. We sing with great pride songs that are not afraid to place God at the center of their lyrics such as God Bless America. In America the Beautiful we proudly proclaim that we are a nation blessed by God’s Grace. The United States of America is a country founded on faith, and entrusted to the protection of God. It is our responsibility to ensure that the world doesn’t forget that fact.
In closing, I would love to once again invite you to our Sunday worship. Our Mass schedule remains the same throughout the summer months with a Saturday night Vigil Mass at 5:00, and Sunday morning Masses at 8:00, 10:00 and 11:30.
If you are heading out on a vacation this month have a wonderful and safe time. Vacations are truly essential for our health and well being but remember that vacations from God are detrimental. If you are going to be away and are unsure where a Catholic Church is located please go to masstimes.org before you leave your house to discover a worshipping community near your destination.
With peace,
Fr. Rick