Dear beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,
In response to the leak of a draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, our bishops invite us to unite in fasting and prayer.
“In the midst of current tensions, we invite Catholics around the country to join us in fasting and praying the Rosary on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. Let us offer our prayers and fasting for these intentions:
- For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death.
- For the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court’s final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson.
- For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion.
- For a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for; where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened; and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society.
- For Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life.
“As Catholics, let us witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need.”
Fasting is a powerful prayer. While it is the Lord alone who changes hearts and gives the peace that the world cannot give, we are his church. We can and should intercede with all our heart, mind, and body.
An essay by Father Sam Sawyer offers insight how strong pro-choice reactions are in part a response to ways “in which the pro-life movement and its political alliances are perceived as a threat not just to abortion itself but also to democratic norms, to judicial commitments to civil rights, and to women’s health and economic security.” The hundreds of thoughtful comments to his article encouraged me that people can talk about these dynamite topics without blowing up. They can disagree with respect. They can even learn from each other.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Blessed Easter,
Father David
HANDICAP ACCESS
The long walk from the parking lot to the main doors just got shorter. You can park in the white “reserved” spaces in the small north parking lot and enter the back of the church near the Saint Joseph statue. (Use the blue handicapped parking spaces if you have an official handicap sticker.) Shorter distance, no incline, God is good!
I am out of town Friday, Saturday and Sunday to teach preaching to the men of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois. They are preparing to be ordained permanent deacons. I’ll return late Sunday night. Pray for me and them!
