Praise God that the “storming” of the Health Department early this week by a number of parishioners was a happy event in which they were able to get vaccinated.  I hope and pray that the vaccine becomes more readily available for all those who are in a high-risk category. 

Even during a pandemic, this is an eventful week.  Monday, we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  While he was not a Catholic himself, we celebrate work of Martin Luther King Jr. because his goals are completely aligned with the themes of Catholic Social Teaching:  the life and dignity of all people; the call to community participation and inclusion of all Americans, regardless of their skin color, in our democracy; the duty to advocate for those who are downtrodden, putting the needs of the poor and vulnerable first; and solidarity in our one human family, regardless of racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences.   The National Holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January. Reverend King’s actual birthday is January 15.

At noon on Wednesday, January 20^th, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr will be sworn in as the 46^th President of the United States.  Though it is a civic event which draws the attention of all citizens of our land, given our political polarization, it should also be a time of prayer for people of faith.  As Catholics our highest form of prayer is the Eucharist.  It would be wonderful to see a few extra people at Mass on Wednesday morning.  These will be the petitions that I will be offering at Mass.

For President Biden, to have before him at all times the charge to protect and defend the rights of all citizens, especially the weakest and most vulnerable among us, we pray to the Lord...

For all civic authorities, entrusted with care for the common good, to act with loving care in all they do, we pray to the Lord...

For the people of the United States, to engage in a spirit of cooperation, tranquility, and respect for one another and for all human life as good stewards of the gifts God has given us, we pray to the Lord…

In light of the political turmoil that we are experiencing as a Nation, these are also the petitions that I’ll also be offering on an Ecumenical Zoom Prayer Service that will be available to view on our YouTube channel on Monday.

On Friday, I will be praying a special intention for President Biden that he and all democrats will soften their hearts and realize that children in the womb have a right to life.  On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade legalized abortion throughout the United States.  The Roman Missal designates this day as a “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”.  The over 56 million abortions since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision reflects with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.”  But as Catholics we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.  I would encourage you to offer the following pray on Friday and to abstain from meat: ​

Lord, you are the Creator of all things; you breathe life into every human before they leave the womb. it is devastating that abortion has weaved its way into many people's minds as an acceptable choice.  Help us to have compassion on the women who made or were forced to make this horrifying choice and are now suffering the consequences. Surround them with Your love and break the chain of guilt in those who have repented before You, revive them to live their life knowing true joy in You.

Help us to remember the unborn who are unwanted; use us to offer alternative options to women in desperate situations. Jesus, You have the power to change hearts; we pray for the women considering this option - help them to see there is another way.

We pray for our government to change laws and close the doors of abortion clinics. We pray for a renewal of family and faith in the world, and may the Church come alongside single parents and families in need, helping to raise these children for Christ as we make all of our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.