Fourth of July is a time to rejoice in the priceless gift of our freedom.  It is also a good time to be mindful of those in our world who long for the freedom we experience every day. As a country we’ve always been generous in sharing this gift of freedom, especially with those who have been oppressed. Most of our ancestors come to this country to find a better life. As Catholics I pray that our hearts will remain open to what is both a biblical and an American value:  to welcome the stranger.
 
To celebrate this priceless gift of freedom which we all treasure, I invite you to join with
Fr. David Arnoldt in the celebration of Mass for Independence Day, July 4, 2019 at 8am.  A holiday Mass is always a special gathering and a good way to keep a focus on what is important in life….Oh, and don’t forget the advice my dear old Dad would give me every year at this time in the days before package stores were open on the 4th – Don’t forget to get your 5th for the 4th on the 3rd.  Talk about keeping a focus on what is important in life!
 
A Litany for Independence Day
 
For the freedom to love… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to believe… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to hope… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to worship… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to serve in charity… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to care for the suffering… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to comfort the sick… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to feed the hungry… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to shelter the homeless… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to proclaim the Gospel… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to walk in chastity… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to live in peace… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to work in good conscience… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to stand in solidarity… Give us your grace.
For the freedom to seek justice… Give us your grace.
 
A Prayer for Independence Day
 
Gracious and loving God let your Spirit be with us today. Hear our prayers and increase in us the will to follow your Son Jesus. Help us to draw on the resources of our faith as we use the opportunities of our democracy to shape a society more respectful of the life, dignity, and rights of the human person, especially the poor and vulnerable. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
 
Catholic and American = Faithful Citizenship
 
“Our nation’s tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups and people of faith bring their convictions and concerns into public life.”
                                                                      -- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, 11
   
I am heading to Ireland on July 2 ^nd with my traveling buddy, Fr. Herb Sperger.  My dear friend, Fr. Dave Arnoldt will be covering for me.  I hope y’all behave for him and show him some Tybee love and caring.  I’ll be back on the night of July 12 ^th.  And the Summer Session of Sunday School for Disciples will begin on July 14 ^th at 10am.
 
 
Fr. Jerry Ragan