Liberty Enlightening the World |
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Salutations! How are you doing? It was on this date way back in 1885 that the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City as a gift from France. The original name in French was, “La Liberté éclairant le monde” and has been translated into English as “Liberty Enlightening the World” (infographicworld.com). The incredible work was intended to be a symbolic representation of the close historical connections between France and the United States. In addition to that, it was meant to be a sign of abolition (an end to slavery), a reminder of war and the struggle for independence, and a welcome for immigrants coming to America (www.nps.gov). A couple of years before the statue’s arrival in New York a gifted writer named Emma Lazarus was inspired to write a poem about the large statue that is now enshrined on a plaque there. Perhaps you have read it or heard it before. If not, it is worth a moment of reflection:
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New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
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The powerful words from the poem and the representation of the Statue of Liberty are reminiscent of the stirring message that Jesus shared with his disciples, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Saint Paul also wrote about this reality in his Letter to the Galatians when he stated, “For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery” (5:1). As members of the Body of Christ we are invited to live the fullness of freedom that comes from knowing and loving the Lord and those around us. May God help us to truly be his disciples so that we would be a people of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” |
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Joy with Christ,
Fr. James
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Fr. James Daily Video Message |
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Daily video messages from Fr. James and Masses celebrated by Father James can be found on Facebook, YouTube, our My Parish app and on our website:
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Sunday Dispensation Obligation Update |
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July 1 marks the end of dispensation in Minnesota. Read the full text of the Minnesota bishops’ statement here:
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Archbishop Hebda Welcomes the Faithful Back to Mass. |
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Q: If I can work from home, why can’t I worship from home?
A: It is powerful when we come together to pray. Jesus tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Certainly, we can pray anywhere; the Lord invites us to relationship with Him. But there is something extra special about coming together in worship on the Sabbath (Saturday evening-Sunday) in the sanctuary. St. John Chrysostom said, “You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests” (CCC 2179).
Q: Why is receiving Communion vital to the Catholic faith?
A: Holy Communion is “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” (CCC 1324). The Apostles and earliest Christian communities joined in community for celebration of the Eucharist. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42). St. Paul also refers to the celebration of communion, writing, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Jesus chose such a moment to reveal his identity soon after the resurrection, following his journey alongside two travelers on the road to Emmaus: “And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight… Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24: 30-31, 35).
Q: How are parishes keeping us safe when we attend Mass?
A: Parishes follow stringent liturgical protocols to ensure the safety of all participating in the Mass. Find the latest liturgical protocols from the archdiocesan Office of Worship at archspm.org/liturgicalprotocols.
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Trivia Question of the Week |
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The Responsorial Psalm for Mass today declares, “Your works, O Lord, are __________ and truth” (111).
A. Justice
B. Strength
C. Incredible
D. Goodness
See the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
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Faith Formation Registration is Now Open |
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Registration is open for all 2021-22 Faith formation classes! We offer Family Formation (Kindergarten-Grade 6), 1st Eucharist preparation, pre-Confirmation and Confirmation preparation (Grades 7 and up). Register online or contact Mary Nawrocki, Director of Faith Formation, at 763-788-9062 or mnawrocki@immac-church.org. Classes begin in mid-September. Spaces fill quickly, so register early. We look forward to having your family join us this fall! |
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Archdiocesan Synod at Home |
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Make a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November of 2021 with Fr. James! Spots are limited. Please see the Magi Travel website for more details: |
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Enjoy a free subscription to FORMED.org
FORMED provides amazing online videos, audio and books 24/7 for you to grow in your faith. It's EASY and FREE to Register!
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Go to iccsonline.formed.org and click next
- Enter your name and email and click sign-up
- Enjoy and share with others in our local community!
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You can watch with your free parish subscription by simply selecting our parish’s name during registration at formed.org/signup.
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Immaculate Conception Parish App |
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Answer to the Trivia Question of the Week: |
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Immaculate Conception
Church and School
Church: 763-788-9062
School: 763-788-9065
info@immac-church.org | ICCSonline.org
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