Greetings to one and all! I do hope that the July 4^th festivities are safe, relaxing and mindful of the origins of our country, pondering the truths that we remember and celebrate.

 

right will produce calm and security.”

 

I remember reading of some of the debate and origins concerning the writing of the Declaration of Independence. There was a bit of a debate about how we arrive at the truths that are the foundation of the document. In the first draft of the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be sacred.” But it was Benjamin Franklin who changed the word sacred to “self-evident” because he believed that the better political strategy would be to argue from reason rather than from religion or faith.

 

But I humbly think that Jefferson’s original word choice may have been exactly the right word. It is our “sacred” belief that all women and men stand as equals before God and one another, that God’s blessings are bestowed on all of us and that we are to care for one another in sharing the gifts of this land with all, that our lives and freedoms and happiness are gifts of a loving and gracious and generous God. America, in my humble estimation once again, is at its best when we uphold that sacred dignity of every human being; our nation realizes its vision of becoming that “shining city on the hill” when we place the common good before self-interest and prejudice.

 

May our prayer on this 4^th of July be that we may recognize the “sacredness” of the principles (life, liberty, and happiness) on which our nation was founded and resolve to assure those rights for all of God’s daughters and sons who make their home on this blessed land.

 

Now pass the mustard, ketchup and relish for my hotdog, please!!!

I would like to encourage you to consider and participate in the FORWARD WITH FAITH campaign that we embarked on for the sake of our parish and the Archdiocese of Hartford. It is a very real and concrete way of supporting our mission and ministry. Your substantial sacrificial gift or pledge will secure the continued forward movement of our parish. I am sincerely asking for your help and am very grateful to those who have already made the financial commitment.

Make your pledge TODAY to the Forward with Faith Campaign to help us address important needs in our parish and within the Archdiocese of Hartford. Use this Pledge Form, Click here.

Registration for our faith formation classes grades Pre K-10 including the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation is now available online. You must be registered in the parish in order to register your child for Faith Formation. For more information or questions, please contact the Faith Formation office at reo@sjbrh.org or 860-529-1274.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in exploring this possibility with us, we are certainly happy and eager to help. Anyone interested should contact Deacon Michael at dcnmichael@sjbrh.org (best) or by phone at 860-529-3222, x14.

July 30 is International Day Against Human Trafficking. Join Us To Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary For Victim, Survivors and Perpetrators of Human Trafficking.

For more information contact Barbara Pearce: srabgomez@sbcglobal.net