Pray the Rosary for Our Country
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I would like to reiterate to everyone the importance of getting to Mass on time. The reason that this is important, both on weekdays and on Sundays, is that if we don’t adhere to the government regulations as to the number of those worshipping (no more than 100 people) we could be shut down. Because of this, we must lock the doors either when we have reached the 100 person mark or when Mass begins. Even if only 50 or 60 are in attendance when Mass begins, theoretically, more people could come, thus putting us in jeopardy. Perhaps many of us have grown a bit lax over the years when it comes to getting to Mass on time.
We need to remember what it is that we are actually coming to: the re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Calvary (made in an un-bloody manner) whereby Christ becomes really and truly present. Rather than coming merely on time, we should actually try to always come to Mass 10 or 15 minutes early so that we can prepare ourselves for this most holy event! Of course, there are always circumstances that pop up that can make us late; however, if one arrives late as a rule, it is time to re-set your alarm clock.
We are fortunate in that we do have live-stream services of three of our Sunday Masses and the weekday, 8:00 am Mass, so that if you get locked out, you can watch the Mass on your phone and then receive Holy Communion in the church when the doors open after Mass is concluded.
Finally, let’s ponder The Parable of the Ten Virgins: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh. Go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage. And the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered: Amen I say to you, I know you not.”
Jesus comes to us in the Mass. Be prepared!
—Fr. Epperson
First Holy Communion
We will have First Holy Communion for the PSR students who passed their class this year, on Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m. Sr. Mary Emmanuel will contact parents regarding a retreat and other preparations. God bless you and congratulations.
Prayer to the Mary Immaculate Patroness of the United States
On December 8, 1950, the 99th anniversary of the proclamation of the Immaculate Conception dogma, Pope Pius XII proclaimed 1951, the 100th anniversary of the Lourdes visitation by Mary, the Marian year. We asked to ask Divine assistance in fighting the communist threat the world was facing. In that connection, the U. S. Catholic Bishops proclaimed Mary as the Patroness of America. The prayer below was developed in connection with that declaration.
Immaculate Mary, Mother, teacher and Queen, watch over with a loving smile this blessed land of America and her children. Your heart expands so as to welcome and enfold all peoples in the loving embrace of peace.
You continue to look down on the earth, upon the just and the erring, ever solicitous for the salvation of all. You remember that Jesus when dying on the cross, assigned you as our Mother and inflamed your heart universal love and solitude. Therefore, continue to inspire vocations, comfort the evangelical laborers and render all hearts docile to the Divine Master.
Through you may this great people ever more find in Christ the Way, the Truth and the Life; may they let his light shine before the world; and may they always seek the kingdom of God and His justice.
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