June 28, 2026

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parish Family,

What gift do you give for a 250th birthday?  The best gift of all is prayer. Here is a prayer for our nation as we celebrate the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Almighty and Eternal Father, we give You thanks for the blessings You have bestowed upon our nation during these 250 years. From generation to generation, You have guided our people through times of promise and prosperity, trial and sacrifice, joy and sorrow.

As we celebrate, we acknowledge that every good gift comes from You. We thank You for the freedoms we enjoy, for those who have served and sacrificed to protect them, and for the countless men and women who have worked to build a society founded on justice, dignity, and the common good.

Lord Jesus Christ, You taught us that the greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbor. Renew in us a spirit of charity, unity, and mutual respect. Heal the divisions that wound our communities, strengthen our commitment to truth and justice, and help us to recognize the dignity of every human person, from the very first moment of conception.

Holy Spirit, guide our leaders with wisdom, courage, and integrity. Inspire all citizens to seek not merely their own interests, but the good of all, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and those whose voices are often unheard.

As we look to the future, help us to be faithful stewards of the blessings we have received. May we continue to be a people of hope, working together to build a nation that reflects Your mercy, promotes peace, and protects the dignity of every human life because we are made in Your image and likeness.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States, and all the saints who have helped shape the Church in our land, may our nation be renewed in faith, hope, and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee. 

Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan

P.S. What does semiquincentennial mean?  Semi means half.  Quin means five. Centennial means hundred.  So half of five hundred is 250.