“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
As we prepare to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we give thanks for the blessings of liberty that have shaped our nation. Today’s Gospel reminds us, however, that the deepest freedom is not found in political independence alone, but in a heart that rests in God.
Our nation has achieved remarkable things over the past 250 years, but we also know the burdens of division, anxiety, violence, and uncertainty. The freedom Christ offers is the freedom to live in truth, to forgive, to serve one another, and to find peace that no earthly power can give.
This anniversary also comes at a unique moment in the life of the Church with the election of Pope Leo XIV. His election is not a celebration of national pride alone, but a reminder that God continues to call people from every nation to serve His universal Church. His ministry invites Americans in a particular way to witness that authentic greatness is found not in power or prestige, but in humility, discipleship, and service.
As we commemorate our nation’s founding, may we renew our commitment to the ideals of justice, human dignity, and the common good. Above all, may we hear Christ’s invitation anew: to lay our burdens at His feet, to take up His yoke of love, and to discover that the truest freedom is found in following Him. Only then can our nation continue to be a people not only independent, but genuinely united in charity and hope.
AMERICA HAS FOUNDING FATHERS. A CATHOLIC SAINT WAS A FOUNDING MOTHER. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first saint born in the United States. She was born in New York City on August 28, 1774 to a prominent Episcopal family, and lost her mother at the age of three. In 1794, at the age of 19, Elizabeth married William Magee Seton, a wealthy businessman with whom she had five children. William died of tuberculosis in 1803, leaving Elizabeth a young widow. After discovering Catholicism in Italy where her husband had died, Elizabeth returned to the United States and entered the Catholic Church in 1805 in New York.
A true daughter of the American Revolution, Saint Elizabeth is an essential figure in the history of the Catholic Church in the United States. Elizabeth moved in 1809 to Emmitsburg, Maryland where she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first community for apostolic, religious women established in the United States. She also began St. Joseph’s School, planting the seeds of Catholic education in the United States. As we honor our country, let us remember this great saint of church and country.
SUMMER FAMILY FESTIVAL – Our annual Summer Family Festival sponsored by St. Rose of Lima School returns this summer. The dates for this year’s festival are Wednesday, July 22 through Sunday, July 26. The hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 6 pm-10:30 pm and on Friday and Saturday, closing time is 11 pm. Please see this bulletin for information on POP bracelets and sponsorship opportunities.
As always, the Festival has amusements, games, and rides, along with traditional food and other treats including our Festival’s famous zeppoles! In addition, the Town of Oyster Bay Show Mobile returns as live performances and music from our local community take the stage. I thank our outstanding school parents and other parishioners who make up our Festival Committee, as well as all the volunteers who work so hard to make this special event happen each year, creating a wonderful opportunity for our parish and school communities to come together with neighbors and friends.
As you may have noticed, the Festival has been reduced from eight days to five days. The reason for the change is two-fold. It is a challenge for the school community to secure enough volunteers to span the eight days. Reduced days will assist us in making sure that we are able to fully staff the event. Reducing days will also decrease some costs. Our successful inaugural Golf Outing allowed us to generate fundraising revenue that will supplement the reduced days of the Festival.
Secondly, we are hopeful that less days will lessen the impact that the Festival has on the neighborhood residents and businesses. With this in mind, I ask everyone who attends the Festival to be respectful of the homes and properties that surround the church. Your cooperation with neighborhood parking regulations will also be greatly appreciated. In addition, we ask that parents of adolescence and teens either accompany their children or inform them that they are to enjoy the Festival and act respectfully on parish property and the neighborhood.
Peace!
