Dear Parishioners,
As we celebrate our nation with the Fourth of July holiday to start the month, it is important for us to reflect on the connections between Catholic stewardship, discipleship, and American patriotism.
As Catholics, we are called to be good stewards of the gifts that God has given us, including our time, our talent, and our resources. This means using these gifts in ways that honor God, build up our communities, and serve our fellow human beings. In doing so, we are living out our calling as disciples of Christ.
American patriotism, in its best form, is a natural outgrowth of Catholic stewardship and discipleship. It is a recognition that we have been blessed with a great country, with a rich history and diverse culture, and with opportunities to live out our faith in every moment. It is a call to use our gifts and our resources to make our country a better place, to serve our fellow citizens, and to uphold the values that make our nation great.
At the same time, it is important to remember that American patriotism is not the same as blind nationalism. We are called to love our country, but not at the expense of our faith or our commitment to justice and the common good. We must always be willing to critique our country when it falls short of its ideals and to work for change when necessary.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us remember that our Catholic faith calls us to be good stewards, faithful disciples, and patriotic Americans. Let us pray for our country, for our leaders, and for all those who strive to make it a better place. And let us commit ourselves anew to using our gifts and our resources to serve others, to work for justice, and to build up the common good. May God bless you and your families, and may God bless the United States of America.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Gary D. Kastl, Rector
