Happy 250th Anniversary, America!

Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,

Happy Semiquincentennial (or 250th) Anniversary to our country! I am old enough to remember the Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, which just reminds me that time continues it march forward, even when we don’t feel as old as we are. This occasion reminds us of our country’s founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In Christian-speak, happiness is the same as blessedness, when we acknowledge the blessings that the Lord God has poured out upon us through His Son, Jesus Christ. May we always be a people and a nation that gives thanks to God for all of the many blessings we have received. May God Bless America!

Our Gospel reading this weekend (Matthew 11:25-30) reminds us to come to the Lord whenever we are weakened or tired by the burdens of life, for the Lord is always ready to help us to carry these burdens. Matthew mentions a yoke, which in this context is the wooden beam that is used to strap two animals together, such as a yoke of oxen. When they are yoked to each other, the burden of pulling the plow is easier because they are working together to do it. Jesus offers to yoke Himself to us so that the burden we are tasked with can and will be shared with Him, who will ease and lighten it for us. Don’t be afraid to yoke yourself to Jesus by inviting him into the busyness and messiness of life, for He is here to offer us His rest and His peace.

Please join me in welcoming Fr. Peter Igwilo and Fr. Frank Iacona from Cross Catholic Outreach to the Pastorate on the weekend of July 4-5. They will be speaking at all the Masses about the great works accomplished by Cross Catholic Outreach (www.crosscatholic.org). There is no collection taken up but there will be brochures and envelopes available if you would like to make a donation to the organization. The pastorate will also be forwarding the proceeds from the Missionary Coop collection in July to them as well. Thank you for your generosity.

Fr. Kevin Farmer

Our youth ministry has been participating in Summer Mission last week and this week. They gather for prayer in the morning, before heading out to a ministry site for service in the community. After breaking for lunch, they will participate in a fun afternoon activity (I hear they may be touring Ravens Stadium this week.) Please keep them in your prayers. Vacation Bible School/Camp is rapidly approaching as well. VBS begins next Monday, July 13th at St Jane Frances and July 20th at OLC. Thanks to everyone who has been helping us prepare for VBS at our Pastorate.

Please continue to keep Fr. John in your prayers as he transitions to his new assignment as the full time chaplain at Mount St. Joseph High School. Our new associate pastor, Fr. Kevin Farmer, will be introducing himself at OLC the weekend of July 11–12 and at St. Jane Frances the weekend of July 18–19.

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your prayers as we go through these changes over the next several weeks!

God Bless,
Father Steve