From the Pastor's Desk | July 6, 2025

Fourth of July

I wish everyone a happy and blessed Fourth of July!  Every time July 4 rolls around, I just cannot believe it is here.  In just six weeks, we will be gearing up for the students to start back at school, and I am sure the back to school sales have already started.  So, enjoy the extended holiday weekend and be sure to take some time to enjoy the rest of summer!  

Freedom

July Fourth is our nation’s great celebration of freedom. On this day, we commemorate not only our historical independence from Great Britain, but also the many personal liberties we enjoy as citizens of the United States. Indeed, we are deeply blessed to live in a country where such freedoms are protected and cherished.

But what is true freedom?

As Catholics, we affirm the dignity of the human person and the gift of free will. We rightly celebrate the ability to make our own choices, to act with autonomy, and to pursue what we believe is good. Yet, the Church also reminds us that freedom is not the mere ability to do whatever we want. Rather, as the Catechism teaches, “the more one does what is good, the freer one becomes” (CCC 1733). In other words, freedom must be ordered toward the good, which is ultimately found in God.

Autonomy, when detached from Truth, can become dangerous. While personal independence is a value, it must be rooted in a higher reality—namely, the will of God. As St. Paul wrote, “To this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed” (2 Corinthians 3:15-16). Sin clouds our vision. We live under the effects of original sin—what the Church calls concupiscence, a woundedness in our nature that inclines us toward selfishness and error.

Our intellects and wills, though redeemed by Christ, remain imperfect. Left to our own devices, we are prone to choices that do not lead to flourishing, either for ourselves or for society. This is evident in many aspects of contemporary culture. The breakdown of the nuclear family, for instance—long upheld by the Church as the domestic church and the foundation of society—is often justified in the name of personal freedom or self-fulfillment. But such trends, while outwardly promising freedom, frequently lead instead to isolation, confusion, and brokenness.

True freedom is not found in asserting our will above all else, but in surrendering our will to the One who is Truth itself. Jesus tells us, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Real freedom is the capacity to choose the good, to live in harmony with God’s plan for our lives.

God, who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, sees reality as it truly is. He knows us better than we know ourselves. At times, our passions, emotions, or wounds may cloud our judgment, leading us to choose what feels good but is ultimately harmful. But when we submit our freedom to God—who is the source of all goodness, truth, and beauty—we find not only guidance, but fulfillment.

So this Independence Day, let us give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. But even more importantly, let us renew our commitment to seek the higher freedom offered in Christ—a freedom not merely from oppression, but for holiness, truth, and love.

Summer Hours 

As we have the last two years, the office will be closed on Fridays until August 15.  In addition, there will be no Masses on Tuesdays until Tuesday, September 2.  Why are there no Masses on Tuesdays?  Keep in mind that Fr. Mike is not assigned here by the bishop.  He has graciously decided to remain here.  If he were not here and the bishop did not assign a parochial vicar here, there would be no Masses on my day off which is Tuesday.  By cancelling Mass on Tuesdays in July and August, it gives Fr. Mike the freedom to travel and visit his family.

Office Reorganization

Since Kimberly Keefe has joined the staff as the Director of Operations, we need to reorganize the office because she has no office currently.  The Kateri Room (currently the bride’s room and conference room) will become the new Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Atrium for our preschool and kindergarten students.  Hallie Card will be moving into the office adjacent to Jackie Rosalez. The area outside of their respective offices (the former school office) will become our new conference room, known as the Assisi Room.  

Thanks to the generosity of Sue Jenkins and Delta Dental, we have new office furniture for these spaces so that the staff can work comfortably and adequately.  So a huge thank you to Sue and Delta Dental!    

Know of my prayers for you all! 

Fr. Ryan