Hey y’all,

I am usually writing to you here as your Pastor, which is the role that has been given me by the Church. But on this 4th of July weekend, on this singular occasion of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, I am also proud to write to you as a fellow American. And while we understand that principal tenet that calls for separation of Church and state, as citizens we embody the experience of being people of faith who are also Americans. Certainly, we don’t belong to a national Church, with beliefs being dictated by politics or nationalism. More certainly we do have the freedom to come to faith, seek to live by faith and morals, and make sense of our lives and our worldview in the light of Roman Catholic Christianity. That is indeed a blessing for us.

So we can now ask ourselves, on this anniversary of the United States, how should we be Americans? How should we be patriotic? How do we reconcile our patriotism with our faith? Interestingly enough, we can turn to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for some insight. In paragraph 2239 we read…

It is the duty of citizens (i.e., Americans) to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity and freedom. The love and service of one’s country (e.g., patriotism) follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity.

This quote lets us know that we can be both dedicated and committed Catholic Christians and patriotic Americans. We recognize the truth, justice, solidarity and freedom which founded our nation and preserved of our country’s union. And we can optimistically understand that our own well-formed, collective and individual sense of patriotism, based on gratitude, justice and charity is our way forward as a society and nation.

As we remember our national history, and how we have come together in time of trial, tribulation and tragedy, let’s let charity lead us again as a nation of truth and justice for all. With this sentiment, in freedom I can say, God bless America. So, my brother and sisters, join me in praying for our country and our leaders, that we might recognize God’s grace in our land and share the blessings we’ve been given it with humanity.

Fr. Reynold