Hopefully you have been hearing a lot in the news about the proposal before congress that President Obama has put forth. I urge all of you to keep informed on this topic because it is crucial to everyone’s liberties. The other day I received an email from Archbishop Myers about the “Respect for Rights of Conscience Act” to share with all of you.

After reviewing the announcement by the Federal Administration on Friday concerning adjustments to HHS’s nationwide mandate of insurance coverage of sterilization, contraception and abortion, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops believes that there still remain significant problems with the rules. Consequently, The Conference has released the following announcement concerning the latest developments in the effort by the Federal Administration to limit and impede the exercise of religious liberty guaranteed under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Please read the letter and see how we can take action and what we need to say to our representative.

Thank you for taking the time to read, reflect and pray about this issue.

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I am very grateful to Pat Sullivan who has spearheaded the implementation of the “ONLINE GIVING” option to our stewardship parish of Nativity. It was a very tedious and time consuming job to understand how it works, and to be able to get everything to work together.

As many of you know we are limited in staff people who can work on a project like this and when I asked Pat for help she took it over 100%. It has been a wish of mine since I came here as pastor, to be able to offer this option for people who find it more convenient to pay their bills online. Thank you Pat Sullivan!

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Thoughts on the scripture:(taken from the Living Liturgy)
The gospel relates two contrary responses to Jesus’ ministry. Our group illustrates how far the hearts of some have strayed from God, because their theological stumbling blocks keep them recognizing who Jesus is and from allowing him to extend his healing and forgiveness to others. The other group is so open to Jesus that the crowd around him, are utterly astounded by his words and deeds, and are led to glorify God because of them. Truth be told, both contrary responses are present today, in the world and in our own hearts.

In our own experience we can be “Hidebound”: so trapped in our own way of thinking of self-righteousness, that we are unable to entertain any new way of seeing things, or to receive anyone who holds contrary positions. In order for God to break whatever binds our minds and hearts, we must be open to new inbreakings of God.

Let us pray for that openness in our lives and the life of this community of faith.

Peace,

Fr. Peter