Today the Church celebrates the 13th week of Ordinary Time, but in our country we also commemorate Independence Day weekend. Given that July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year, we’ve got an extra long time to celebrate. We thank God for the gift of our freedom and all the men and women who have served our country to win that freedom (and those who continue to do so on our behalf throughout the world today). Many have fought and died to safeguard the way of life we enjoy. Let us not forget the great sacrifices that have been offered on our behalf, while all the while remembering the ultimate sacrifice and true freedom we have comes through God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
As Christians we must not equate the freedom we enjoy as citizens with a license to do whatever we want. True and lasting freedom comes only when we align ourselves with the vision and heart of Christ. Anything else is a false freedom. That’s why sin is so alluring and tempting. It looks like freedom (i.e., “I can do anything”), but ultimately it makes us slaves to our wants and desires. It becomes all about us, and not about Christ. When we resolve to live in accordance to the will of God, who is all good, then and only then will we know what freedom really looks like.
By the way, you might be interested to know that our closing hymn at Mass today, “God of Our Fathers,” was written in 1876 by an Episcopal priest to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of our country. I particularly like the beginning of the 4th and last verse: “Refresh the people on their toilsome way; Lead us from night to never ending day.” Indeed though our way may sometimes be toilsome, we take comfort that God is there to guide our country in His way of justice and peace for all of His people. And while we celebrate our independence this weekend, let us remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God who is the “Center of My Life,” as we sing in today’s Offertory hymn. May God bless America!
While the 4th of July falls on a Tuesday this year, I can tell you that 13 years ago it fell on a Sunday. How do I know? Easy – it was my first Sunday as pastor of Christ the Redeemer. I was appointed pastor of CtR 13 years ago on July 1, 2004 and this weekend marks the anniversary of my first time celebrating Sunday Mass for the community.
I remember that day well. Of course, it helps that there was a fireworks display that same evening. “What a nice touch,” I thought, “they are shooing off fireworks to welcome me as their pastor!” Seriously, I remember that day because it was one of the greatest days of my priesthood. I was honored to be the new pastor of CtR, and 13 years later, I still am. Thank you for welcoming me on that day in 2004, and thank you for your continued support and prayers today.
Every month or so someone will ask me how much longer I will be pastor at CtR. I’m always a little wary when people ask that question. Are they looking for me to leave right away? Wanting to help me pack boxes? I understand, of course. Traditionally in the Church, a pastor is assigned for a six-year term, and then, if everything goes well, he often is renewed for an additional six years, but after 12 years, it is not uncommon for him to move to another assignment. So the fact that I’m beginning my 14th year has caused some to wonder how much longer I’ll be around.
As I always say only two people really know the answer to that question: Cardinal DiNardo and the Lord! And, to be honest, I’m not sure if the Lord has let the Cardinal in on the answer yet! There is a Personnel Board of Priests (I used to be a member of it but no longer am), but the Cardinal signs off on all assignments. And while it is tradition for assignments of pastors to be six years in length, it is not written in stone. I don’t recall it being on my appointment letter, for example. There are several priests who have served longer tenures than me. The Personnel Board and Cardinal DiNardo have to weigh several factors when making assignments, and I know for a fact that he does not take the responsibility lightly. I was appointed by then-Archbishop Fiorenza, but like him, Cardinal DiNardo considers the needs of the parish and the overall Archdiocese when he assigns a priest, whether it be a pastor or a parochial vicar.
That said, I hope to be here at CtR many more years, if God, the Cardinal, and you the people will have me. Especially with our
new Redeemer Activity Center being constructed, it is my hope to see it through construction. It’s my intention to attend as many basketball games in our gym, as many Encounter nights in our Youth Room, and as many performances in our auditorium as possible for many more years to come. It’s my distinct and profound honor to be the pastor. I know that I have the best “job” in the entire Archdiocese. I give thanks to God for all the wonderful people at CtR he has brought into my life – those still here and those who have gone before us. I’ve been blessed to baptize, marry and even bury, so many good people. It’s a joy to walk with you as we live out our calling as His disciples. May God bless our CtR parish now and for years to come.
In other news,
Deacon Jack Alexander has retired as our Director of
Adult Faith Formation. He came to CtR five years ago, first as our Director of Liturgy before later heading up Adult Faith Formation. He works with a variety of programs, not the least of which is our vibrant
RCIA community. With Julie Cook and a great team of volunteers and sponsors, he has helped bring hundreds of people into the Catholic faith. He has helped CtR continue to form disciples through Adult Faith Formation opportunities and Bible studies, and has been a great pastoral presence to so many in our community over the years. I'm especially grateful for his work with
Catholics returning to the faith,
adult confirmation, and our Christmas and Easter book program.
Though he has retired from full-time employment, he will continue as one of our CtR deacons, so we’ll still have the benefit of his pastoral ministry at Sunday and daily Mass, as well as with assisting with baptisms, weddings and funerals. We thank him for his service and dedication to the people of God and wish him many happy years in retirement.
Finally, our Parish Office will be closed tomorrow, July 3, beginning at 1 p.m., and then all day on July 4. We will re-open on Wednesday, July 5. Though not a holy day, we will have our regular daily Mass at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 in the chapel. Before you head out for the holiday, we invite you to come join us in praying for our country. We pray especially for those in the military who safeguard our freedoms in lands far away, and those first responders charged with responsibilities for public safety in our local communities.