Last year's fireworks on the Fourth of July were cancelled here at Hot Springs Village and in other places in the area due to extremely dry conditions.  It was unfortunate and it seemed to make the end of Independence Day less than complete. Fortunately, every Independence Day can start out wonderfully (and spiritually) by participating in Mass (9:00 a.m.) AND the Patriotic Rosary (around 9:40 a.m.) with a reception of food and drink afterward in the parish hall.  We have many blessings in our country, and we have much to ask God for to "mend our every flaw" ("America the Beautiful", second verse).

While we pray the Patriotic Rosary at least once every month of the year at our church, there is something special about doing it on Independence Day as we pray and sing five beautiful patriotic songs ending with "God Bless America". Won't you join us in making your Fourth of July prayerful, as well as (hopefully) playful?  You may start a tradition that you will observe for years to come.