On Memorial Day we remembered and gave thanks to God for those in our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice, their life, to stand up for and promote liberty and justice for all in our country and throughout the world.  In some ways we are charged as citizens of this great country to stand up for and promote the values that our country holds dear, especially when these values come under attack.  Such is sadly the case now with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHHS) mandate which in law, will demand that the Catholic Church violate our beliefs, which is something we cannot do.  This coming Friday, June 8, there will be rallies held throughout our country that will give us the opportunity to give witness to our belief that our government should safeguard, NOT threaten, our freedom to practice our faith in church and in our day-to-day lives.  Please join me, your fellow parishioners, and people of all faiths at the Sate Capitol at noon for a presentation that will last around 45 minutes.  Bishop Anthony Taylor will be among the speakers for this event.  Bring a chair, water, and protection from the sun.  Carpools are available if you want to ride with others or drive others.  Call Mary Costello at 922-3915 or Jim Goodson at 501-226-5312.  LET'S STAND TALL FOR OURSELVES AND FUTURE GENERATIONS in this, and in other ways.

A joy-filled Pentecost to all of you!  I use this greeting because I have seen the word joy throughout this Easter Season in the prayers and readings at Mass and in the expression and attitude of so many, especially our newly Baptized and Confirmed members.  Even though the Easter season ends with the celebration of Pentecost, hopefully many of us will continue to ask the Holy Spirit to make us joy-filled in our attitude and actions for The Lord and His good news of salvation.  Pope Benedict, in his visit to the United States said, "Let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America."  There is no doubt, with actions that threaten our religious liberty and laws, along with actions that lead to and allow the taking of the most innocent life (the unborn); and, with so many people worried in these tough economic times of whether their basic need will be met, we need the Holy Spirit's help in our country and in our individual lives.  COME HOLY SPIRIT.

During this (or any) election year, it is important that every American who is able, plans to cast his/her ballot for candidates that (s)he feels will best serve our country in the positions they are running for.  As Christians, our call is to follow in His way of love in all matters including the choices we make for people to serve in elected office.

The bishops of the United Sates want to help us to be faithful to the Gospel of Christ in this and in all matters.  To that end, they produced a reflection entitled "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" to help us make informed decisions at the polls.  A summary of that document is inserted in the bulletin this weekend.  Please read this, reflect on it, and bring it to prayer at your leisure.  Then inform yourself on what positions and goals the candidates for elected office have, before deciding who will receive your vote at election time.  What a responsibility and a privilege we have to make our voices heard and to help influence the direction of our country in its future.  I pray that all our efforts will bear fruit in the ways of The Lord for us and for future generations.