Dear Fellow Parishioners,
 
Friday at breakfast with family and friends I overheard someone at another table as I was walking out say, “I wish it was November 6^th and all this political turmoil is over, and we can just move on with life!” Of course, there are some commentators who are saying that we may not know the results on November 6^th or that the Supreme Court may need to decide the election results.
 
There are lots of opinions, positions, and speculations regarding this election season and all of it can cause “agita” as our Italian paisanos would say. Being informed and keeping abreast of all that is happening is necessary, so that we can make wise decisions as we cast our votes in November. I have been praying for a wise electorate.
 
I am just one of the tens of thousands of lay women and men, women religious, priests, deacons, brothers, bishops, Catholics of all stripes and persons affiliated with other faith traditions who strive to be the “peace of Christ, Pax Christi” in the world today. Through my membership in Pax Christi, I join with all the membership in praying for various causes impacting the stability of peace in the world today. Since October 7^th we have been praying for Muslim, Jewish and Christian peace throughout the world. I am constantly praying with others for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. People are displaced throughout the world, fleeing violence, drug cartels, climate and economic conditions, and so with my Pax Christi brothers and sisters I am praying for immigrants, that they may receive a warm gospel welcome. Like the Holy Family, we call upon the protection of St. Joseph who was given responsibility of protecting Mary and Jesus.
 
With the political climate here in the United States such as it is, I am going to invite you to join with the many members of Pax Christi and others by making the “Prayer for this Election Season” available to all. The cards will be on the stand in the center isle of the church as soon as they arrive. May we pray for the wisdom of God’s Holy Spirit as we choose our new leaders this election season.
 
On another note, many of our young people are going off to school as new college freshman. On the weekend of August 17 and 18 we will offer those in attendance a special blessing as they head off to their new environment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Fr. Bill