Third Sunday of Lent
Dear Parishioners,
The recent events in New Zealand remind us of how religious bigotry and racial hatred are alive and well. Our Muslim brothers and sisters have been traumatized in a terrible way. Fifty people were killed and numerous people were wounded as they prayed at their mosques. This follows on the heels of shootings at a synagogue and Christian churches in our own country. At such times we should all be appalled. The religious community must speak with one voice. And the message must be that White Nationalism and White Supremacists are evil and hateful movements. There can be no equivocation.
When we are part of any conversation where racist ideology is espoused, we need to strongly speak up and condemn it, if we are followers of Jesus Christ. Our silence can be seen as some kind of tacit agreement.
Pope John Paull II once said:
“The only struggle which religions can justify, the only struggle worthy of humans, is the moral struggle against humanities disordered passions, against every type of selfishness, against attempts to oppress others, against hatred and violence.”
Pope Francis once said:
“In a world where various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the pubic square, or to use religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality, it is imperative that followers of various religions join their voices in calling for peace, tolerance, and respect for the dignity and rights of others.”
Jesus said:
“I give you a new commandment: Love one another.” (John 13:34)
As Catholics, who have endured our share of religious persecution. Let there be no mistake that we stand with those who are the victims of religious intolerance, persecution and violence. We must proclaim this truth with all our hearts.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
P.S. We have good news about the Today, Tomorrow, Together Capital Campaign. We are have presently collected well over $1,760,000 in pledges for Sacred Heart. Seton Catholic School has over $850,000 in pledges. Sacred Heart would like to have $3,000,000 for its needs. Keep in mind, there are still stained-glass window sponsorships available. 375 households have responded. We would like to have a commitment from every family if possible. Please return the cards that were sent to you as soon as you can.