The Diocese of Venice requires all employees and those volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and trained in Safe Environment prior to beginning employment or volunteering. Report any abuse against minors to the FL Dept of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. If Diocesan personnel or volunteers are involved, also notify Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114. For details: https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/programs/safeenvironment/.

READINGS: 1. Zechariah 9:9-10 2. Romans 8:9, 11-13 3. Matthew 11:25-30

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities at https:// catholiccharitiesdov.org/.

July 5, 2026 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 11:25-30 This weekend, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unlike most nations, the United States was not founded primarily on a shared ethnicity, language, or culture. Instead, our founders built a political community out of diverse peoples united by a shared vision of liberty. That vision echoes something deep in the Christian mystery revealed in today's Gospel. Jesus returns to his hometown. The people see only what is familiar: the carpenter, the son of Mary, one of their own. As Mark tells us, "They took offense at him. Jesus said, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.'" Their narrow vision blinds them. Jesus has come to inaugurate a new communion that transcends geography, bloodlines, and culture. He has come to unite all people in himself. At its best, America's national unity reflects this possibility, which fully subsists only in the Catholic Church. Our unity is not based on ancestry or tribe, but on a shared commitment to higher ideals. For this reason, we can love our country with gratitude while situating patriotism within the broader horizon of faith. Rooted in Christ, we are less vulnerable to the unholy tribalism that threatens civic life and faith. This weekend, let us thank God for our nation and pray that we also live as citizens of Heaven in Jesus Christ. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Jesus knows that you can get tired. Doing your best in school is hard work. You also may feel tired, sad, or left out on the playground. Whenever you start to feel tired, remember that Jesus is with you. Learn from Jesus. Follow his example. Be honest. Be kind. Help others do the right thing. Jesus will help you. Complete the picture of this ox. Jesus, I thank you for helping me when I'm tired. CATHOLIC TRIVIA – JUST FOR FUN Question: What is the term for uninterrupted hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament? Answer: A Holy Hour.