Hearing Assistance available by switching your hearing aid or cochlear implant to T-Coil or Telecoil setting upon entering the Church.

Contact the Parish Office at 239-261-4883 for information about our Sacramental programs. Baptisms: Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Christian life and is celebrated every month following completion of our Baptism preparation program. First Communion: This sacrament requires two continuous years of religious instruction. Confirmation: This sacrament requires at least 2 years of preparation. OCIA: A process through which individuals are introduced to Catholic beliefs and practices preparing them for the sacraments of initiation. Contact Fr. Mark for more information. Matrimony: Marriage couples must contact Marcy Wysocki at gro.mailliwtnias@sgniddew at least 8 months prior to their potential wedding date. It is required that the wedding couple (or their parents) be registered, active members of the parish. Homebound Holy Communion: Eucharistic Ministers are available to bring Holy Communion to our sick and homebound parishioners. Contact Jane Kretz at gro.mailliwtnias@enaj for more information.

Altar Servers: Samantha Green, 961-8311 Arimatheans: Parish Office, 261-4883 Bridge: Francis Lonsway, 263-5022 Catholic Charities: Tim Corcoran, 781-799-5486 Columbiettes: Donna Call, 410-299-5705 Council of Catholic Women: Rita Bates, 919-6950 Eucharistic Ministers: Linda Maloney, 330-4057 Funeral Planning: Jim Glick, 612-616-4791 Gift Shop: Cindy Morano, Mgr., 410-627-2652 Grace Notes Card Ministry: Patti Holub, 309-830-4441 Grief Support Group: Peter Prokop, 248-761-2568 Homebound Communion: Jane Kretz, 397-5757 HOPE Homeless Outreach: Kelly Smith, 330-1906 Hospitality: Marilyn Mongiello, 821-0167 Knights of Columbus: Mark Call, 703-201-2937 OCIA Coordinator: Michelle Murray, 412-418-4434 Readers/Lectors (daily): Judy Kyle, 250-4022 Readers/Lectors (weekends): Paul French, 777-5725 Respect Life: Fred & Barbara Goduti, 261-4810 Respite/Companion Care: Parish Office, 261-4883 Rosary Makers: Sandra Turner, 330-348-3236 St. Vincent DePaul Society: Joe Hamberger, 289-0935 Ushers: Stan Kabala, 248-3216 Wedding Planning: Marcy Wysocki, gro.mailliwtnias@sgniddeW

The Chapel Lamp burns in honor of Sam Green & Family The Altar Flowers are in memory of the McLellan/Marion Family

There will be a special collection on July 11th & 12th to support The Church in Africa

Barry and Mary Cohen Alexander & Tani Corbacho Isabella, Gemma Greg & Dana Debski Greyson, Flynn, Piper Alexzandria Eytel Ibrahim & Diana Farah Kevin & Cynthia Hales James, Edward, Mark Jill Jaffe Peter & Nancy Kelly Bridget, Grace, Peter, Caroline Paul Kruchten Jane Price Dr. Richard and Doralil Pugliese Ernest & Judith Ricci Ernest, Isabella Jordan Robinson John & Jean Speredelozzi To register, scan the QR Code now or go to www.saintwilliam.org or stop by the Parish Office.

Celebrating Catholic Contributions to the United States of America on the Semiquincentennial Anniversary As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the USCCB joins this celebration by lifting up the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country. An American Catholic Patriotism by M.T. Lu, University of St. Thomas (MN) (Abriged) How should American Catholics think about patriotism today? ... As is so often the case, we can find clarity by turning to St. Thomas Aquinas. In fact, he is unambiguous in holding that patriotism is a virtue—it is a part of piety and, therefore, of justice. He explains that we owe honor to our parents and country (patria) because they are "principles of our being and government." With this he grounds our duties of piety and patriotism in the fact that who we are, and our understanding of the good, substantially derives from our parents and country. Thomas notes that the nature of our duty to parents is directly parallel to our natural moral obligation to God. This is likely to occasion some confusion since we Catholics normally think of our relationship to God in supernatural terms. When we receive the sacraments we are receiving supernatural gifts. While these gifts are ultimately higher and better than what we are able to do by human means alone, the Church has long taught that we can also know God by natural reason. Accordingly, all humans have obligations to God in natural justice, apart from what the baptized may also owe to God on account of his revealed Law. Thomas calls this the natural virtue of religion. Like our parents, God is a "principle of being and government" for each of us. Of course, God is the primary principle, and so our obligations to Him outweigh any other, including even our duties to our parents. Nonetheless, it's very important to see that the duties in both cases have the same normative structure and arise for the same reasons, precisely because we are the kind of thing that has principles of being and government. We are now ready to see how patriotism fits into this. As already noted, we actually have two secondary principles of being and government: our parents and also our country. We owe our existence as the kinds of people we are not only to our parents but also to our civil community. Our nation, through its laws and institutions, educates and shapes us in much the same way that our parents form us. Therefore, just as we have natural duties to God and our parents, we have analogous duties of patriotism to our civil communities. Of course, it is one thing to see that we have duties of patriotism in general, and quite another to know exactly what they require. But the same is true with our parents: I know it would be wrong to let my aged parents be put out onto the street, but does honoring them require that I give them a veto over my choice of spouse? Similarly, I know it would be wrong to abandon my country in her hour of need, but does honoring the flag require me to accept any given policy the government might choose to advance? In both cases, practical wisdom (prudence) is required, and we cannot articulate ahead of time simple rules that will easily resolve the many difficult questions that arise. But just as my duty to honor and respect my parents remains even if they are flawed or imprudent or even occasionally maddening, the honor and respect owed to my country does not depend on who is in charge or whether I happen to like or dislike that administration's policies. So where does that leave us? From the perspective of natural reason, we can unambiguously say that patriotism is a virtue and a requirement of natural justice. In our day and age, it is difficult to see anything other than the Constitutional Republic in which we live as the proper object of that patriotic duty. At the same time, we also know that many of our country's laws and policies are contrary to that same natural justice, from legalized abortion to euthanasia and much more. And yet, for all her flaws, America remains a principle of our being and government. As Catholics, then, we are called to the hard work of making her more right than wrong, even while knowing that task will never be complete.

Finding Rest in Christ First Reading: Zechariah 9:9–10 The prophet Zechariah announces the coming of a humble king, not one who arrives with force or power, but one who comes in peace. He rides not on a warhorse, but on a donkey, bringing justice and peace to the nations. God's way is different from the world's way. True strength is found in humility, gentleness, and trust in God. Discipleship calls us to follow this same path. In family life, peace is built not through control or pride, but through patience, humility, and the willingness to serve one another with love. Second Reading, Romans 8:9, 11–13 Saint Paul reminds believers that the Spirit of God dwells within them. We are called not to live according to selfish desires, but according to the life of the Spirit, which leads to true freedom and life. Discipleship is not lived through human strength alone. The Holy Spirit helps us overcome selfishness, fear, and discouragement, leading us toward holiness and peace. Families become places of discipleship when they invite the Holy Spirit into daily life through prayer, forgiveness, encouragement, and faith-filled living. Gospel, Matthew 11:25–30 Jesus praises the Father for revealing His truth to the humble and simple of heart. Then He offers one of the most comforting invitations in the Gospel: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Christ knows the weight people carry: worries, responsibilities, fears, and struggles. He does not promise a life without burdens, but He promises to walk with us and help carry them. Discipleship means learning to rely on Christ rather than trying to carry everything alone. In family life, this means turning to the Lord together in moments of stress, exhaustion, or uncertainty. Living Discipleship with Peace and Trust Today's readings remind us that Christ desires to bring peace and rest to our hearts. Time: Do we take time to rest in God's presence through prayer, silence, and trust? Talents: How can we use our gifts to lighten the burdens of others and bring peace to our homes and communities? Discipleship grows when we stop relying only on ourselves and begin trusting more deeply in Christ. Reflection Questions: - What burdens am I carrying that I need to place before Christ? - How can I grow in humility and trust? - In what ways can my family become a source of peace and encouragement for others? Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, You invite us to come to You with our burdens. Give us hearts that trust in Your love and teach us to walk in humility and peace. Help our families to rest in Your presence and to share Your peace with others. Amen.