Fr. Carl's Corner

Happy 4th of July to all! As our nation marks 250 years of independence, we pause to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy as Americans. The 4th of July is a time for parades, family gatherings, fireworks, and patriotic pride as we honor generations who have worked, sacrificed, and served to preserve them. Yet this is also an opportunity for reflection. As we look across our country today, we see both great promise and significant challenges. We experience political division, economic uncertainty, violence in our communities, struggles over immigration, and a growing sense of isolation and distrust among many people. Too often we find ourselves speaking past one another rather than listening to one another.

At the same time there are signs of hope. Everyday, neighbors help neighbors and communities rally around those in need, such as our Neighborhood Bridge and Migrant Ministry. So many acts of generosity and service remind us that the common good is still alive. Across differences of race, culture, religion, and political perspective, many people continue to work for justice, peace, and human dignity.

As Christians, we bring a unique perspective to this moment. Our faith teaches us that freedom is not merely the absence of restraint but the opportunity to choose what is good, true and life-giving. Jesus calls us beyond fear and division and invites us to become builders of bridges rather than walls, reconciliation rather than resentment, hope rather than despair. As we celebrate 250 years of our nation's journey, let us thank God for the blessings we have received while honestly acknowledging the work that remains before us. Let us pray for our leaders, and for one another. And let us renew our commitment to being citizens who bring the value of the gospel into public life through kindness, respect, service, and love.

Let us try to implement these simple but challenging suggestions for our community's sake and that of the country as well. Practice one act of bridge building. Listen more than you speak and reach out to someone whose views, background, or life experience differs from your own. Serve someone in need. Get involved with our Neighborhood Bridge, Migrant Ministry, or volunteer at one of our three Catholic schools in the community, Ascension, St. Giles, or St. Catherine-St. Lucy. Become a minster of care. Be sure to include our nation in your daily prayers and be an instrument of peace as Saint Francis has always encouraged us to be.

Small acts, multiplied across a community, can help shape the future God desires for us and for our nation. Happy 4th of July! Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

With you a Christian, for you a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello, Pastor

A Special Note:

The Ascension and Saint Edmund Community will welcome Father Michael (Mike) Novick this weekend as Moderator of Pastoral Care for the community. He will assist me as needed, and celebrate Mass on Sunday evenings for the Catholic Communities of Oak Park. On behalf of all of us, WELCOME Father Mike!

We also offer our thanks for the six years of pastoral care and service of Father Rex. We will hold him in our prayers during this time of transition.