Families who would like to have their child baptized must meet with the Parish Life Coordinator and attend a baptism Preparation Session. To begin this process, please call the parish office

Couples should make arrangements by calling the parish office at least 9 months prior to the wedding date and before making reception plans.

Please call the parish office to make arrangements to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. If you or a loved one are admitted to Maine General Medical Ctr, please contact the Hospital Spiritual Care Office

ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE 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

Sunday: Zec 9:9-10/Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14/Rom 8:9, 11-13/Mt 11:25-30 Monday: Hos 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22/Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9/Mt 9:18-26 Tuesday: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13/Ps 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10/Mt 9:32-38 Wednesday: Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12/Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7/Mt 10:1-7 Thursday: Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9/Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16/Mt Friday: Hos 14:2-10/Ps 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 14 and 17/Mt 10:16-23 Saturday: Is 6:1-8/Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5/Mt 10:24-33 Next Sunday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14/Rom 8:18-23/Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9

This July, as we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we honor the freedom that matters close to home – aging with dignity. Independent Support Service staff help older adults stay independent by offering support with daily tasks and a caring presence. Interested in becoming an Independent Support Worker? Visit ccmaine.org/employment. Celebrating 60 years of providing help and creating hope in Maine.

A high quality Catholic education is financially within your reach! Mount Merici Academy, an Ursuline Catholic school in Waterville in conjunction with a generous parishioner is pleased to announce free, full tuition, need based scholarships to practicing Catholics of Corpus Christi Parish. If you are a single parent, grandparent or a family in financial need, please reach out to us. We invite you to call the school to find out more about this remarkable opportunity. Come for a tour. Please consider joining our community, where a proud tradition embraces a promising future. Stacy Shoulta, Head of School (207) 873-3773. gro.iciremtnuom@eciffo.

80 Garland Rd., Winslow St. Joseph's Nature Sanctuary Skills Sharing Workshops Identifying Garden Pests with Barbara Russell, Saturday, July 25, 10am-Noon Rose's Room Meets virtually 1st Wednesday of each month Offers compassionate and confidential support for anyone with loved ones in jail or prison. For the Zoom link email moc.liamg@8102moorsesor. FMI on these or other events, to register for events, or get Zoom links for virtual activties, please call 873-4512 or email: gro.eniamsjc@cennoc