St. Patrick Catholic Church

06/02/2026

Corpus Christi Novena:

We are continuing to pray the Corpus Christi novena followed by the sequence for Corpus Christi Sunday honoring the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
We particularly remember our First Communion class as the prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time next Sunday, June 7. Please keep them in your prayers.

Novena Honoring the Body and Blood of Christ:

I thank You, Jesus, my Divine Redeemer, for coming upon the earth for our sake, and for instituting the adorable Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in order to remain with us until the end of the world.

I thank You for hiding beneath the Eucharistic species Your infinite majesty and beauty, which Your Angels delight to behold, so that I might have courage to approach the throne of Your Mercy.

I thank You, most loving Jesus, for having made Your- self my food, and for uniting me to Yourself with so much love in this wonderful Sacrament that I may live in You.

I thank You, my Jesus, for giving Yourself to me in this Blessed Sacrament, and so enriching it with the treasures of Your love that You have no greater gift to give me.

I thank You not only for becoming my food but also for offering Yourself as a continual sacrifice to Your Eternal Father for my salvation.

I thank You, Divine Priest, for offering Yourself as a Sacrifice daily upon our altars in adoration and homage to the Most Blessed Trinity, and for making amends for our poor and miserable adorations.

I thank You for renewing in this daily Sacrifice the actual Sacrifice of the Cross offered on Calvary, in which You satisfy Divine justice for us poor sinners.

I thank You, dear Jesus, for having become the priceless Victim to merit for me the fullness of heavenly favors. Awaken in me such confidence in You that their fullness may descend ever more fruitfully upon my soul.

I thank You for offering Yourself in thanksgiving to God for all His benefits, spiritual and temporal, which He has bestowed upon me.

In union with Your offering of Yourself to Your Father in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I ask for this special favor: (Mention your request).

If it be Your holy Will, grant my request. Through You I also hope to receive the grace of perseverance in Your love and faithful service, a holy death, and a happy eternity with You in Heaven. Amen.

O Lord, You have given us this Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
You have given them bread from Heaven.
Having all sweetness within.
Let us pray. God our Father, for Your glory and our salvation You appointed Jesus Christ eternal High Priest. May the people He gained for You by His Blood come to share in the power of His Cross and Resurrection by celebrating His Memorial in this Eucharist, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion beneath the veils of this Sacrament, grant us, we pray, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption, for You live and reign forever. Amen.

O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion beneath the veils of this Sacrament, grant us, we pray, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption, for You live and reign forever. Amen.
The day before his death on the Cross, Christ instituted the Eucharist in the Upper Room. He also offered bread and wine, which 'in his sacred hands' (Roman Canon) became his Body and his Blood, offered in sacrifice. Thus he fulfilled the prophecy of the old covenant linked to Melchizedek's sacrificial offering. For this very reason—the Letter to the Hebrews recalls—'he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek' (5:7-10).

Solemnity of Corpus Christi sequence:

Laud, O Zion, your salvation,
Laud with hymns of exultation,
Christ, your king and shepherd true:

Bring him all the praise you know,
He is more than you bestow.
Never can you reach his due.

Special theme for glad thanksgiving
Is the quick’ning and the living
Bread today before you set:

From his hands of old partaken,
As we know, by faith unshaken,
Where the Twelve at supper met.

Full and clear ring out your chanting,
Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,
From your heart let praises burst:

For today the feast is holden,
When the institution olden
Of that supper was rehearsed.

Here the new law’s new oblation,
By the new king’s revelation,
Ends the form of ancient rite:

Now the new the old effaces,
Truth away the shadow chases,
Light dispels the gloom of night.

What he did at supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated,
His memorial ne’er to cease:

And his rule for guidance taking,
Bread and wine we hallow, making
Thus our sacrifice of peace.

This the truth each Christian learns,
Bread into his flesh he turns,
To his precious blood the wine:

Sight has fail’d, nor thought conceives,
But a dauntless faith believes,
Resting on a pow’r divine.

Here beneath these signs are hidden
Priceless things to sense forbidden;
Signs, not things are all we see:

Blood is poured and flesh is broken,
Yet in either wondrous token
Christ entire we know to be.

Whoso of this food partakes,
Does not rend the Lord nor breaks;
Christ is whole to all that taste:

Thousands are, as one, receivers,
One, as thousands of believers,
Eats of him who cannot waste.

Bad and good the feast are sharing,
Of what divers dooms preparing,
Endless death, or endless life.

Life to these, to those damnation,
See how like participation
Is with unlike issues rife.

When the sacrament is broken,
Doubt not, but believe ‘tis spoken,
That each sever’d outward token
doth the very whole contain.

Nought the precious gift divides,
Breaking but the sign betides
Jesus still the same abides,
still unbroken does remain.

Lo! the angel’s food is given
To the pilgrim who has striven;
see the children’s bread from heaven,
which on dogs may not be spent.

Truth the ancient types fulfilling,
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
manna to the fathers sent.

Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,
Jesu, of your love befriend us,
You refresh us, you defend us,
Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.

You who all things can and know,
Who on earth such food bestow,
Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
Where the heav’nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.

06/02/2026

Father James celebrated a Mass at the Caring Place today for residents and parishioners alike. It’s a wonderful time to connect with the parishioners there.

Feel free to join us next month on Monday, July 6 at 1:30 p.m.

06/02/2026

Catholic Finishing School met tonight and the lesson focused on developing a Catholic mindset: thought life, dreams, and personal growth.

After the lesson, the girls created beautiful flower arrangements to take home, along with a few special bouquets to deliver to the church to place in front of Mary. 🌸💐

05/31/2026

Father James will celebrate a Mass at the Caring Place on Monday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m. Please feel free to join us as we pray with our parishioners residing there.

05/30/2026

Corpus Christi Novena:

Beginning today, we pray the Corpus Christi novena followed by the sequence for Corpus Christi Sunday honoring the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
We particularly remember our First Communion class as the prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time next Sunday, June 7. Please keep them in your prayers.

Novena Honoring the Body and Blood of Christ:

I thank You, Jesus, my Divine Redeemer, for coming upon the earth for our sake, and for instituting the adorable Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in order to remain with us until the end of the world.

I thank You for hiding beneath the Eucharistic species Your infinite majesty and beauty, which Your Angels delight to behold, so that I might have courage to approach the throne of Your Mercy.

I thank You, most loving Jesus, for having made Your- self my food, and for uniting me to Yourself with so much love in this wonderful Sacrament that I may live in You.

I thank You, my Jesus, for giving Yourself to me in this Blessed Sacrament, and so enriching it with the treasures of Your love that You have no greater gift to give me.

I thank You not only for becoming my food but also for offering Yourself as a continual sacrifice to Your Eternal Father for my salvation.

I thank You, Divine Priest, for offering Yourself as a Sacrifice daily upon our altars in adoration and homage to the Most Blessed Trinity, and for making amends for our poor and miserable adorations.

I thank You for renewing in this daily Sacrifice the actual Sacrifice of the Cross offered on Calvary, in which You satisfy Divine justice for us poor sinners.

I thank You, dear Jesus, for having become the priceless Victim to merit for me the fullness of heavenly favors. Awaken in me such confidence in You that their fullness may descend ever more fruitfully upon my soul.

I thank You for offering Yourself in thanksgiving to God for all His benefits, spiritual and temporal, which He has bestowed upon me.

In union with Your offering of Yourself to Your Father in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I ask for this special favor: (Mention your request).

If it be Your holy Will, grant my request. Through You I also hope to receive the grace of perseverance in Your love and faithful service, a holy death, and a happy eternity with You in Heaven. Amen.

O Lord, You have given us this Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
You have given them bread from Heaven.
Having all sweetness within.
Let us pray. God our Father, for Your glory and our salvation You appointed Jesus Christ eternal High Priest. May the people He gained for You by His Blood come to share in the power of His Cross and Resurrection by celebrating His Memorial in this Eucharist, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion beneath the veils of this Sacrament, grant us, we pray, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption, for You live and reign forever. Amen.

O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion beneath the veils of this Sacrament, grant us, we pray, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption, for You live and reign forever. Amen.
The day before his death on the Cross, Christ instituted the Eucharist in the Upper Room. He also offered bread and wine, which 'in his sacred hands' (Roman Canon) became his Body and his Blood, offered in sacrifice. Thus he fulfilled the prophecy of the old covenant linked to Melchizedek's sacrificial offering. For this very reason—the Letter to the Hebrews recalls—'he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek' (5:7-10).

Solemnity of Corpus Christi sequence:

Laud, O Zion, your salvation,
Laud with hymns of exultation,
Christ, your king and shepherd true:

Bring him all the praise you know,
He is more than you bestow.
Never can you reach his due.

Special theme for glad thanksgiving
Is the quick’ning and the living
Bread today before you set:

From his hands of old partaken,
As we know, by faith unshaken,
Where the Twelve at supper met.

Full and clear ring out your chanting,
Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,
From your heart let praises burst:

For today the feast is holden,
When the institution olden
Of that supper was rehearsed.

Here the new law’s new oblation,
By the new king’s revelation,
Ends the form of ancient rite:

Now the new the old effaces,
Truth away the shadow chases,
Light dispels the gloom of night.

What he did at supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated,
His memorial ne’er to cease:

And his rule for guidance taking,
Bread and wine we hallow, making
Thus our sacrifice of peace.

This the truth each Christian learns,
Bread into his flesh he turns,
To his precious blood the wine:

Sight has fail’d, nor thought conceives,
But a dauntless faith believes,
Resting on a pow’r divine.

Here beneath these signs are hidden
Priceless things to sense forbidden;
Signs, not things are all we see:

Blood is poured and flesh is broken,
Yet in either wondrous token
Christ entire we know to be.

Whoso of this food partakes,
Does not rend the Lord nor breaks;
Christ is whole to all that taste:

Thousands are, as one, receivers,
One, as thousands of believers,
Eats of him who cannot waste.

Bad and good the feast are sharing,
Of what divers dooms preparing,
Endless death, or endless life.

Life to these, to those damnation,
See how like participation
Is with unlike issues rife.

When the sacrament is broken,
Doubt not, but believe ‘tis spoken,
That each sever’d outward token
doth the very whole contain.

Nought the precious gift divides,
Breaking but the sign betides
Jesus still the same abides,
still unbroken does remain.

Lo! the angel’s food is given
To the pilgrim who has striven;
see the children’s bread from heaven,
which on dogs may not be spent.

Truth the ancient types fulfilling,
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
manna to the fathers sent.

Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,
Jesu, of your love befriend us,
You refresh us, you defend us,
Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.

You who all things can and know,
Who on earth such food bestow,
Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
Where the heav’nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.

05/29/2026

Father Kyle Seyler will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia Rinkus on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m.

We offer prayers for the peace and consolation of her husband Gregg, sons Matthew and Daniel, and all of her family and friends.

“May the angels lead you into paradise;
may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.
May the choir of angels welcome you,
and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may you find eternal rest.”

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and all of the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Obituary:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Those poignant words, commonly attributed to one of Patty’s favorite writers, Dr. Seuss, are clearly how she would like to be remembered. And countless people most certainly will.

Patty Ellen Gallagher (Pat to most) was born in South Bend, IN, on July 24, 1956, to Gerald Thomas and Mary Joan Strobel Gallagher. She passed peacefully at home in Franklin, on Dec. 4, 2025.

She was the fourth of seven children. Her father’s Irish genes blessed her with a magnificent head of thick, wavy red hair. Her extraordinary natural beauty was undoubtedly gifted by the luck of the Irish.

Entering 7th grade in 1968, her family of nine ventured to St. Mary’s, where her father had accepted a position with Stackpole Corporation. Patty graduated from Elk County Christian High School in 1974, where she had met Mary Jo Scott, her most beloved lifelong friend.

In 1978, she graduated from Carlow College in Pittsburgh with a B.S. degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Patty returned to St. Mary’s and worked for Intermediate Unit VI. Her professionalism and charm endeared her to students, parents and faculty alike.

With Holiday Valley a relatively short drive away, Patty joined the Continental Dividers Ski Club. There, she met her eventual husband Gregg, who had moved north from Indiana, following college graduation.

Their relationship matured slowly but eventfully. Their first long date was a week-long canoe trip with a group of six St. Mary’s friends to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in the North Maine Woods. On that same trip, the group clambered up 5,269-foot-high Mt. Katahdin, the highest point in Maine. Patty passed both tests. To friends and family, she quietly confessed that she wasn’t quite sure what she was getting herself into.

In the annals of marriage proposals, Gregg’s might be considered “unique” in the truest definition of the word — one of a kind. In a cornfield beside the Shenango River, between rows of 10-foot-high September corn, the couple were searching for ancient Native American flint artifacts. Patty was thrilled when she discovered a beautiful corner-notched point. Overjoyed with her find, she picked it up and held it in her outstretched palm to show Gregg, who, at this point, was literally shaking and slightly light-headed. When she finally turned it over, in black letters on a white background was deftly printed, “Be My Love Forever.” Her face registered bewilderment before she asked, “Does this mean what I think it means?” And so it has been.

On July 25, 1987, the two were married on a sweltering day at Queen of the World Church in St. Mary’s. Patty was escorted down the aisle by her oldest brother Mike. Bridesmaids included Patty’s three sisters and close friends, Mary Jo Scott and Marlene Benini. Naturally, Gregg’s outdoor pals served as groomsmen.

For their honeymoon, they spent three weeks car-camping in Alaska — exploring, tenting, hiking, fishing and burning through roll after roll of film throughout the Interior and the Kenai Peninsula. A highlight of their trip was a kayaking and camping excursion into Glacier Bay National Park. Amid calving glaciers, icebergs and intense sun, Patty experienced her worst sunburn ever. She also nearly became an early widow when a large coastal black bear bluff charged her husband to within a dozen feet for invading its salmon fishing pool. Later, back in camp, Patty was thrilled to hear that story: the first of many to come.

Eventually, their careers brought them to Franklin. In their spare time, Patty and Gregg earned their graduate degrees from Clarion and IUP, respectively. Patty completed her 39-year teaching career with the Titusville School District, where she touched the lives of many, many students, parents and faculty. The unquestionable highlight of their 38-year union was raising their sons, Matthew and Daniel. Patty loved her boys beyond measure. For many years, their chocolate lab, Lakota, also added immeasurably to family life.

While the boys were young, their annual vacations were car-camping throughout the “Lower 48,” especially out West, where they visited numerous National and State parks. The couple supported their sons in their Franklin and University of Pittsburgh educations, their high school sporting events, and Boy Scouting. Patty was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and both boys became Eagle Scouts. She also acted as chief salesperson on the couple’s Christmas tree farm.

Patty’s family is spread out mostly across the East, and they meant the world to her. Gregg was often amazed that a family of seven kids could stay connected without conflict. They all get along and will miss her profoundly.

Patty leaves behind a legacy of friends, especially within the triad of St. Mary’s, Franklin and Pleasantville. There are far too many to mention, but you know who you are. She held a special place for you in her boundless, loving heart.

Patty is survived by her husband, Gregg, of Franklin; her sons, Matthew and Daniel, of Pittsburgh; brothers, John, of Pittsburgh, Tom (Beth), of Kingston, OH, Mike (Faith), of Raleigh, NC; her sisters and closest confidants, Mary (Kirk) Evans, of Frederick, MD, and Kathy, of Raleigh, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister, Jane (Dave) Schaller, of Rochester, MN, and her extraordinarily inspiring parents.

The family would like to extend special appreciation to Patty’s siblings; Dr. Shannon Penlin; Dr. David Andres; her entire Hospice team, especially Ashely, Linda and Abby; Mary Jo Scott; Marlene Benini; Julie Witman; Dan and Linda Ge**er; Tom, Cyndy and Ellie Betts; Pete and Karen Bendt; Chuck and Ruth Benedict; Cindy and Dean Collins; Maureen and Bill Hager; Katelyn Grossman; Joy Deemer; Kathy Adelman; and Lisa Smith in the Giant Eagle bakery, who brightened many of Patty’s days with her amazingly creative cake designs. A multitude of friends and relatives from near and far supported and expressed their love during her two-year illness. For that, Gregg, Matthew and Daniel are grateful.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W Park St, Franklin, where a private vigil service will be held on May 29, 2026.

On May 30, 2026, a Catholic Mass, celebrated by Father Kyle Seyler, will be held at St. Patrick Parish, 952 Buffalo St., in Franklin at 11 a.m. Directly following the service, a catered lunch will be served in Cenedella Hall, directly behind the church. All who knew and loved Patty will not be surprised to find Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Pepsi in abundance.

Patty would have expected you to be there to share stories and make new friends.

At Patty’s request, in lieu of flowers or cards, memorial donations can be made in her name to Allegheny Valley Trails Association, P.O. Box 264, Franklin, PA 16323, or to Franklin Public Library, 421 12th Street, Franklin, PA16323. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.huffguthrie.com.

In prayer, we thank God for allowing us to be touched by Patty’s unlimited love. Because we knew her, we have been changed for good.

05/25/2026

Deacon Dick O’Polka recently celebrated a Rite of Committal at St. Patrick Cemetery for Mary Colleen Ahearn. We offer our prayers for the peace and consolation of her sister Lois, her cousin Edward, and to her many nieces, nephews, and friends.

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ didst destroy death, and bring life and immortality to light, grant that thy servant Mary Colleen, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
~prayer from the Rite of Committal

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. Amen.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Obituary:

Mary Colleen Ahearn completed her earthly life May 13, 2026 and began eternity life with the saints. She was born on March 29, 1932 in Franklin, PA.

Her attraction to spiritual life emerged at a young age and became a lifelong quest. She listened to an inner voice that led her, step by step, toward the discovery of her true self.

Her income earning life centered on drawing, a skill that revealed itself in young adulthood. Her livelihood in drawings passed through many stages and ultimately to architectural drawing. Her work life was not a significant concern to her. It was the means to an income that provided for her needs.

There was a hidden guidance in her life that was the genesis of change causing a relocation of residence to many places, namely, Rochester NY, Atlanta GA, Washington DC, Rockford IL, Ridgely MD, Frenchville PA, and Erie PA. In each of these places she met people who had been mysteriously designated to help her on her spiritual journey.

Her spiritual life reached a turning point when she came to the realization of the futility of living her life in pursuit of accumulating possessions. In reorienting her values, she discerned a calling to serve people in need. She experienced a new awareness of people living on the margins of society. She saw people sleeping in storefronts in Atlanta, a sight that changed her heart. In response to her call, she dedicated her life to volunteer service.

The next 30 years of her life were devoted to providing needed help to people living in poverty. In Atlanta, Georgia she helped serve meals to homeless men and women; she matched overnight shelter needs with available church site beds; she was part of a team serving a daily, Monday- Friday, noon lunch to 500 homeless men. In Washington DC she drove a van full of inner-city volunteers to harvest crops for their families and churches at farms in Maryland and Virginia; she scheduled truck loads of fresh vegetables to be delivered from the Capital Area Food Bank to sites in MD, DC, and VA. In rural Maryland she helped prepare and distribute family size bags of food weekly. In the Appalachian area of Pennsylvania, she provided transportation to people in need of medical help.

This is an abbreviated list of her ministry; a complete list is known only to God. She adjusted her work/income life to give priority to her volunteer ministry. On her life journey she made friends in many communities and continued her correspondence with them.

For the past 13 years she lived at Benetwood Apartments in Harborcreek, PA. It was a peaceful home with caring neighbors. Located next door to St. Benedict Monastery, she loved praying and singing daily prayers with the Sisters in their chapel. From her spiritual reading she wrote reflection papers and sent them to family, friends and the Sisters. The Sisters became personal and spiritual friends.

Benetwood's outdoor environment was most pleasing to her love of nature. She enjoyed her picture window view of the forest of trees surrounding Benetwood. Their towering height and abundant foliage in mid-summer belied the hidden beauty of the skyward reaching limbs in mid-winter. The daily setting sun backlit the trees with an ethereal, mystical glow.

The forsythia bush outside her bedroom window bloomed in golden splendor, welcoming spring and renewing hope.

Her education: 1965 BA Mercyhurst College (now University), Erie PA; 1996 M Div, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta GA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Kathryn Ahearn, by her brothers and sisters, James Ahearn, Michael Ahearn, Teresa Swatzler, Dorothy Fuhrmann, Elizabeth Marsteller, by her niece Kathy Anderson and nephews James Patrick Ahearn and Thomas Keefe.

She is survived by her sister Lois Keefe and husband John, her cousin Edward Whitbred and wife Carol.

She is also survived by her nieces, Valerie Gittings, Jane Wagner, Holly Fuhrmann, Eda Burhenn, Mary Kay Little, Mary Larson, Margie Ahearn, Amy Ahearn, Jenny Rogers and Colleen Chase.

She is survived by her nephews, Kevin Ahearn, David Swatzler, Michael Swatzler, Paul Swatzler, D.J. Fuhrmann, James Marsteller, Matthew Marsteller and Michael Keefe.

Family and friends are invited to Mount St. Benedict Monastery on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am at the monastery and the funeral mass will follow at 10:30 am. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Franklin, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements being handled by Brugger Funeral Home & Crematory, 845 East 38th Street, Erie, PA. 16504

05/25/2026

Yesterday’s Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost was beautiful. Here are a few more pictures.

Thank you to John Karian for all of the wonderful pictures he takes for us!

05/25/2026

Heavenly Father,

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. We honor their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to protecting the freedoms we cherish today.

Comfort the families who carry the loss of loved ones, and grant them peace and strength. May we never take for granted the cost of liberty or the blessings we enjoy because of those who served with honor.

Help us to pursue peace, care for one another, and uphold the values for which so many sacrificed everything.

Bless our veterans, active service members, and all who continue to serve our country. Guide our leaders with wisdom and justice.

May the memory of the fallen remain forever in our hearts and in our prayers.

Amen.

Thank you to the Catholic War Vets for their attendance at Mass this morning and for the moving Memorial Day service they conducted at the end of Mass.

Normandy

05/25/2026

Yesterday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost, Orie Hepler and Emily Parkes were welcomed into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and received the Eucharist for the first time.

We offer our prayers for this young couple as they begin their journey in the Catholic faith.

Congratulations and welcome, Emily and Orie!