Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Bulletin of July 12, 2026 Message from Msgr. Schwanger

My Dear Family of Our Lady of Lourdes,

Happy 4th of July!
That we have arrived at our 250th anniversary and how we have lived across those many years is something to celebrate, I am writing from Lourdes and as I have said before, those who carry our flag and banner are among the most popular people in Lourdes. Everyone wants to have their picture taken with our banner and the American flag.

I am sharing this with you because we can sometimes get frustrated, discouraged, or cynical as we face the daily challenges of living together as a people. We struggle to find a way forward together. With all that, clearly people from around the world see the good in us and in the way we govern ourselves.

Independence Day is a good day to thank and pray for our elected officials. It is encouraging that we have men and women who desire to serve this country and are willing to suffer all that comes with elected office. Not content with sitting on the sidelines, they put themselves forward and try to make a difference. We, and they, should never forget the dignity of the offices they seek nor diminish what is required of those who serve well.

Nor should we forget the dignity of the office of citizen! Being a citizen allows one to be actively engaged in the ongoing process of defining ourselves as a people. It is for the citizen to discern who is best prepared to serve in elected office. Our elected officials serve in their particular offices with the authority granted them by we the people. They have a responsibility to lead and to serve and they simply cannot do that well without our regular and attentive assistance. As we celebrate this great nation, we are reminded that “we the people” have the blessing and responsibility to make it so today and to pass it on to tomorrow.

God bless and congratulations!

Msgr. Schwanger
Pastor

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