07/05/2026

Dear Friends,

This weekend we celebrate the Semiquincentennial, or 250th Anniversary, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence- basically, our nation’s birthday! I remember well the celebration of the bicentennial back in 1976, when we celebrated 200 years. “The Spirit of ‘76” was the theme that echoed across the Land. The values enshrined in both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, that came later, continue to inspire people of good will throughout the world, many of whom live in countries that offer their citizens fewer rights, protections and opportunities. It is a blessing to live in a country governed by the rule of law and managed by a government formed “of the people, for the people, and by the people.”

In the spirit of patriotism, I’d like to suggest that we all take some time this week to re-read (or read for the first time) the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. A healthy understanding of the principles upon with our nation was founded is necessary for citizens who seek to keep those principals intact moving forward. Our form of government was hard won and deserves not to be taken for granted. A well-formed and well-informed electorate can help pave the way for another 250 years!
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I was sorry to hear from Fr. Mark Clarke that he has been transferred to Texas. This was sudden, and so we didn’t have the opportunity to give him the farewell he deserved. I have been very grateful for his regular help on Sundays these past couple of years, and I know parishioners have appreciated his warm, gentle presiding style and engaging homilies. Fr. Andy Matajevic, associate pastor at Holy Cathedral, has been coming once a month or so, and has pledged to try to come more frequently now.
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Finally, I did a little “musical chairs” with some of our statues at St. Gabriel. The newly restored Sacred Heart statue is beautiful, and I wanted to give it a bit more prominence. Plus, in its former location, it blocked part of the 14th Station of the Cross. Saint Anthony will reside there instead, as he takes up less space. Saint Patrick is holding a shell for water to be used to baptize- so he’s now near the baptismal font. Looking through past church anniversary books, it appears that our statues have all had various homes over the years. Let’s give our saints new homes for a bit. We can always move them back at some point if that’s what people (or they 😊) prefer.

May your week reflect the encounter with Christ we experienced at Mass today!

​-Rev. James F. Hurlbert