"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness ... "
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While the Declaration would soon become one of the world's most significant documents, its second sentence is perhaps most famous.
In June of 1776, Thomas Jefferson, seated in the second-floor parlor of a bricklayer's house in Philadelphia, brilliantly composed the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence. After some revision, the document was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those words, written over two centuries ago, still resonate in the depths of our hearts, not simply because they are ideals for which we find ourselves compelled to strive, but because they reflect an aspect of our irrepressible desire to attain and enjoy human fulfillment.
With those words we are reminded of the specific purpose for which we are created and the particular end toward which we are directed; on hearing them, we are moved to realize that to be human, bestowed as we are with the gift of life and dignity, created in God's image and likeness, is truly spectacular.
John Adams, a leader in the fight for independence from Great Britain, our second president and a signer of the Declaration of Independence stated: “[The Fourth of July] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
What is the significance of this day? On July 4, 1776, a group of 56 courageous men gathered in Philadelphia and signed a document declaring that they were willing to die for their ideals, saying in the words of Thomas Jefferson, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
When those men placed their signatures on that world-changing document, they were aware that they were, in essence, signing their lives away. John Adams said, “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance.”
Adapted from websites
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There is an URGENT need for blood for the Red Cross. Blessed Sacrament will be hosting a Blood Drive again on July 7 from 2PM until 7PM (in the APRoom of the school). Pre-registration can be done online at redcross.org under the "donate blood" tab. We are also looking for volunteers to help staff the event with registration and canteen personnel. Contact Bobby Decker at the Blessed Sacrament Rectory at 315.437.3394.
All blood donations collected at our upcoming blood drive on July 7 will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.
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Blessed Sacrament / St. Vincent Website
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Blessed Sacrament Scholarship Awards
Blessed Sacrament School recently awarded scholarships to graduating 6th graders and a kindergarten graduate due to the generosity of parishioners and alumni. The following is a list of the awards and the 2019-20 recipients:
The John W. and Michael P. McCormick Spiritual Leadership Scholarship awarded to Liana Thomas is a $500 award given by Mrs. Barbara Hildenbrand in memory of her brothers to a graduating 6th grade boy or girl who most demonstrates a love for Christ and service to others.
The Robert Murphy Scholarship is a $500 award given to a graduating 6th grade student based on their application and academic excellence. The Murphy family gives this scholarship annually. This year’s recipient is Margaret Kuehner.
The John L. Macko Scholarship is given to those graduating students who best represent Christian qualities which demonstrate a purposeful commitment to satisfactory academic achievement, positive involvement in school-related activities, and a sincere feeling of concern for others within the school. The scholarship consisted this year of seven $500 scholarships donated by Mr. John Macko to Oliiva Bitz, Gavin Murphy, Cecilia O’Connor, Tyquan Butler, D’Metrique Godbolt, James Wein, Andrew Wait.
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Barbagallo established a scholarship to be given annually at graduation in the amount of $100 to a student who is interested in music. Gabrielle McIntosh received this award.
The Palmieri Family Fire Safety Scholarship given by Mr. Walter Palmieri is a $100 award based on an essay. Sullivan Moles received this award at graduation.
The David Hildenbrand Memorial Scholarship is a $500 award given by Mrs. Barbara Hildenbrand to a graduating kindergartener in memory of her husband. This year’s recipient is Marco Marzczynski.
The Blessed Sacrament School Community would like to sincerely thank the families and individuals who have generously donated and established these scholarships and awards. Your commitment to assisting students in continuing their Catholic education is greatly appreciated
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The 14
th
Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10
Responsorial Psalm: 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14
Second Reading: Romans 8:9, 11-13
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:25-30
Reflection: Great invitation from Jesus to his disciples of all times, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” He continues, “ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Jesus is God. He is almighty and he has all knowledge. He is the way, the life, and the truth. The relationship of Jesus to his disciples can be likened to the relationship of the good parents to their children or good professors/teachers to their students. The parents may experience the struggles of their children. The professors/teachers may experience challenges in their students to learn new things, to comprehend concepts. Good parents and good professors and teachers will encourage their children or their students to remain in the task so that they may have that personal experience to arrive to mastery of newer concepts and newer experience. They will take the time to walk with their children and their students until they break through. That is the invitation which Jesus gives to us. We are God’s children. Whatever amount of education and skills we have in our modern scientific discoveries, still we find ourselves in trouble. At this time, the whole world is faced with challenges of COVID-19. It has claimed thousands of lives and we don’t know how to overcome it. It has put us in quarantines, it has destroyed our economies, it has closed places of worship and businesses. It has split us in so many ways. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Let’s accept this invitation with much gratitude since Jesus is everything. Amen. Fr. Severine
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Saturday, July 4
5PM - People of the Parish
Sunday, July 5
John and Hannah Markert – Family
Scott Smith – Birthday Group
Thomas Gaynor – Wife and Family
Monday, July 6
8AM – Nicholas Morina – Ryan and Lisa Peterson
Tuesday, July 7
John Vita – Roswitha and Bob Leonardo
Wednesday, July 8
Michael Snyder – Val Gray and Family
Thursday, July 9
Vivian McDonald – Albert and Barbara DeMarco
Friday, July 10
Alyson Scro – Marie Felice
Saturday, July 11
Angelo and Rose Taddeo – George and Julia Taddeo
Sunday, July 12
People of the Parish
Sam and Amelia Vaccaro and Mary Ann V. Byam – Family
K. Joseph and Suzanne Manion – Chris Weidman
For those who died in April and May
For all those who have died, especially Richard Barry, Betty Schug, Joseph Sgambati, Sr., Martin Toly, Sr., Margaret Giocondo, Augustine Forgensi, Ruth Kohut, Thomas Laun, Martin Kelly, Stella Valone, Daniel Carmichael, George Taddeo, Frederick Greeley, Jr., Frances Galluzzo, and Norma Safin, may they come to share eternal life with our Father in heaven.
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Simple ways for families to invite God into their 4th of July weekend celebrations
Add crosses, God phrases, or patriotic themed bible verses into your crafts and desserts!
Pray a patriotic rosary! Pray a decade for each of the following: Executive Branch, Supreme Court, Congress, Military, and Local Government OR dedicate one Hail Mary per state- there are 50 of both!
Say a prayer for our Nation at your picnic, bonfire, party, or family dinner.
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Pastoral Visits
Are you, or do you know of a family member, friend, or neighbor who may be in a nursing home, a short-term facility for rehab, hospital or homebound, who would like a pastoral visit and bring Communion? Because of federal HIPPA regulations, we have no means of knowing if you are in any of the above situations UNLESS you notify us. Please contact the rectory at 315.437.3394 and we will be pleased to make a visit.
“I will give you rest”
Jesus called those who would follow him "infants." Compared to the Scribes and Pharisees they lacked social standing and religious expertise, but these infants were open to understanding. It was the "wise" who were prevented from hearing Jesus' message because they were arrogant about their position and knowledge. Jesus offered his followers a lighter burden than that of the Jewish teachers. We may find ourselves in positions of authority, power, and just being the person who "knows" the answer. But how many times do we learn from our children? They express their understandings of abstract ideas in such simple terms. Pay close attention to your children this week and be quick to point out when they have taught you something or helped you see an old idea in a new way.
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"And the rockets red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there."
Listen to
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From the Third Option Program to Build Better Marriages
“BREAKING THE HURT SPIRAL IN MARRIAGE: And Loving Again.” Sponsored by THE THIRD OPTION, a program to build better marriages. Zoom meeting is Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 8:00 PM. For more information or to participate contact Stephanie at sstewart@syrdio.org or 315.472.6728. A Hope Appeal funded program.
Summer Luncheon Series
Steubenville Virtual Summer Conference
Steubenville Live is an entirely virtual, live-streamed Steubenville Youth Conference scheduled for July 17-18, 2020. This will be like no other virtual event offered! Rather than just staring at your screen the whole time there are many interactive elements to allow you to actively participate from home or parish. There are additional registration options available for families or individuals. More information: steubenvilleconferences.com/live
The Tenth Hour
THIS EVENT WILL BE 100% OUTDOORS! Please join Bishop Lucia for his annual vocation picnic on Wednesday, August 5th from 4pm to 8pm at Christ the King Retreat House in Syracuse. The Tenth Hour is an evening of dinner, conversation, prayer, and discernment with our bishops, priests, seminarians, and religious sisters from the Diocese of Syracuse. Jeremy Bobak will be leading us in Praise & Worship! You must register for this event before Monday, August 3rd. All pastors and their youth and young adult ministers are welcome to attend with their young people. This event is co-ed and is intended for young people between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. Register by contacting Elizabeth Garn at vocations@syrdio.org or by visiting our official Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/542774699751240/
From the Diocesan Safe Environment Office
The initial Safe Environment online training sessions ("Protecting God's Children") are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2020 from 9:00am -11:30am. Online training sessions are specifically for individuals who are working directly with youth this summer and need to comply with Safe Environment requirements before the assumption of duties. To register for a training session, please contact Joelle Zarnowski at 315.470.1421 by Thursday, July 9.
Cobra Classic Golf Tournament
Monday, July 13, 2020. 12:30PM. The Pompey Club, 7200 Hamilton Road, Jamesville. Proceeds benefit the Bishop Grimes Scholarship Fund. Register today! Call 315.314.7157, Ext. 4 or email hwait@syrdiocese.org.
Zoom Discernment Group
NEW Zoom Discernment Group for young men between the ages of 18 and 35! Father Hage has started a discernment group over Zoom that meets bi-weekly throughout the summer. If you know of a young man who may be discerning and would benefit from this group, please email JHage@syrdio.org. They will be sent an invitation to join the group with all of the Zoom info. The next meeting will be on Monday, July 6th at 7pm!
Fostering the Next Generation of Organists
The Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is offering the Greg Keefe Memorial Scholarship, for young pianists who may be interested in becoming organists. If you know of a talented young pianist, or a young fan of the Pipe Organ, please contact Mrs. Deborah Cunningham for more information, or for a scholarship application: cunning@twcny.rr.com
Formation for Ministry
Virtual Information Session, Wednesday, August 5, 6:30-7:30 pm. Are you or is someone you know thinking about Formation for Ministry or the Diaconate? The Offices of Formation for Ministry and Deacon Formation are offering a virtual information session Wednesday, August 5, at 6:30 pm. This session will include an overview of the two-year Formation for Ministry program leading to commissioning as a lay ecclesial minister and an overview of the process for becoming a deacon. Time for questions will also be included. Formation for Ministry is a prerequisite for becoming a deacon. Register at:
https://bit.ly/DFFFMInfo or call 315-470-1491
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From the Diocesan Office of Family Life
Please continue to pray for, learn about, and act on behalf of the gift of life! We are preparing a series entitled
Be Not Afraid
to educate adults about having civil conversations regarding challenging life issues. We plan to begin offering this series during Respect Life month in October. More information to follow. Thank you and God bless!
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Building Faith at Home
BuildingFaith@Home issue for the week of July 5th is on the diocesan office website page. This week is "an invitation to be with Jesus". As our parishes begin to re-open the doors to the community, the invitation to celebrate Eucharist and be with Jesus in a very intimate way provides us with strength, courage, forgiveness and love that is to be taken out into the world.
First Communion and Confirmation
New information will be sent to families this week regarding updated schedules for remaining preparatory events and Masses for the Sacraments. Thank you for your patience as we awaited guidance from the Diocese.
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Prayer for Religious Liberty
O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome— for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us— this great land will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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St. Vincent's
Daily Mass in the Chapel this week will be held on Monday through Wednesday:
Saturday, 4:00 pm - Virginia Aloi, req. by Bob & Linda James
Sunday, 9:30am - Helen & Stephen Knapp, req. by Tom & Chris Knapp
Monday 12:00pm - Maryanne Hines, req. by John & Patricia Beaudoin
Tuesday, 12:00pm - James & Betty Garvey, req. by Madeline Duda
Wednesday, 12:00pm - Marie Suatoni, req. by Antonietta DiFlorio
Saturday, 4:00pm - Arlene Rainone, req. by the Altar Rosary Society
Sunday, 9:30am - Richard Pontius, req. by the Legion of Mary
WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS FOR THE SPIRITUAL COMFORT AND RESTORATION OF HEALTH FOR: Kim Harrington (granddaughter of John and Joanne Harrington), Sandra Betts, Desiree Landers, Nate Wagner, Madeline Duda, Marilynn Bause, sister of Lauren Brooks, Suzanne Thompson (sister of Bill Winchell), Judy D’Amore, Martin Griffin, Anne Marie Drury, Fred Sniper, Carm Fitzgerald, Tony Caruso, and Mary Colosimo. (These prayer requests will remain for one month on the list and for them to continue or to be removed, or to add a new name, please contact the rectory.)
Monday July 20, at 6:30pm, we are happy to let you know that Bishop Douglas Lucia will ordain our deacon candidates, Aleu Tong, Peter Lual, and Tom Murphy to Permanent Deacons at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Attendance is by invitation only because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us pray for them.
06/28/20 - ATTENDANCE - 38
Congratulations to John & Carm Fitzgerald, winners of the June 50/50 in the amount of $350.00. Remember for just $5.00 you could be the next winner. The 50/50 tickets may be mailed to the Rectory. The next drawing will be this Sunday, July 26
th
after 9:30am mass.
C
ontact Bob James at 315-471-0818 with any questions. Thanks to all who continue to support our Youth Programs.
Golf Tournament - Due to the Covit-19 this year's tournament scheduled for May 31st has been changed to August 23
rd
at Westvale Golf Course. A Steak dinner is being planned to follow the Tournament. Watch for further details. Thanks!
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"One flag, one land, one heart, one hand."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
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