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Fortnight for Freedom begins June 21

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Once again, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is encouraging Catholics across our country to enter into the period of the two weeks leading up to the Fourth of July with a strong focus on prayer, education, and reflection on our first freedom, freedom of religion.

To help us, the Conference has provided some very helpful items to assist us in making these days very special opportunities for prayer, education and reflection. Visit Fortnight4Freedom.org for more information.

Here at St. Francis Xavier Parish, we will hold a Holy Half-Hour for Religious Freedom on Thursday, July 3, at 8:30 p.m., led by Father Thom Kowatch.

After the prayer service, enjoy a red, white and blue Popsicle and prepare to watch the Medina fireworks from our front lawn, beginning at dusk (about 9:45 p.m.).

Prayer for the Protection of 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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