Mass on Independence Day

All are invited to participate in a Mass on American Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, as offered in the Church of St. Titus, Aliquippa at 9:00AM.  

(Please note that there will be no 8:30AM Mass at St. John the Baptist on that day.)

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On Independence Day throughout the United States, we celebrate our freedom.  Our rights are protected and opportunities abound.  We recognize that freedom has a cost, one we celebrate and honor on days such as this.  It's good to honor those who fight for our country, who may well pay the ultimate price for the liberties we're afforded.

As faithful Catholics, we recognize that there is more to freedom than simply being at liberty to make our lives what we want them to be.  St. John Paul II reminds us: "Freedom is not just doing what we can, it is doing what we ought."  We become freer within ourselves and within our relationships when we choose what is right and good.  When we choose sin, we become trapped in egoism - less free, not more.

This Independence Day, let's continue to pursue virtue and good character and encourage others to do this same.

(Independence Day Reflection courtesy of LPi)
 

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O God, You willed that the Jewish people be free from slavery by their Egyptian captors.  You will that all people should be free to worship You without fear and to celebrate their religious beliefs freely, even if they have not yet found you.  Grant that those of us who live in this great nation will thank You daily for our freedom, and work for the freedom of others around the world who do not yet have the freedom to practice their faith openly and proudly.  We seek Your wisdom, where hatred abounds; and ask for humility, to offer our good works to others who live in fear and bondage.  We ask all this through Christ our Lord, Who frees us from sin and death through the wood of the cross.  Amen.

(Independence Day Prayer courtesy of LPi)