Fr. Tom’s Letters

Each week Fr. Tom writes a letter to parishioners in our bulletin. Every letter is comprehensive, including current information about the Parish, an explanation of Scripture for that Sunday, and an invitation to become more engaged in the life of the parish.

July 6, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

As we have turned the calendar to July, we are now in the heart of the summer season. While parish activities surely slow down during July, many of us have the opportunity for some time of vacation. While today’s gospel is helpful for any time of the year, the words of Jesus today might be particularly instructive for these days. Part of Jesus’ words might be summed up in two words: “TRAVEL LIGHTLY.” Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals, and greet no one along the way.” These words of Jesus indicate to his disciples the immediacy and importance of their mission. That mission is to heal the sick and to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

As I read these travel directions of Jesus, I understand them beyond the literal meaning of money bags, sacks, and sandals. Jesus’ “travel lightly” suggests to me we need to unburden ourselves of that which prevents us from being better disciples of the Lord. Unburden ourselves so that we might be stronger participants in the mission. Unburden ourselves so that we may be more available to hear what the Lord calls us to do.

So July might be a great time to unburden ourselves from these experiences that become heavy and weigh us down. Unburden the heaviness of any anger that keeps you from enjoying these days of summer. Unburden the heaviness of a critical spirit that creates alienation among people, even family members. Unburden the feelings of jealousy and envy that get in the way of a joyful spirit. Unburden ourselves of that competitive spirit that insists we do better or have more than our neighbor. By unburdening ourselves of those things that weigh us down, perhaps we will give room to the Lord so that he may help us heal and experience more deeply the presence of God.

FOURTH OF JULY

As we conclude Independence Day weekend, with you I am very grateful for the gift of freedom that we experience as Americans. With our nation’s emphasis on liberty, we know that we experience great freedom regarding our Catholic faith. We are grateful too for the history of strong leaders and patriots that date back nearly 250 years of men and women who have fought for and protected our liberty. Our freedom is perhaps the greatest legacy of our nation’s heritage. When we combine this legacy of freedom with the pursuit of justice and peace, our nation is at its very best.

FIREWORKS

Sometimes we are not at our best. There was a fireworks experience last Saturday night somewhere in the neighborhood around the Church. The explosions were incredibly loud and concerned residents. The duration of the explosions went close to thirty minutes. It was quite disturbing and well before the Independence Day holiday. As this was on Saturday, June 28, a week before the July 4 holiday, a call to the Nassau County police confirmed that such behavior is illegal. The police also confirmed that no permits had been issued for that night in this neighborhood. They recommend that they be notified of future displays regarding the illegal use of fireworks. It is very concerning given the illegality of these firework explosions and the documented history of persons being seriously injured because of illegal firework explosions. As a community in a neighborhood of young families, we do not have to accept such dangerous and intrusive behavior that gives such poor example to our children. Such unlawful and dangerous behavior is not acceptable. Sponsored fireworks displays with permits celebrating our nation’s independence can be a legitimate expression of what we celebrate at this time of the year. Disrupting a neighborhood, a week ahead of time without permits is illegal and dangerous.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Tom

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