america 250 - We Hold these truths
cELEBRATING CATHOLIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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UPCOMING AT SAINT MARY'S
Catholics and America's 250th Anniversary
July 1 and July 2, 2026
250 years ago, Virginia was the largest colony when the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. Virginia was strongly connected to the Anglican Church with very few Catholic ties, but they were there. Over the years, Catholicism has been a part of the American story. As we approach the 250th anniversary in July it is fitting that we should look at some of the events and people who have been part of the American experiment.
On Wednesday, July 1st at 7 pm and Thursday, July 2nd at 10 am in the Bishop Sullivan Room, Richard Mallory will lead a discussion on St. Augustine (Florida), Maryland as a Catholic Colony, The Louisiana Purchase, Immigration and Ellis Island. We will also look at Catholic leaders in government as well as those who have shaped the Catholic Church in America that we inherited, including, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Mother Angelica, Antonin Scalia, Dorothy Day and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. We will also look at Catholic contributions to education and health care.
Pray for Our Nation - July 2, 2026 | 12:00 Noon
As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we invite you to join us here at Saint Mary’s as we gather to pray for our nation and our world.
On July 2, we will celebrate our daily Mass at 9:00 AM. The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be available after that Mass.
At noon on July 2, we will gather under the portico in front of the church to pray the Rosary. This prayerful gathering will give us the opportunity to ask the Mother of God and all the saints to intercede for our nation and world as the Independence Day weekend begins.
(Rumor has it that red, white & blue popsicles will be enjoyed after the Rosary!)
Mark your calendars and plan to join us on July 2! No registration needed!
PREVIOUS EVENTS:
Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
(Information taken from the USCCB Web Page)
On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Why did the United States bishops vote to consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Learn about this historic decision, the deep spiritual tradition behind it, and what it means for American Catholics as we approach our country's 250th...
Praying for Our Country: Mass & Adoration at Saint Mary's
In preparation for this national consecration, parishes have been asked to provide opportunities for parishioners to pray for God's blessing upon our nation and world in the days leading up to June 11.
Here at Saint Mary's, we will host a special day of prayer, Mass and Adoration on June 5th. We begin with Rosary at 8:15 AM. Mass is celebrated at 9:00. At the end of Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be placed in the monstrance, and parishioners may spend time in prayer and adoration until 12:30. All of this will take place in our Daily Mass Chapel.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | June 3 - 11
The Novena will be prayed nation-wide on June 3 - June 11. This Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus draws its daily devotions from the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Each day reflects on the wisdom of saints and pontiffs on the Sacred Heart and offers opportunities for prayer and action, framed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) and Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You). Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The theme and prayers for each of the nine days can be found on the USCCB website:
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (a printable version is available here)
More information will be posted on this page throughout the year.
