Friends and Neighbors, 

This edition is going out on The Feast of St. James (July 25). We will transfer the celebration to this Sunday (July 28) where we will learn about the saint our parish is named for and how we can continue the faithful witness to the Good News of Christ. It is our custom to wear red. Come and join the celebration this Sunday. 

When I think of churches being named for saints, I am reminded that there are grammatical implications. Most religious grammar nerds would point out that he would be improper to use the possessive form of the saints name for a congregation (e.g. St. John's, St. James'). This is because our congregations and the church at large are all Christ's church. Ancient churches were named for saints as they were sometimes built over the grave of the saint or contained relics of the saint. Today, we name churches for saints and sometimes holy events. We do that to remind us of the faithfulness of those who came before us and that we share in the life we have in Christ. 

I am also reminded that people were faithful to the Good News in some hard times throughout history. We are living in some challenging times. I know that many of us are feeling a range of emotions as we see violence across the world, the political division in our nation, and the plight of those marginalized in our society. This could well describe the world James lived in and in which Jesus proclaimed liberation, forgiveness, and healing. With James and empowered by the Spirit, we share hope in our world today. 

Thank you for continuing the witness of James and all the saints as we proclaim the hopeful message of God's healing love.

Peace,

Fr. John Mark