Much is about to happen with regard to religious liberty this weekend. First, there will be a prayer service in the Mary Garden immediately after the Sunday 11 a.m. Mass. This prayer service is part of the US Bishop's Conference (USCCB) call for the annual Fortnight for Freedom celebrations all across the United States. This year?s theme is Freedom to Serve, and calls on all Americans to pray and work for religious liberty in our nation. The prayers and songs will focus on the right to practice our Cath-olic faith outside of the four walls of our church building.

At issue is the Federal Affordable Care Act?s Health and Human Services Mandate forcing certain religious organizations to go against their fundamental tenants of belief by providing for abortions, sterilizations and abortifacients BECAUSE these
organizations provide services to non-Catholics. This would include colleges and universities, hospitals and food shelters. Can the Catholic Church be the Catholic Church if we are stopped from feeding the hungry of all religions or caring for sick of all faiths?

Second, the United States Supreme Court is expected to rule on Monday at 10 a.m. on the Hobby Lobby case which will decide if the owners of privately owned Christian company have a right to freedom of conscience coverage.

Both of these events deserve our prayers this weekend. We need to pray that heavenly wisdom and courage will find a home in the minds and hearts of all our elected, appointed and anointed leaders. That the building up of the Common Good be a priority for all in power?as well as for the rest of us in ?the pews? ? and that the respect for religious freedom?of all religions?which was recognized by our Founding Fathers will be respected and protected for the good of all?here in the United States and around the globe, especially in Africa and the Middle East and China where so many Christians are being targeted for their religious beliefs.