Laws or by-laws are not a “means to an end” but rather should help us to achieve a purpose. Every organization, every group or ministry or club—even every family—has some kind of “by-laws” or rules that help it to function. We all know what happens when there is no “law” or “order,”’ and we all know what happens when the “law” becomes the be-all and the end-all of everything. This Sunday’s first reading from Deuteronomy (30:10-14) helps us to recognize the importance of a law’s connection to those being governed by the law. That is, if the law is not morally correct or if it does not lead to a buildup of the common or personal good, it can become a hindrance...CLICK TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE...

At Birthright we realize that no woman wants an abortion but she might resort to it if these seems to be no other answer. Through loving care and practical support, we can help her give birth to her child and face the future with dignity and hope. Since 1972, our Birthright chapter has offered free pregnancy testing, friendship counseling, and practical support to thousands of women. Volunteers at Birthright are blessed with the opportunity to help a mother give life to her baby. Weekly volunteers opportunities are available for friendship counseling (4 hours) and clerical (3 hours) volunteers. Our office is located in East Hartford and served 374 women in 2011. Training provided. Call (860) 290- 8800 to schedule a visit.

O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us— this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s readings can be summed-up in “a promise made, a promise fulfilled.” In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet tells of God’s promise to provide for Israel by saying that “I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.” Thus the promise of “wealth” is fulfilled in the direct action of God: in Jesus Christ – and in His disciples who follow Him. CLICK TO READ MORE...