This weekend on Saturday I begin my two week stay at the beach with four other priest friends, something we do each summer. I'm so grateful for the time to read and to catch up with them. I hope you will enjoy the liturgical leadership of the visiting presiders who will take my place while I am gone.

This weekend we welcome Fr. Jerry Francik on Saturday evening and Bishop Francis Malooly on Sunday morning. Fr. Jerry is the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and was a college student when I was stationed at my first parish in Baltimore many years ago. He also succeeded me as Director of Campus Ministry at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg. Bishop Malooly is the Vicar Bishop for our area of the Archdiocese, and responded very graciously when hearing that I was having a hard time finding a priest to come on the 4th of July weekend. Many thanks to both of them!

Music Ministry is such an important part of prayer and worship because it touches our souls and lifts up our hearts. I wish to thank Daniel Owens, our Music Coordinator, for the excellent leadership he displays in working with our cantors, the adult choir, the children's choir and other instrumentalists. I draw your attention to the opportunity to join our summer choir for just one week. Come to one rehearsal this week and sing with the choir next Sunday. More information is elsewhere in the bulletin. Give it a try --you might like it!

As we celebrate our independence as a nation this weekend, let us sincerely give thanks to God for the freedom we enjoy, while remembering in prayer the millions of people around the world who still struggle under oppressive government regimes, and yearn for the freedom we possess. Let us also pray that those who enjoy such freedom may always use it responsibly and for the common good of all. Happy Fourth!

Fr.Keith