This weekend, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unlike most nations, the United States was not founded primarily on a shared ethnicity, language, or culture. Instead, our founders built a political community out of diverse peoples united by a shared vision of liberty. That vision echoes something deep in the Christian mystery revealed in today’s Gospel.
Jesus returns to his hometown. The people see only what is familiar: the carpenter, the son of Mary, one of their own. As Mark tells us, “They took offense at him. Jesus said, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.’” Their narrow vision blinds them. Jesus has come to inaugurate a new communion that transcends geography, bloodlines, and culture. He has come to unite all people in himself.
At its best, America’s national unity reflects this possibility, which fully subsists only in the Catholic Church. Our unity is not based on ancestry or tribe, but on a shared commitment to higher ideals. For this reason, we can love our country with gratitude while situating patriotism within the broader horizon of faith.
Rooted in Christ, we are less vulnerable to the unholy tribalism that threatens civic life and faith. This weekend, let us thank God for our nation and pray that we also live as citizens of Heaven in Jesus Christ.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
General Mass Notes
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to St. Joseph,
As we begin our liturgy, we would like to extend a special welcome to everyone visiting our parish for the first time. We also warmly welcome all of you who are here today. We are so grateful and blessed to have you with us. As we settle in and prepare our hearts for Mass, please take a moment to make sure your cell phones are turned off so as not to disturb our prayer.
(Wait a few seconds to allow people to turn off their phones)
Let us now take a moment to prepare for Mass and open our hearts and minds to the message we will hear today. The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and for…
Please stand and greet those beside you.
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may seek out those who labor and are burdened and help to ease their yoke by extending God’s grace, mercy, and kindness, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For our nation on the 250th anniversary of its founding, that we the people may continue to build a more perfect union, let us pray to the Lord.
C. That peace and tranquility may be proclaimed to all the nations and extended from sea to sea and indeed to the ends of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For refuge from the summer’s heat for those without homes or adequate cooling, those who must work outside all day, and young children and the elderly, let us pray to the Lord.
E. That as a parish and individually we may share the resources we have so that we can ease the burdens of those less fortunate than us, let us pray to the Lord.
F. For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts; for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, and for (read all intentions from 1st page), let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
Today we have a second collection for the Venezuela earthquake disaster relief fund. On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela approximately 100 miles west of Caracas, leaving behind widespread devastation and an unfolding humanitarian crisis. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, homes and schools have collapsed, hospitals and essential infrastructure have been severely damaged, and thousands of families have been displaced. Thank you for your continued generosity, compassion, and faithful prayers.
Dates for religious education enrollment can be found in our Parish bulletin and website.
The Amor por Teco foundation will have a clothes and shoe drive in the school parking lot on Sunday, July 12 from 8am to 4pm.
