Freedom & New Beginnings

     1776 - It was a time of crisis and frustration that lead to a bold move by many of the leaders of the Colonies in the New World ... a Declaration of Independence.   It took awhile to develop the document, and a bit longer to officially sign and promulgate this declaration, but this is the day on which we celebrate the first pronouncement - July 4th.

     The second paragraph of this momentous document states: "We hold these Truths to be self evident, that all Men are created equal, and they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."   These powerful words echo the Truth revealed by God to those that he has chosen as his own, and whom he has blessed with the blessings of Life, Freedom and the desire to be fulfilled in love.

     On this Independence Day in the United States, let us continue to celebrate our freedom declare our dependence upon the very source of all things, the Lord God.  Happy July 4th!

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       This past Saturday, June 30th, was a great day for the Diocese of Greensburg as we ordained to the Order of Presbyter (priest) a young man of the diocese who is a member of the Cathedral parish.  Bishop Edward Malesic ordained Daniel Carr in a beautiful ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.  Father Dan has been fulfilling his theological studies at the North American College in Rome, and will be returning for a final year of studies this September.   He is a fine young man and we look forward to his ministry as a priest to the Church.  I have enclosed a few pictures of the ordination with gratitude to the Diocesan web site
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 The Litany of the Saints

 Promise of Obedience and Respect

The Laying on of Hands - the Ordination

Anointing of Father Dan's hands with Chrism

 Presentation of the chalice and paten

First blessing given to the bishop

Father Dan's family

 Our diocesan priests

Father Dan Carr with Mom & Dad & Bishop Ed Malesic

     The next day Father Dan celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving with family and friends at the Cathedral parish.  He did very well, although a little stiff and nervous, even though he had asked the Director of Liturgy at North American College to preach.  Talk about putting pressure on yourself!  

     I recall my ordination and first Mass forty-five years ago, and was grateful to share these days of joy with Dan and by able to share the "laying on of hands" during the ordination ceremony.  Powerful moments of grace for me and so many others.  Pray for Father Dan Carr as he begins his ministry to the Church.