Fr. Hien's Weekly Letter - 07/04/21

My Dear Parishioners,
    Happy 4th of July.  God bless America and all those who live in it.  May all Americans throughout the world and especially those living in America, love our God-blessed nation.  We have been blessed with countless heroes who fought for our country and sacrificed their lives for our country.  One of them was Father Emil Kapaun, who volunteered to serve as a chaplain priest for not only the Americans soldiers during the Korean War but also especially for his enemies with his love, forgiveness, sacrifices and prayers.  May Father Kapaun and all those who lived to know God, to love God, and to serve God be with God forever in heaven.   
     As pastor of this church’s family, I would like us to join the many people of our diocese, especially the Father Kapaun Guild led by Fr. John Hotze, to pray daily for the canonization of Father Kapaun.  I have already visited with our school principal, and we will dedicate this coming school year to learn more about the life and the love of Father Kapaun in our classrooms, to pray for his sainthood, and to follow his footsteps of service to God and neighbors.  In September, we will join our diocese for Father Kapaun’s funeral Mass once his remains arrive.  I am planning to be there to represent all of us at All Saints.
     Please enjoy this Independence Day weekend with your families, friends, and neighbors.  Yes, you can light up America with your happiness, love, prayers, and lots of fireworks; however, please don’t hurt yourself or burn down anyone’s house or mine, I need it 😊.  Love you all and happy 4th!  “I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” Fr. Emil Kapaun, pray for us--Fr. Hien