Dear Parishioners,

Most of us are probably aware that a draft decision by the Supreme Court reversing Roe v. Wade has been leaked. I am going to make several comments about that in this space. First, drafts can be changed. I have drafted many documents which were changed significantly before they were final. No decision has yet been made in this case. Second, even if the final decision does overturn Roe v. Wade this will not make abortion illegal. It will return us to the situation before Roe v. Wade where abortion was a state issue. Different states will have different laws. We still need to be pro-life and help women who struggle with the decision to let their child be born. Pro-life groups will still have an important role to play. Third, one reaction to this draft has been desecration of some churches and other such actions. Although I regret such actions let us remember that Jesus tells us that if we are faithful to Him the world will hate us. Let us be faithful no matter the cost.

Let me also remind you that in most dioceses of the United States including ours, the Ascension is celebrated on Sunday. Next Sunday May 29 we will observe the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.

Fr. Richard Weisenberger