JUNE 14, 2020
Saturday, June 13
4:00 PM Conversion of souls under Demonic influence
Sunday, June 14 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Saturday, June 20 God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Living Fathers of SS Peter & Paul U.C.C. and
4:00 PM ✞Everlasting Life for all Deceased Fathers of the Parish
Sunday, June 21 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Love and trust are the solutions for the worries and frets of life.
Lord, I pray for Your gift of Faith which is all that I need for
Your power to work within me.
WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES
Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
I’ve known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.
Here it is:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace
throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things, which have deep meaning.
OUR UNITED STATES FLAG
FLY IT WITH PRIDE
On 14 June 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act in Philadelphia. Stars have been added to the flag as new states join the union. Currently, the flag has 50 stars. There are thirteen stripes, one for each of the original colonies. In 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed the meanings of the colors.
Colors of the Flag
Red = valor, bravery and hardiness
White = purity and innocence
Blue = Vigilance, perseverance, loyalty and justice
Birth of a Holiday
Flag Day became a holiday in New York State in 1897 on June14th. Gradually, other states joined New York. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day by national proclamation.
The Spirit of Christ
When we come to Church we come in common-union. We pray and express our common needs and hopes which are eternal. Thus we have the Litanies for peace and well being, for our leaders in Church, government, and in general for all those in need. As these litanies are being chanted and the prayers read, we “fill them up” with meaning by including our specific intentions. In this way, our worship is not an isolated experience, but presents eternal life, Heaven. When we gather in worship, we commend ourselves and our whole life to Christ our God. Our whole life is offered to God.
In worship, God accepts the offering of ourselves, and blesses this offering and returns the offering to us changed to His Body and Blood, the Eternal Medicine that cures all illness and even death. He does not leave us there. Much like the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, we return to our daily lives. We have a new vision, a new insight and new strength. We are sent back with the mission to share this and to baptize the world, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Each week has a rhythm built into it. For the most part, we go about our individual lives for six days. Then we are gathered as a community in worship where we experience our oneness in Christ. Finally, after being renewed, we are sent out to our daily life, now filled with the Spirit of Christ.
The Feasts of the Church also have an inner harmony. We have fasting periods as preparation times, and these are followed by the celebration of feasts. Each feast singles out one aspect of God’s plan of salvation upon which to concentrate.
We live as Christians with all our senses and we pray with all our senses, especially in our worship. For example, the foods that we eat at Easter time are first blessed in Church. At other times, water, fruits, and flowers are blessed on various feasts. Whenever we are in ill health, or starting an important project, we can seek a special blessing from our Church. In this way there is a steady expression of the need of God and His blessings in our daily lives. By drawing these special moments or events into our Church, we are offering our whole life to be blessed by God. By making these special events holy times, we are sanctifying or making our whole life holy.
SANCTUARY LIGHT:
The Sanctuary light is not requested this week June 13-20
A new Sanctuary Light and the monthly candle charts are available for your requests. The Light will burn for the full week from Saturday to Saturday and the donation is $15. The Monthly Altar Candles burns during all services in the month requested, donation $40. Remember a loved one or a special occasion by having the lights shine for them in Church.
SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Eugene Slabinski who was called to his eternal rest. May his memory be eternal.
SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church 