Father Hathaway’s Column — July 27, 2025
HONORING OUR GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY
In 2021, Pope Francis established World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly for the fourth Sunday of July and the Sunday nearest the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus (July 26). However, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops moved the celebration to align with National Grandparents Day, which is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, or September 7 this year. That means, in the United States, World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly is celebrated alongside National Grandparents Day. The theme for 2025 is “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sir 14:2).
Regardless of when it is celebrated, the day is an opportunity to honor all grandparents and older persons, encourage them to participate actively in society and the Church, and reflect on how their presence is a sign of hope in every family and ecclesial community. They bring gifts of wisdom and experience, and share with us their life of faith. We thank God for their example and ask Him to bless them abundantly.
CONGRATS TO NEW K of C OFFICERS
Congratulations to the group of outstanding parish men who were formally installed as officers of our Knights of Columbus Fitzgerald Council #459 for FY 2025-26 on July 13. The Council is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year! That’s 125 years of service to God, the Church and our parish. I look forward to good things from them during this special anniversary year – their 125th anniversary and the 230th anniversary of our parish. Learn more about our Knights, at https://459.knightspot.com/
The new Council officers are: Michael Karau, Grand Knight; Reverend James Searby, Chaplain; John Kim, Deputy Grand Knight; James Burkhart III, Chancellor; Ryan Sharpe, Recorder; Zachary Waters, Financial Secretary; Keith Matthews, Treasurer; James Daniels, Advocate; and Ryan Joyce, Warden.
See www.stmaryoldtown.org/knights2025 for photos of the ceremony and celebratory reception, which was graciously hosted by the Catholic Daughter of the Americas. Coming soon will be a special exhibit honoring our Knights in the Basilica of Saint Mary Museum. Watch the bulletin and Flocknotes for details.
MANY THANKS TO BETTY McANDREWS
After nearly 25 years, long-time parishioner and volunteer extraordinaire Betty McAndrews is stepping down soon as one of the stalwart leaders of the group that prays the rosary before the 8 a.m. Mass Monday through Friday and on Saturday before the 8:30 a.m. Mass. I want to personally thank Betty for each and every Ave, Pater and rosary mystery she has led for us. Our Blessed Mother must certainly be pleased!
Everyone is invited to join us in praying the rosary in the Basilica before our morning Masses. If you are interested in serving as a rosary leader (i.e., lead the rosary on designated days), please contact Bill Beach at wbeachkoc459@gmail.com