By Mark Russoniello, Special Contributor
As the United States begins its celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – our “birthday” as a nation – we Catholics have a unique opportunity to not only mark this important occasion with community fireworks, neighborhood block parties and family barbeques. We can also use this time to learn more about how Catholics have contributed to the growth and development of our country in specific and meaningful ways. We can also use the occasion as Catholic families to explore what it means to be Catholics and good citizens at the same time.
Being Catholic in the United States was not always easy. Throughout our history, Catholics have been viewed with suspicion because many of our fellow citizens worried that we might have divided loyalties. In times of conflict, would we choose the Pope and the Church over the country? It took 171 years for John F. Kennedy to be elected the first Catholic U.S. president in 1960. Despite this suspicion – and sometime outright prejudice – Catholics have been an integral part of our nation’s history. We all know how Catholic immigrants have been a vital part of our religious, social, cultural and economic progress. Do you also know that Charles Carroll, a Catholic, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence? Or that his cousin Daniel signed the U.S. Constitution? Daniel’s brother, John, was the first Catholic bishop in the United States.
On June 12, the bishops of the United States consecrated our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This act of faith and hope is an invitation to talk to our children about what it means to be a Catholic American. How do we respond when social and political trends conflict with what our faith teaches us? If we choose our faith, does that mean we are not “good Americans”? Or does bringing our faith actively into our social and cultural environment make the United States a better place? These are important questions to explore together as a family. Sometimes, the choice may not be an easy one, but the conversations we have with our children are vital for our nation’s future.
Scan the QR codes below to access some resources to help you talk to your children. Living the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love as Americans not only makes us better Catholics, but better citizens as well.
Video presentation by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Learn more about American Catholic Saints and Blesseds
We Hold These Truths – Celebrating Catholic contributions to the United States
Finally, perhaps your family can say this prayer from the USCCB together at mealtimes, or at bedtime
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Happy birthday, America!
Mark Russoniello is parish catechetical leader in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.