Five Things to Remember on Nov. 20

 

1.      At  Thanksgiving we might remember that the pilgrims were immigrants. Currently there are 11 million undocumented persons in our nation. The Administration and Congresshave a historic opportunity to provide them a path to citizenship next year.

 

2.      Post-election, religious freedom remains a major concern. Dozens of lawsuits related to the Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate in the health care reform law are under consideration right now. HHS demands that most religious organizations provide female sterilization and contraceptives, including those that cause abortions, for employees and dependents covered by their health insurance. The government will exempt church organizations that hire and serve only their co-religionists, but those who help just anyone in need, regardless of religion, are not religious enough for HHS. When did the U.S. Constitution givethe government the right to define what is and is not a legitimate churchministry?

 

3.      When you embark on holiday travel, drive carefully. Pray to St. Christopher, traditionally known as the patron of safe travel, but remember that when you start to speed on the highway, St. Christopher gets out and walks.

 

4.      Get ready for Advent, which begins December 2. Find four candles, three purple and one pink (third week of Advent), to place in a green wreath on the table on the First Sunday of Advent. The display can remind Christians that they are among millions preparing to celebrate the coming of Christ at Christmas.

 

5.      God loves you.