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Our Nation Consecrated

How might you help a nation in political turmoil celebrate its 250th anniversary and the unlikely creation of the first large-scale, self-governing republic in the modern world?

Dedicate it to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — as the U.S. bishops did for the United States of America today, marking the first such formal consecration of the country to Christ’s heart.

According to a CNN/SSRS poll released on April 3, Americans are divided by intense levels of cynicism, viewing both the Democratic and Republican parties in deeply negative terms. A full 77% of Americans, the Pew Research Center reported on April 15, think the nation’s political system needs major changes or complete reform.

The U.S. bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026. This historic act of faith coincides with the country’s semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and aims to encourage unity, healing, and the infusion of Gospel values into American life.

The Main Event:

Date: Today, Thursday, June 11, 2026
Primary Location: The consecration was celebrated in the context of a Votive Mass during the Spring Plenary Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Orlando, Florida.
National Observance: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., hosts a principal consecration Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart on June 12th.
Virtual Access: You can watch the programming and find official prayer resources at the USCCB We Hold These Truths https://www.usccb.org/weholdthesetruths

Why the Sacred Heart?

The consecration is a direct response to the United States' historical milestone and Pope Francis' recent encyclical Dilexit nos (He loved us), which emphasizes the Sacred Heart as a symbol of human and divine love, as well as an antidote to modern superficiality. Entrusting the nation to the Sacred Heart is seen as a way to promote peace and recognize the kingship of Christ in society.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus transform our nation and enable it to face the many challenges with love, compassion, and kindness. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8.

-- Fr. Augustine

Friday, June 12: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
- VBS Final Day 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Church)
- VBS Family BBQ 5:00 p.m. (Plaza)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion Special Invitation for VBS 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Saturday, June 13:
Safety Team Ministry Table Outside of Mass
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, June 14:
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Safety Team Ministry Table Outside of All Masses
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass 9:30 a.m.(Church/Livestream)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Baptism Class 1:00 p.m. (Church)
Monday, June 15:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Hospitality Scheduling Meeting 10:00 a.m. (Oscar)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Offsite)
- Men of Faith Dinner Meeting w/Speaker Fr. Augustine Joseph 6:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion: Hombound Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Tuesday, June 16: Happy Birthday, Amanda Swinkels!
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Lector Scheduling Meeting 9:00 a.m. (Oscar)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Wednesday, June 17:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- New Testament Bible Study 6:30 p.m. (Offsite)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion: Special Invitation
for Altar Servers/Warship Coordinators/Sacred Sprinklers 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Thursday, June 18:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion 7:00 p.m. (Church)

Friday, June 19: Juneteenth
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion: Special Invitation for Pastoral Council 7:00 p.m. (Church)

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Meet a Social Concerns Grant Recipient: SPRED

Special Religious Education (SPRED) is a catechetical group for persons with developmental disabilities. And it is the most joyful Small Christian Community you have ever seen. As described by catechist Claudia Willis, “This is a Christian community – not traditional education, but relational catechesis – a means of affirming that the friends are
beloved by God and called to follow Jesus.”

Marcia Elchesen and Claudia are volunteer catechists in the local program, which currently meets at St. Augustine. St. Charles has been a long-time financial supporter of SPRED through a Social Concerns grant.

This helps fund retreats, picnics, and an annual Mass. Learn more about the group in the new SCC blog at https://stcharleslivermore.org/scc, and talk with Claudia or Marcia if you'd like to volunteer!