On April 12, the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a document, "Our First Most Cherished Liberty,” outlining the bishops’ concerns over threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad. The bishops called for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, from June 21-July 4.
Bishops in their own dioceses are encouraged to arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom. Catholic institutions are encouraged to do the same, especially in cooperation with other Christians, Jews, people of other faiths and all who wish to defend our most cherished freedom.
The fourteen days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “fortnight for freedom”—a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Dioceses and parishes around the country could choose a date in that period for special events that would constitute a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.
Local Event: Independence Celebration Walk and Picnic
In response to the call of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for a "Fortnight for Freedom" June 21-July 4, and in solidarity with dioceses across the United States, the Diocese of Des Moines has chosen to hold a celebration walk and picnic on Sunday, July 1 intended to engage all ages in a relaxed, holiday spirit. This will be the major diocesan celebration during the Fortnight. The event will be festive and celebratory, with the walk and picnic reflecting our national Fourth of July spirit. The event is a visible expression of diocesan unity regarding religious liberty.
When and where?
The walk will begin at noon at St. Ambrose Cathedral, at 6th Avenue and high Street, and will proceed south three blocks to Walnut Street, then east on Walnut Street for 19 blocks to East 13th Street, where the walk will conclude. Those able to make the walk are encouraged to do so. Those who cannot participate in the walk are welcome to meet at the destination point, which will be the lawn east of the state Capitol building near the World War II monument. Ample parking is available immediately near the picnic site.
Picnic
Lunch will be available to purchase or you may bring your own. Additionally, music (including instrumental and vocal musicians), speakers and a prayer service will make up the festivities. Pamphlets on religious freedom and American flags will be provided for all participants. Programming will conclude by 2 p.m. with an additional hour for people to remain and socialize. The event will conclude by 3 p.m.
Transportation & parking
There are two options for transportation. For those who make the walk, bus shuttles will run from approximately 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. to take people back to the cathedral for those who parked nearby. For those who do not wish to participate in the walk, you are welcome to park in one of several available lots near the picnic sites.
If you are interested in volunteering to help us with this event, please contact Jason Kurth at jkurth@dmdiocese.org.
