It is not often that we hear the impressions of people visiting our parish. Having the impressions of someone who speaks at other parishes share their impressions of Sacred Heart helps to keep us focused. Following both Masses Carl Baniszewski shared how impressed he was by our welcome, and the participation of everyone at Mass. He also commented on how prepared we were to pray for their missionary work immediately after he spoke. This was also the first time he was blessed by the community he visited! How wonderful it is to receive such positive feedback as a community.
We continue to solicit nominations for the Pastoral Planning Team (PPT) with one adult position (3-year term) and two teen positions (one year) open. If you would like to recommend someone for consideration, talk with them about serving on this decision-making body of our parish. Self-nominations are also accepted; deadline is August 4th. Nomination slips are at the entrances.
On the agenda for the PPT meeting in August we will have a presentation on JustFaith Catholic by Deacon Bill Toller from Holy Cross parish in Springfield.
To find out more about what we are investigating to enhance ministry here at Sacred Heart check out
www.JustFaith.org. We are also seeking ideas on how to conduct a parish census. In days gone by when there were several priests in a parish and many seminarians it was custom to hold a parish census every five years. The priests and seminarians would visit each household in the parish and update records and also find ministry needs such as shut-ins needing communion, rides needed for church, individuals wishing to become Catholic, new families needing to be registered, etc. I am the only priest here as you know and there are no seminarians available for the task. Have you any wisdom as to how we could undertake such a task? Please feel free to share in writing and place in the collection basket, send an e-mail, or call the parish office.
Again, I want to remind you that any adult that is interested in completing their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and our Confirmation) or would like to become Catholic should let me know. Each year, using the RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) we prepare those who come forward to receive these sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
One last thing, I will be at our annual Voluntas Dei gathering July 31-August 3 in Paoli, PA. so Msgr. John Doran will celebrate the 4:00 P.M. Mass Saturday.