Laughter, cheers, singing, applause, words of encouragement, music, and more of the same was heard each morning as we gathered in the Manella Chapel for morning Mass this week. The wonderful sounds of children’s voices were from the children and the team who were participating in Vacation Bible School this week. What a wonderful gift to all us “old folks” who attend daily Mass. I do believe that most of us in the chapel wanted to be out there where the children were having a wonderful opportunity to deepen their faith in Jesus. VBS is a very creative way through activities and song to remember that Jesus rescues us in all life situations even when we feel stranded and all alone on a desert isle.
I wish to thank all those who labored throughout the early weeks of summer to prepare the sets, and activities and make this first VBS at Sacred Heart such a success. What an incredible team! We are so fortunate. I could see as the team was gathering week in and week out that they were forming a community bond with the central goal of sharing faith with our young people. How good is that!?
Many people joined in the celebration last Saturday for Deacon Joe’s 100th birthday and 40th anniversary as a Deacon. He was eager to put his alb and stole on and to celebrate Mass. He was beaming when we prayed with him, and it was obvious that he knew we were celebrating his presence in our community of faith. A sincere thanks to all who assisted in getting setting up, serving and cleaning up after the reception. Again, events that bring us all together help us to make us a strong community of faith.
Summer is quickly passing and we are saying good-bye to members of the class of 2018 as they head off to college. We hope to welcome them back the Friday after Thanksgiving to share their stories of life away from home, and welcome them back to our community of faith.
Soon you will see new signage in front of the church. We have become and are becoming “The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart.” How important it is for us all to be companions on the journey of life, comfortable enough to “break bread together” is so very many ways. We all need to share laughter, cheers, tears, and encouragement’ supporting one another along the way!