Dear Fellow Parishioners, We are making every attempt to pass on our faith and deepen our understanding of faith through our Faith formation programs and sacramental preparation. I am pleased with the efforts we are making with those of you who are assisting in these areas as we try to navigate learning and formation during covid-19. Many of our Faith Formation programs are aimed at the youth of our parish. Today I would like to speak to adults who may be interested in becoming Catholic, or wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, and or Sacramental Marriage. Life happens and some have been baptized Catholic and never had a chance or were not ready to receive their First Communion and or Confirmation. If you are ready at this time you are invited to enter the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). If you are non-Catholic and interested in becoming Catholic, you too are invited to participate in RCIA. Deacon Tom Tierney will set a schedule with all those who are interested so that you can receive these sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. We just need to know who you are, and we will get you started. I am available to assist any couples who were civilly married and have a desire to have their marriage blessed. The Sacrament of Matrimony is inviting the presence of Christ and the community into your relationship and supporting you both in a life-long commitment surrounded by the encouragement and support of our Catholic Community. It is never too late to fully enter into the sacramental life of our Catholic Community. When you are ready please contact us and we will be happy to make the faith journey with you and support you in receiving the life-giving sacramental graces bestowed on us through our faith community. Fr. Bill
Dear Fellow Parishioners, The stress of Covid-19 and all it entails; social distancing, wearing masks, being high risk, another wave coming, and all the information has the potential of leading many into the dangers of isolation. We are the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart and as human beings we are built for community. It is essential for our mental health, sanity and spiritual growth and development that we remain connected, holding each other in love and support and carrying each other during these difficult times.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, The pandemic continues as we enter the 20-21 school year with fits and starts. There are many different start-up dates, many different models, new school supplies, hand sanitizer, masks and laptops. For those who are still employed, working from home, alternating days at the office, helping kids with lessons from the home office, grandparents assisting with childcare and homeschooling and now part of the “new normal.” Then there are those among us who are furloughed, unemployed, fearing evictions, wondering if there is any relief coming during this pandemic. Throw in a presidential election and it can all be quite overwhelming.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Most of us are familiar with the song “The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor.” Pope Francis in his Encyclical Laudato Si: On the care of our Common Home) asks us all to hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. This week, along with Christians throughout the world we begin our annual celebration of the “Season of Creation” which runs from September 1st to the feast of St. Francis of Assisi October 4th.
Dear Parish Family: This certainly is an interesting time! The coronavirus pandemic has forced us into new ways of doing pretty much everything, faith formation included. As we plan for the upcoming Faith Formation year, we are well aware of the great stress families are under trying to adapt to the new models of schooling. We are excited to announce that we have developed a model of faith formation that will meet the needs of all families while keeping health and safety precautions at the forefront.