What a Christmas Eve and Day our Catholic Community had at Sacred Heart! It was very affirming to hear so many positive comments as people were leaving church. Besides all the Christmas wishes, there were several that stood out in my mind and heart. “You couldn’t pay me to miss Christmas Mass at Sacred Heart!” “I’m not from the area, but since we first attended Christmas Mass here, we make it a point to return every year, this is our 6th Christmas here at Sacred Heart!” And from the 7PM Mass, “That was the most prayerful & relaxing experience I had all year.”
All these sentiments are possible because we as a Catholic Community work together to make Sacred Heart welcoming. It starts at the doors with our greeters and ushers who open doors and welcome everyone. From all those who helped move hundreds of chairs from the parish center into the loft library, day chapel, sanctuary and aisles so that everyone can be comfortable to all the musicians, cantors, Mrs. Grillo and the wonderful Children’s Choir, the people who wrapped all the books, and donated toward Christmas flowers and decorations… The tech team made sure all the equipment was up and running and added speakers and screens so people in the Chapel could participate too! Thank you to all those who took tags from the giving trees and purchased gifts for people in need, the liturgical ministers, Paula and those who helped with decorating and the messageshapers team who ensures we are delivering a relevant message.
It is also important for me to mention our wonderful staff. What a fine team we have, who work together answering every phone call, keeping things running on a day to day basis, scheduling Masses, Baptisms, Funerals, registering newcomers; scheduling ministers for all aspects of worship and ministry; and overseeing the publishing, ordering, clerical, bookkeeping, faith formation, worship, special audio/ visual presentations; and the weekly music, prayers and readings to enhance our worship as a Catholic Community. Seldom noticed, but so important, is keeping the campus clean, the walks clear and the lawn trimmed. Thank you to the ministers who take care of the special effects of outdoor landscaping with special decorations.
What truly wonderful work we do when we as a community of faith pool our time, treasure and talent. When we celebrate a high festival as we do at Christmas, the words from visitors affirm what a great Catholic Community of faith we have here in Hopedale.
It is a pleasure to walk with you on this journey of faith and to continue to rejoice in the gift we are one to another and to all who join us in sharing faith. Certainly, there is lots of love and the presence of many angels spreading their wings among us. Great job, one and all!