Each January we celebrate the Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. by not only honoring MLK, but also recognizing and honoring a member of the Hopedale community who has an impact on our local community. The Power of One award is presented to an individual who looks to make our Hopedale community the place God says it ought to be; working to bring people together for the common good; sharing of our common wealth.

The 2017 Power of One award will be presented to Ernie Chaplin on Thursday 12 January 2017 at Union Evangelical Church on Dutcher Street during the MLK presentation held at 7:00 P.M. Ernie has touched the lives of many in our Sacred Heart Community and beyond. I am inviting all of you come and honor Ernie and personally thank him for the ways he has encouraged you along the journey of faith to be a faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ and live the corporal and spiritual acts of mercy.

On another note; it was wonderful to hear your positive response to the Sacrament of Healing shared at each of the New Year’s Eve/Day Masses. Each one of us has our own “Story” and need for healing in body, mind and spirit. I was so pleased that many of you on your way out stopped by to share your story with me. My prayer is that we all recognize the healing power of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Sick. I wish to remind you that if you are going into the hospital for any procedure to please approach me the weekend before and request to be anointed. Many often think the Sacrament of the sick is only “The Last Rites.” It is the official prayer of the church for healing.

As we close the Christmas Season on this Feast of the Epiphany, may we all realize that Christ is with us and wise enough to always seek his presence.

Merry Christmas,
Fr. Bill