Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday
Dear Parishioners,
I write this after celebrating the Easter Vigil. This is my fifth year as pastor of Sacred Heart. I always appreciate the liturgies here and the solemnity with which they are celebrated. One of the primary missions of our church is to pray to God. We petition, thank, glorify and ask for God’s mercy. The people who visit us weekly from other places often comment about our fine organ, our wonderful windows, the talented musicians and a host of other things that make our liturgies glorious. Often, they also say, we do not celebrate Mass like this at home. We are certainly fortunate.
To have good liturgy takes resources. In other words, it takes donations from our parishioners. Our parish members have generously donated through the years to support our parish. During the last year parishioners have generously donated to the Today Tomorrow Together capital campaign. I turn to all of you once more for another appeal.
It is that time of year again. We are going to be having the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA). This year our goal is $142,000. This represents a $5,000 decrease from last year. But last year we were roughly $30,000 short. We hope to keep the shortfall at this level or lower this year.
The diocesan appeal supports the Deacon Formation program. We presently have three men and their wives who are in formation who will be great ministers at Sacred Heart. The appeal also funds our Marriage Tribunal. During the past year several couples have had their marriages validated or had marriage annulments granted. Reconciling people to the church in this way is an important ministry. Usually, these couples become active members. Donations also support the Pre Cana and Christian Sexuality marriage preparation programs. About 15-20 couples from our parish participate in these programs yearly. I could list other things we may benefit from like our seminarian program. Future priests are being formed who one day will be pastors here at our parish.
I would remind everyone that every dollar that we are short must be made up by our collections. Falling short only hurts Sacred Heart. I hope that all of us can be supportive. You should receive a card in the mail soon. Please consider what you can donate prayerfully, and we will have the monies we need to make goal. The card can be turned in next week or through the mail. Thank you in advance.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
Our next LaSallian Days is on May 11th. This is a training day for lay leaders in our church community. The day consists of inspirational talks, exercises and practical training for those who might be interested in ministry at Sacred Heart. The day begins at about 8am and ends before 4pm Mass. If you would like to attend contact our parish office at 309-762-2362.