Support for Essential Ministries

Dear Parishioners, 

I am pleased to announce we have two new music ministers who are serving our parish. Our parish has faced significant personnel challenges in the past year. Death, sickness, and other surprises are not something we can plan for in advance. Fortunately, as we move into the new academic year, we have a full staff unless there is another surprise. 

Benjamin and Maureen Holmes are sharing the Director of Music position at our parish. Both have extensive experience in directing, singing, playing and planning liturgical music in the Quad City Area. I cannot do justice in listing all their qualifications in a few short lines. The most impressive part of their interview was they said that they wanted to make Sacred Heart their home church where they can worship together with their family. They have two young children, Genevieve and Wilder,  who attend Mass with them. Welcome Ben and Maureen when you encounter them. 

I want to thank all those who have been engaged in our music ministry since last Christmas. Several people agreed to fill in, doing a wonderful job. Three people did extensive work on major celebrations like Confirmation, First Communion, and Holy Week.  Mardian Angelo, Charlie Schmidt, and Karen Manning gave extra time keeping the liturgical music train running. I am sure that I speak for the whole parish when I say thank you! Other musicians cooperated in many ways. Some did double duty when they served not only their own church communities and ours as well. We thank them. I especially thank Sheila Doak, who played the organ for several weddings and sat on a search committee to find our new music director.   

I also want to thank Barb Roedel who volunteered to help as a wedding coordinator for our parish and Angelina Vallejo who agreed to plan Quinceañeras. These are essential ministries for our parish. 

As we continue into the fall there are new opportunities to serve. I hope everyone reflects on the gifts you might offer to Sacred Heart Parish. Many hands truly do make light work. 

Blessings, 

Fr. Mark