From the Desk of Father Tharp

Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and Candidates

At some of the precept Masses on December 1 & 2, the persons studying and preparing in the RCIA and RCIC for the Easter Sacraments will be welcomed into the Catechumenate or as already baptized Candidates for the Easter Sacraments.  This ceremony identifies them as official students preparing for reception into the Catholic Church.  Please join me in prayer for all those engaged in this year’s RCIA and RCIC. 

Please Note:  Pre-Baptism Class for December ONLY!!!!

Because the Sacred Heart Second Grade will be making First Reconciliation on December 10 at 7:15 p.m., the Pre-Baptism Class that evening will NOT begin in the basement of the church at 8:00 p.m.   Rather it will begin in the basement of Sacred Heart at 8:45 p.m.  Please point this out to anyone you may believe will be attending the Pre-Baptism Class in December.

Financial Reports for Sacred Heart and St. Ann for FY 2017-2018

Recently I presented a brief report at both St. Ann and Sacred Heart (on separate Sundays) on the financial health for each respective parish.   Each parish in the Archdiocese is treated by the Canon Law of the Church as a distinct and separate “juridic person” with rights and obligations.  It is important to note that each parish has its own business manager, its own separate financial records, and its own separate bank accounts and property holdings.  The real estate holdings of each parish are owned by the Archbishop as trustee for the separate “juridic person” (parish).  The assets are never comingled even though I am pastor of both. 

If you have any questions in reviewing these statements, please feel free to contact me or see me after Mass.  I am very proud of the fiscal responsibility being practiced by both parishes.  If you review the reports, I think you will feel the same.

Reflection on Scripture

The Feast of Christ the King always carries the baggage of the image of “royalty.”  We gravitate toward the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd.  We like the image of Jesus as the prayerful healer caring especially for the poor found in Luke’s gospel.   The image of Jesus as the Divine Instructor is less of a challenge for us to accept.  But for Americans, the image of Jesus as a “king” is less palatable.    And yet Sacred Scripture relates that Jesus is called “The King of the Jews.”  The Wise Men seek such a newborn king.  Pilate attaches the title on the top of the cross as an intimidation to Jewish predilection to revolt..  It is hard to argue against the idea that Jesus is a king.

A king administers justice.  A king addresses inequity.  A king (if he is a good one) is compassionate.  A king inspires loyalty to follow him.   The kingdom of Jesus is a heavenly kingdom.  Christ’s kingdom is not of this world.  He leads us through his cross and resurrection into eternal life.  If Christ is the King of my life, my destiny in Heaven is secure. 

Next Weekend: First Sunday of Advent

Jer 33:14-16

1 Thes 3:12—4:2

Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Theme:   Be prepared.