Pre-Baptism Class for Infant Baptisms

Are you anticipating your first infant baptism at St. Ann or Sacred Heart?  I have the Infant Pre-Baptism Workshop every second Monday of each month in the basement room RH 2&3 at Sacred Heart Church at 8:00 p.m.   The entire session takes about forty five minutes.  If you already attended my workshop for a recent baptism, or if you have attended the workshop recently at another parish, there is no need to repeat the class.  No need to register for this, simply show up by 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 8 at Sacred Heart and come to the basement room RH 2&3.  This is the workshop for both St. Ann and Sacred Heart, but obviously I have to have it in one location.

Last Week’s First Communion

Many thanks to all who worked with the children and did all the work behind the scenes work for last week’s First Holy Communion.  These children were so well prepared that I think they could have done the ceremony without the help of the adults.  Congratulations to the children, their parents, Mrs. Bitzer, Mrs. Brunnell, the teachers and all the staff involved in making this day so special.

Discalced Carmelites Building Project

I am very proud of the rich tradition at St. Ann of being the home parish of many vocations of priests, deacons, brothers, lay ministers, and sisters for the Church.  You may recall Mary Jacquemin who became a vowed nun in the Order of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Carmel of Jesus Mary and Joseph.  Her cloistered convent is building a new monastery building.  As a part of this cloistered convent, Sister prays for us (her family parish) every day.  If you would like to show her your admiration and appreciation, please visit www.friendsofcarmeljmj.org.  or retrieve one of the envelopes available at the doors.

Please Remember

This is just a reminder that all active priests of the Archdiocese are required to attend the convocation in Columbus from June 19 to June 22.  There will be no availability for morning Masses or even Funeral Masses on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday June 20-22.  I have made provision at each parish for a communion service each day.  Funerals will of necessity be delayed.

Reflection on Scripture

Jesus is the one and only true shepherd.   The flock is his Church.  He knows his sheep and they follow him.  He knows their names through baptism.  Shepherds in Palestine still overnight their sheep in a common pen and then the shepherd separates his from those who belong to other shepherds.  He calls them by name and they hear his voice and follow.  The Pharisees are not true shepherds.  The flock sees their insincerity.

Jesus then refers to himself as the “sheep gate” (in other words) the “only way.”  Sometimes sheep will follow one another and bunch up in one corner of the pen.  They run into and trample each other.  Jesus is the only true way out of the conundrums of life.  Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

Readings for Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 6:1-7

1 Pt 2:4-9

Jn 14:1-12

Theme:   Jesus confirms our reservation for eternal life.