Next Sunday: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Celebrant : Fr. Tharp
Fourth of July
Just a “Heads-up!” Independence Day (Monday, July 4, 2022) is a National Holiday.
Since most are off from work, we will move the 6:30 a.m. Mass at St. Ann to 9:00 a.m.
Therefore, at St. Ann, we will not have a 6:30 a.m. Mass, but will have the Mass for
Independence Day at 9:00 a.m.
The 7:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart will take place as usual.
Beacons of Light
The 57 new “Families” under the Beacons of Light program will be promulgated
officially on July 1, 2022. This is a bit like the American pioneer who stakes out the
walls of his new cabin. The only snag is that he has to clear the trees and build the cabin.
In other words, it is a work in progress. The implementation of the “families” signals the
beginning. It is the hope that over the next few years, parishioners of both parishes will
meet and discern possibilities. Over the next five years (or possibly less due to the fact
that your pastor is long in the tooth) you, the parishioners will determine Leadership in
Phase One, achieve a Vision in Phase Two, lift up and celebrate your Family’s history
and Culture in Phase Three, engage in Planning in Phase Four, and determine Mission in
Phase Five. This all happens according to your family’s time schedule; not some pre-
determined calendar. The only caveat is that we cannot stand still or choose to do
nothing. Stay tuned for the “lift-off “of this adventure.
Eucharistic Display created by Blessed Carlo Acutis
The Women of Faith group is sponsoring Eucharistic Miracle posters created by Blessed
Carlo Acutis, who died of Leukemia at age 15, but had created a website displaying these
accumulated Eucharistic miracles from throughout the world. There is little doubt that
when canonized, he will almost certainly become the patron of the internet and social
media. Remember that the three stages or “cause of sainthood” to having one’s name
placed on the “list” or “canon” of Saints in Rome starts with the title “Venerable, “
moves to the title “Blessed, ” and then after miraculous interventions is verified by the
Holy See, the pope may name the person to the “list” or “canon” of titled “Saint.”
To encourage especially the young to take note of these posters, the Women together
have created a raffle for those who take note of each poster throughout the next year.
More information is forthcoming.
Servers at Sacred Heart
St. Ann reinstituted servers last month, but (for various reasons) we have been a bit
delayed at Sacred Heart. However, as of the weekend of June 26, servers who have been
trained in the past are invited to come to the sacristy and see if you are needed. There
will be no formal schedule until additional servers are trained and ready to go by the
beginning of school. During the rest of the summer, this will be informal, but if you have
already been trained, feel free to come to the sacristy. If we get too many at any one
Mass, I ask you to understand and offer to serve the next time you are here.
Re-introduction of Precious Blood at Communion
We are continuing to re-introduce communion under both species at as many Masses as
possible. However, for the time being, we have only enough distributors for two cups at
the 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Masses at Sacred Heart, and for the time being the 11:00
a.m. Mass at St. Ann. Again, we can only do this to the degree we have enough
Eucharistic ministers willing to do cups. Also, I have heard chatter regarding other
viruses in the news. I continue to be cautiously optimistic with the emphasis on
“cautious.”
DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS!!!!
I keep running this article because there are new scams everyday
Remember I NEVER solicit funds, donations, favors, or any request of any kind
over the telephone, text, email, carrier pigeon, drone, etc. NEVER! Do not allow
yourself to be taken in by scammers. Even if they have my recorded voice, be assured it
is computer generated fake! It is not me!!!
Reminder for volunteers who work with or around children
Please be aware that failure to register with and complete the requirements of Safe Parish
will result in your inability to continue to work with or around children in any parish
and/or school setting. We have been informed by the Archdiocese that there can be NO
EXCEPTIONS.
Live Streaming for Precept Masses
Please remember to access the Sacred Heart / St. Ann Pastoral Region You Tube site by
clicking on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVLLqbEY5hKWinwz069MVcg
Reflection on Scripture:
Sentimentality can be an endearing quality. As one grows older, it is comforting to
remember people, places, and times in our lives that are pleasant to remember. But
sentimentality for the past can easily become a liability for an evangelist. (And
remember; as baptized followers of Christ we are all called to be evangelists.) An
Evangelist must always be focused on who he/she is following and where he/she is going.
This is why Jesus reiterates the absoluteness of call of Elijah to Elisha. It may seem as
Jesus is being insensitive when he responds to the young man who wants to bury his
father first before following him, “Let the dead bury their dead.” A true evangelist for
Jesus Christ must sever himself or herself from all sentimentality that holds him or her
back from the evangelical task. This is why many very strict Catholic religious orders
have forbidden their monks or nuns from returning to the family home to visit a dying
parent. It seems insensitive, but it is the absolute discipline of abandonment. Jesus
instructs the half-hearted postulant, “No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” Commitment to Jesus
Christ must be absolute and unequivocal. When you are driving for Jesus and on the way
to Heaven, pay no attention to the “rear view mirrors.” Rear view mirrors remind us
where we have been, not where we are going. This is also why the Sacrament of
Reconciliation (Confession) is so important. You do not drive a race car pulling a trailer
or a wagon behind. All the power must be focused on achieving the destination. You
can’t let anything or anyone hold you back.
Professional supersonic aircraft designers spend hours in the wind tunnel trying to reduce
any and all “drag” that holds them back. If regret for past sins are holding you back from
absolute commitment to Jesus, use the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be rid of the
“drag.” If affection for anything of this world hold you back from 100% commitment to
Jesus, jettison that which is causing you “drag” and let it go. When the destination is
eternity with Jesus Christ, anything other than Jesus Christ is extraneous.
NEXT WEEK Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 66: 10-14c
Gal 6:14-18
Lk 10:1-12, 17-20
Theme: When evangelizing, travel light! Carry with you only your faith in Jesus.