St. Ann and Sacred Heart Festivals cancelled for 2020

Although this was announced at last week’s Masses; after consultation with the Festival Chair Persons at both parishes, the determination has been made to cancel both festivals.  For this reason, I ask that both parishes make a special effort to sell their respective parish’s Major Raffle Tickets.  

Hospitals:  Anointing of the Sick

Recently I responded to a family who asked me to come to one of the Butler County Hospitals at around 10:30 p.m. to anoint their mother.  When I arrived at the hospital, the security guards, under orders of whoever was in charge, refused to allow me to enter the hospital to anoint the patient.  This happened even though the patient’s family was present and requesting that I anoint her. 

Be advised that although I will be happy to come in an emergency (day or night) to offer the Sacrament of the Sick to a parishioner, my arrival does not guarantee that I will be allowed to enter a facility and administer the sacrament. 

Confessions at St. Ann

For the time being, I will hear confessions only for 15 minutes at St. Ann on Saturday Afternoon from 3:30 to 3:45 p.m.   I have to leave at 3:45 p.m. sharp to get to Sacred Heart for Mass at 4:00 p.m.   I am the only priest serving the two parishes everyday but Sunday.  On Sunday I have Fr. Schmitz to help with the Masses.  All other days it is only me.  I cannot be two places at once; in other words I cannot be hearing confessions at St. Ann and also having Mass at Sacred Heart, all at the same time.  On the Sundays I have Mass at St. Ann, I will also hear confessions starting at one half hour before the 9:00 a.m. Mass and the 11:00 a.m. Mass and until ten minutes before Mass begins.

I also have confessions at Sacred Heart on Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   I also have confessions at Sacred Heart on Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Mass Regular Schedule at St. Ann and Sacred Heart

Remember that the Bishops of Ohio have released all Ohio Catholics from the Sunday precept obligation.  If you are ill, please watch from home.  If you are medically compromised by illness or age, please don’t take unnecessary risks, but shelter at home.  We will continue to provide a weekly Sunday Mass on our Youtube channel either from Sacred Heart or from St. Ann.  Remember that you can access our Youtube channel  either from your computer, your smart TV, or your internet activated smartphone. 

The Sunday Mass schedules for Masses at St. Ann and Sacred Heart will remain as they have been, as will the weekday schedule. 

Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

With COVID restrictions somewhat relaxed, Sacred Heart again invites you from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  There are no specific number restrictions, but you must wear a mask the entire time and you must properly social space. 

Alternative to Vacation Bible School tradition at St. Ann

Since VBS cannot be held on the grounds of St. Ann this year due to COVID-19, we will be providing a "virtual VBS" for you and your family to participate in at your own convenience this summer! The link provided will allow you to take part in the program between now and the end of August. Coloring pages, music, videos, games, lessons, and more will be available through this link. We encourage you to set aside a week this summer to allow your kids to experience the program as closely as possible to how they would normally experience VBS in person. Although we wish we could be with all of you this year, we hope this helps you and your family grow closer to Jesus this summer while we are apart.  We look forward to seeing everyone for VBS in Summer 2021. 

Reflection on Scripture Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Today’s gospel makes it clear that commitment to Jesus must be complete and unwavering.  When I first entered the seminary (full time) in 1967, most of us, the first timers, were a bit homesick.  I still remember the reading before one of the meals was today’s gospel: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me.”   Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of the World.  He is not one of a company of religious men and women.  He is not an arbitrary choice among many choices.  Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. 

Many celebrities are fond of saying, “Well one religion is as good as another.”  This statement is a deliberate attempt to ridicule Jesus Christ.  The statement is tantamount to saying, ”There is no truth!   One lie is as good as another.”  Jesus is reminding us that if we acquiesce to the anti-religion celebrities, we are unworthy of salvation in Christ.

Next Week:  Fourteenth  Sunday in Ordinary Time     

Zac 9:9-10

Rom 8:9, 11-13

Mt. 11:25-30

Theme:    Simplicity is the mantle of truth!