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Browsing From the desk of Fr. Tharp

May 2, 2021 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Next Sunday: Sixth Sunday of Easter                              Fr. Schmitz

Infant Pre-Baptism Class

 

I have the Infant Pre-Baptism Class every second Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. in the basement of Sacred Heart Church. 

 

Beacons of Light

 

If you have access to the internet, go to https://catholicaoc.org/beacons-of-light or type Beacons of Light into your favorite search engine.  The Archdiocese has known we were facing a shortage of priests for the last forty years.    Now we need to use all the modern tools at our disposal and the power of the Holy Spirit to plan for our future of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.  This is why we must all participate as parishioners of our pastoral region in the Beacons of Light initiative, so we can look to the future with hope and trust in the Holy Spirit.

 

How will Beacons of Light work?  By gathering and analyzing demographic, sacramental, financial, and school data; while also considering the pastoral situations that affect life in our communities, the Archdiocese will be forming Families of Parishes in the cities, towns, rural communities and suburbs throughout our 19 counties in Southwest Ohio.   Eventually, there will be one priest pastor for every family; and eventually one canonical parish (juridic person) or family.

 

I encourage everyone to check this website out and pray for this important initiative. 

 

Communion on the Tongue

 

Because we are still obligated to fulfill COVID guidelines, if you wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, you must come to me (Fr. Tharp) ONLY; and you must be sure you are at the end of my line.  Please do not present yourselves to Fr. Schmitz or any of the Lay Eucharistic Ministers for communion on the tongue!  If on Sundays, you see that I am going to be at St. Ann, then you must come to St. Ann that Sunday if you want to receive ONLY on the tongue.  If on Sundays, you see that I am going to be at Sacred Heart, then you must come to Sacred Heart that Sunday if you want to receive ONLY on the tongue.  I always celebrate Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart and  5:15 p.m. at St. Ann every week. 

 

Live Streaming a precept Mass from St. Ann and Sacred Heart each week 

 

Live streaming will continue for the sick, shut-ins, and others unable to come to Mass.  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: Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

“I am the vine, you are the branches.”  This analogy is used by Jesus to indicate how grace comes our way; and how eternal life comes our way.  Jesus is the revelation of God the Father.  All life comes from the Father.  Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to us so we may have life in this world and life eternal.   But remember that it all flows through Jesus, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity; the Son of God.  No branch flowers and bears fruit unless it is attached to the vine.  Jesus Christ is our only source, our only hope for salvation.  Jesus gives us the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist so we can bear good fruit.  Years ago, I was an assistant to the pastor in a parish church in which one power source breaker powered all the lights in the church.  First you turned on the master switch which powered all the rheostats which turned on all the banks of lights throughput the church.  First you turned on the master; then you turned on the lights you chose. 

 

Jesus is the only power source.  If we do not turn on the master switch, we cannot evangelize anyone as we have not power.  When you receive Holy Communion today, think of Jesus coming into your heart and powering all the rheostats so you can share his light with all you meet. 

 

Next WeekSixth Sunday of Easter (Mother’s Day)

 

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

1 John 4:7-10

John 15:9-17

 

Theme:  Followers of Christ are not “servants” but “family.”

 

 

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