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Browsing From the desk of Fr. Tharp

May 29, 2022 - Feast of the Ascension

Next Sunday:  Feast of Pentecost                            Celebrant :  Fr. Tharp

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 am cautiously optimistic with the emphasis on “cautious.”

 

Time of Beacons of Light Listening Sessions

 

Oops!!!  Please note that the listening sessions will start at 6:30 p.m. not at 7:00 p.m.

 

Listening sessions will be run by our Pastoral Council representative for the Hamilton Deanery, Mr. Mike Wolf.  The listening session for Sacred Heart will take place in Fellowship Hall on June 8th at 6:30 p.m.  The listening session for St. Ann will take place in the cafeteria on June 23 at 6:30 p.m.  After consultation with the experts in this process, I have decided that it would be better for me not to attend these listening sessions, as the presence of the pastor can make some parishioners less comfortable or restricted in offering their opinions.  Therefore, my being absent from these meetings in no way diminishes my support for the listening process.  Rather, my absence is intended to avoid any obstacle that might be an impediment to openness and candor. 

 

Remember that the Beacons process is unflinchingly committed to the “principle of subsidiarity.”  The only “top down” decision that has been made by the Archbishop is that, since St. Ann and Sacred Heart have worked well together as a “Pastoral Region” for the past ten years; from now on the parishes will begin the process of determining how (for the long term future) one priest will be able to serve the needs of both worshipping communities as “one family.”  THESE DECISIONS WILL NOT BE MADE BY THE ARCHBISHOP OR BY ME!  The decisions will be made by the parishioners who make up the FAMILY.  

 

The principal of subsidiarity requires that every parishioner voice be heard.  Parishioner concerns are legitimized by the very fact that you have a vested interest as a “parishioner.”  Everyone in a “Family” has to have a voice. 

 

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:

The Feast of the Ascension signals the Church coming to maturity.  Jesus does not abandon us.  Rather, he shows us we can become self-contained “alter Christi.”   The acronym SCUBA stands for: “Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.”   It frees the diver from being tethered to an air hose pumping air from the surface.  When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, we become “self-contained.”    The Father bestowed the grace of God upon Adam and Eve, but they forfeited their godliness by engaging in the first sin.  Jesus forgives our sins from the Cross, and filled with the Holy Spirit invites us to live in God and let God live in us. 

At the Easter Vigil when we sing the Exsultet, we say: “O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!”   Jesus must leave the physical world so God’s plan can be fulfilled in in the Holy Spirit in Pentecost.   Jesus fulfills his Divine Destiny by ascending to the Father.  On Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Spirit lifting us from the temporal to the eternal. 

NEXT WEEK (Pentecost) 

Acts 2:1-11

Eph 12:3b-7, 12-13

Jn 20:19-23

 

Theme:  Come Holy Spirit come!

 

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