Next Sunday:  First Sunday of Advent     Celebrant:  Fr. Tharp        

Beacons of Light  Phase Two

We are now moving into Phase Two which is “Visioning.”  We will use this time to discern goals and create teams.  We will explore opportunities for the parish to reach out in faith into a broader scope of community.  We can pinpoint the purposes for our stewardship efforts and consider new ways to structure into cost centers which could pinpoint purpose and enhance revenue sources.  We will marginalize the maintenance of the impractical and highlight the opportunities for purposeful expansion.  We will seek to redefine the pathway and reaffirm priorities.  All this must be done is the context of practicality and feasibility.  We will look for opportunities to expand, not just maintain.  Please watch for discussion sessions that peak your interest as we move forward through this discernment process.

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

Barring the unforeseen, the Wednesday evening Mass will be live streamed at 7:00 p.m.  Saturday evening Mass at Sacred Heart and Sunday morning at St. Ann will also be live streamed.

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 story of the final judgment in Matthew 25 is filled with symbols.  The sheep are on the right, goats on the left.  The left hand is looked upon as the source of the sinister.  The “dextera” or right hand is the hand doing good or exhibiting dexterity.  (My mother was left handed and despised the meaning of the two words.)    Sheep are able to be herded and controlled.  Goats are given to recalcitrant behavior.  The sheep go off to Heaven because they learned to show love for God by care for others.  The goats of course went to Hell because they did not care for anyone but themselves.   Their selfishness was their undoing.

This parable is often referred to as the basis for “Social Gospel.”   You cannot do a favor for God!  God does not need our favors.  But we can show love for God by caring for one another.   The message of the scripture this feast of Christ the King is, “If you want to show love for God, cast aside selfishness and show your love for God by caring for his humanity. 

NEXT WEEK   First Sunday of Advent

Is 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7

1 Cor 1:3-9

Mk 13:33-37

Theme: Keep watch