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Browsing From the desk of Fr. Tharp

September 26, 2021 - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Next Sunday: Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Celebrant : Fr. Tharp

October 3 is Respect Life Sunday


The grace of the Holy Spirit poured out on creation brings life. If life is a direct
reflection of God, then human life must be most worthy of respect. We see this
evidenced in the Decalogue and throughout Sacred Scripture. If life is an extension of
God’s creative force, it is only logical to worship the Creator by respecting his creation.
This theme will permeate the worship on Respect Life Sunday.


New Letter from Archbishop Schnurr


Copies of Archbishop Schnurr’s letter dated September 17 are available at the doors of
church. This new letter explains the opportunity every parishioner has to offer feedback
to the Archdiocese regarding the reveal of the “Family” groupings of parishes to be made
public on October 1, 2021. Please take a copy of the letter so you have the precise
procedure for offering your reaction to the plan after it is revealed on October 1.
Please reference the Beacons of Light web page for the most up-to-date information
at: https://catholicaoc.org/beacons-of-light.


RCIA begins on Wednesday, October 6


Remember to invite anyone interested to the first RCIA meeting on Wednesday, October
6 in the basement of Sacred Heart Church at 7:00 p.m. Please take one of the schedules
available at the Church doors.


Blessing of Animals in honor of Feast of St. Francis


At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, we will have the annual blessing of pet animals in the
west parking lot of Sacred Heart Church. Please do not bring animals you cannot control
or animals which might pose a risk to other pets. Families should socially space from
other families with their pets; even if you are sure your dog won’t harm another family
pet. Keeping the pets away from each other is a great way to make the blessing more
peaceful and uneventful. Also please do not put your elderly pet at risk by placing them
in a stressful situation. We do not want any pet or person to suffer ill effects from being
in close proximity to other animals or even people. Remember, your pet can receive the
blessing “remotely” if you simply bring a picture of the pet to the event. I will bless the
picture. Remember that I like most all animals (except for certain insects and poisonous
reptiles) because of my rural roots. Some people may be fearful of a pet because of its
size or demeanor. In other words, use common sense and make this a happy experience
of seeing God in all his creation.

Attention parish or school volunteers who work with or around children


Are you aware that the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has moved all parishes and schools
from using the “Virtus” Child Protection program to the “Safe Parish” program? If you
are a volunteer classroom parent in the school, a coach, drama club volunteer, scout
volunteer, etc please note that you should have received new content via your email.
Fulfillment of this requirement is mandatory for anyone working with children. Please
contact your parish safe environment coordination if you are uncertain whether you are
registered or approved.


As we have returned to school and fall programs ramp up, 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 a precept Mass from St. Ann and Sacred Heart each week


Since I live stream both the 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart and the 5:15 p.m. at St. Ann; I
usually manage to live stream both, but on rare occasions the internet is out at one or the
other location. If this happens, be assured that I will make every effort to correct the
malfunction bfore the next weekend.
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:


Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration to make a point. “It’s raining cats and dogs!” means
it is raining profusely. It does not mean that small animals are falling from the sky. In
today’s gospel selection, Jesus uses exaggeration to make a point. However, the teaching
is not contained in the literal meaning of the exaggeration. Rather the meaning is to
clarify the seriousness of the message by analogy. So when Jesus says, “If your hand
causes you to sin, cut it off!” Jesus is not suggesting self-mutilation. Rather he is saying,
“Get your priorities straight.” Even the most serious physical disadvantage pales in
comparison to eternal damnation.


In today’s gospel message, Jesus is telling his disciples that procedures may vary, while
the intention is what counts. The proclamation of God’s word is more important than the
proclaimer. Who of us would reject water offered to us on a parched desert, because we
could not abide the clash of color between our clothes and the color of the canteen
containing the life giving water? Color coordination is fine, but hydration is more
important for life.


Therefore put Jesus first and foremost;, and everything else will find its place in your
priority determinations.

Next Week: Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time


Gn 2:18-24
Heb 2:9-11
Mk 10:2-16


Theme: The Sacrament of Matrimony

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