From the Desk of Father Tharp
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Next Week Sunday Morning Masses August 25, 2019 Celebrant: Fr. Schmitz
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RCIA and RCIC
RCIA / RCIC (Convert) Classes begin Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the basement of Sacred Heart Church. Scheduled are available at the doors of the church. Remember that this program is for the St. Ann and Sacred Heart Pastoral Region.
Archbishop’s letter on Immigration
Copies of the Archbishop’s statement on immigration issues are available at the doors. We would have put this letter in the bulletin, but it was already filled by the time we received the copy.
Business Manager Position
For the next three months, St. Ann Parish Council is investigating the possibility of Julie, our parish secretary, taking on some of the bookkeeping work, and asking the current Business Manager at Sacred Heart to provide oversight for accounting compliance for both parishes in the Pastoral Region. We believe this will provide cost savings and efficiencies. I will keep you informed.
Reflection on Scripture
When my father was teaching me to use the “stick welder” (arc welder) he would show me how to run a bead, and then stop and chip off the slag. When you chip the hot slag off, it goes in your hair, ears, down you collar, etc. To put it mildly, it is not comfortable. Nevertheless, when I would ask my father WHY? There had to be this cumbersome slag to chip off, he simply said, “That is the way it will always be.”
Of all the major and minor prophets in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is my favorite. The scriptures today remind us that: “There is no shame in being persecuted.” But why does a prophet face persecution? To quote my father, “That is the way it will always be.” Jesus warns us beforehand to expect to be uncomfortable. Jeremiah was thrown in a cistern. Jesus was nailed to a cross.
In some circles of today’s world it has become fashionable to persecute those who follow traditional Christian moral principles. It is incumbent on us to remain faithful. Instead of worrying about it, just look at these situations and say, “That is the way it will always be.”
Next Weekend: Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 66:18-21
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
Luke 13:22-30
Theme: The narrow gate!