This Respect Life Month is a month of prayer, action and reflection. We gather at church and at other places to pray for a change of mind, heart, and action in those who do not respect the gift of human life that comes from God. We act by supporting agencies and clinics that promote human life. We also act by writing our elected officials to express the truth that life is precious from the moment of conception until natural death. Finally, we spend time reflecting on the teachings of our faith on various life issues like those pamphlets that are provided on the Respect Life table in our narthex. It's a busy month. I pray that you will busy yourselves with some, if not all, of these opportunities.
Recently someone asked if we include parishioners who celebrate birthdays in the Prayer of the Faithful at the Masses during the week as we do on the weekend. The answer is yes. I chose to do this at all Masses as a means to be more "personal" in a parish that is large and therefore challenged to be "personal" in the ministries and activities that are done here. If a parishioner for some reason does not want to be prayed for by name on his or her birthday, please let me know by phone or through my e-mail address, and I will respect your wishes. Speaking of birthdays, I want to thank all of those who remembered my birthday last week through spoken words, songs, cards and/or gifts. God bless you for your thoughtfulness to me.
Most of us have had the experience of someone coming to our home and asking to come in to speak to us about God and the beliefs of his (or her) faith tradition. This is one way to literally "bring" the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. There are, of course, other ways to do this. We can invite people to our home in the hopes that they will respond to our invitation.
On Sunday, October 9, we hope that people whom you have invited and encouraged, will come to our home, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, to see and hear what the Catholic Church is all about and perhaps find a new faith home with us. This happens from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will include representatives from parish organizations and ministries. Refreshments will also be served. This is one way that we all can reach out with the good news of The Lord and His church to others. This open house is for anyone and includes those who may have left the practice of the Catholic faith.
On Sunday, October 9, we hope that people whom you have invited and encouraged, will come to our home, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, to see and hear what the Catholic Church is all about and perhaps find a new faith home with us. This happens from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will include representatives from parish organizations and ministries. Refreshments will also be served. This is one way that we all can reach out with the good news of The Lord and His church to others. This open house is for anyone and includes those who may have left the practice of the Catholic faith.