Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
I believe everyone would agree with me that there is a difference between an announcement and an invitation.  Our bulletin contains both each week.  Invitations in the bulletin bring with them encouragement to participate in happenings here in the parish and elsewhere.  I want to take the time to invite (encourage) participation by all parishioners in two future happenings, our annual Mass of Remembrance on December 3 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the Lower Hall and our Advent Parish Mission on December 7-9 given by a Vincentian Father, Ron Hoyle. In the case of the Mass of Remembrance, we will be lifting up to the Lord, deceased relatives of our parishioners who died in this past year.  This includes parishioners of Sacred Heart, as well as family members of our parishioners who died elsewhere.  This Mass will give all parishioners the chance to pray for the deceased and to offer support to those who have lost their loved ones.  I believe you will find it worthwhile to attend.

I also want to encourage all parishioners to participate in our Advent Mission.  As a prelude to the mission, Father Hoyle will preach at all the weekend Masses on December 5 and 6.  He will then be giving a talk of no more than 50 minutes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after the 9:00 a.m. Mass (around 9:45 a.m.), and will repeat the talk each evening at 6:00 p.m. (except December 8 when the talk will be given after the Holyday Mass of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which begins at 6:00 p.m.)

Right now I am planning to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Mission before all the morning Masses and before the evening talks, and for a time after each talk in the evening.  Father Hoyle, Father Mike and myself will hopefully be available during those times.  Given all these times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will NOT have an Advent Reconciliation Service this year.  Additional times to receive this Sacrament in the first few weeks of the Jubilee Year of Mercy will be offered before we get to Christmas.

I ask that you try to set aside these dates and times and commit to make the Mission and, if possible, the Mass of Remembrance.  They will both be wonderful ways to prepare spiritually for the great feast of the Incarnation at Christmas.

I hope you will cut out and save this Pastor's Corner as a reminder AND encouragement of your participation.  Also, PLEASE invite anyone you know who has been lax in or has discontinued the practice of the Catholic faith.  I believe the Year of Mercy might bring some back to the Church and strengthen our own commitment to the Lord and His Church.