Pentecost Sunday was indeed special at Sacred Heart Curch last weekend as we were so very blessed to be able to celebrate Mass for people in the church and in the parking lot. While I, and I hope many of you are missing the music that is normally such an important part of the celebration of the Eucharist (for the sake of a shorter Mass) and the difficulty of singing with a mask on. I have been pleased so far in the number of people who have been participating in Mass in person at Sacred Heart (as well as those who continue to participate through social media). I cannot say I am that surprised because I have long recognized and continually give thanks to God that we have such faith-filled people who love the Lord and who want to come together and be together for the celebration of Mass on the weekends EVEN in these times when participation in Mass is not obligatory.
I especially want to thank our liturgical ministers who are assisting either at the indoor or the parking lot Masses, our outdoor crew who helps to get everyone parked for Mass (under the leadership of Jeff Silk) and Cathy Silk who works both indoors and on the weekend outdoors to keep the enviornment safe and sanitized as well as heading up the effort to make the outdoor Mass audio-friendly for those who come. When I think about all the challenges that faced the apostle and the early church as they sought to spread the Good News of the Gospel to every corner of the earth, our challenges pale in comparison, yet the Lord's work continues to be done in this parish in the Church, in our parking lot and in other places and ways through charitable and humble servants of the Lord.
I also want to take time to thank those who continue their monetary stewardship to our parish in the ways that are provided for you to give. Please look at the bulletin announcement this weekend about the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal and the fact that 248 families have already contributed over $70,000 toward our goal of $83,900. While I fear many parishes will fall far short of their goal because of the challenges of dealing with COVID-19 (and some ministries in our diocese suffer because of it), I hope that those of you from our parish who have not made a contribution to this most worthy cause will do so soon or at least by the end of the calendar year. The Pentecost Spirit is alive and well in this parish and I pray all of us know and feel that Spirit, especially in these trying times!
I especially want to thank our liturgical ministers who are assisting either at the indoor or the parking lot Masses, our outdoor crew who helps to get everyone parked for Mass (under the leadership of Jeff Silk) and Cathy Silk who works both indoors and on the weekend outdoors to keep the enviornment safe and sanitized as well as heading up the effort to make the outdoor Mass audio-friendly for those who come. When I think about all the challenges that faced the apostle and the early church as they sought to spread the Good News of the Gospel to every corner of the earth, our challenges pale in comparison, yet the Lord's work continues to be done in this parish in the Church, in our parking lot and in other places and ways through charitable and humble servants of the Lord.
I also want to take time to thank those who continue their monetary stewardship to our parish in the ways that are provided for you to give. Please look at the bulletin announcement this weekend about the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal and the fact that 248 families have already contributed over $70,000 toward our goal of $83,900. While I fear many parishes will fall far short of their goal because of the challenges of dealing with COVID-19 (and some ministries in our diocese suffer because of it), I hope that those of you from our parish who have not made a contribution to this most worthy cause will do so soon or at least by the end of the calendar year. The Pentecost Spirit is alive and well in this parish and I pray all of us know and feel that Spirit, especially in these trying times!