I hope everyone would agree (either strongly or not as strongly) that in our daily lives we sometimes take for granted the blessings that come from God and the acts of charity that are done for us and by us for others. In other words, we fail to give thanks FIRST to God from whom all belssings flow, and then to others for their efforts, especially when those efforts go "above and beyond" what is normally done.
I don't want this to happen after two recent "happenings." The first was the extra effort that was expended by so many to have three funeral Masses here over a period of two consecutive days and receptions for all three!! Firstly, to the Guilds of Lady's of the Sacred Heart who worked together to pull off nice receptions for all three funerals, including coming in after the luncheon the Knights had, after a fourth degree exemplification on Saturday. I also say "Thank You" to the coordinators and volunteers in our bereavement ministry, our altar servers, lectors, as well as the office staff that puts together the programs. With Lynne on vacation, Maureen Morgan agreed to be the cantor for all three funeral Masses with the instrumental help of Ellen Nagode. Larry Gremillion agreed to be the "livestream technician" for all three funerals and though we still have some technical difficulties in the production end of this effort, I know the families truly appreciated the effort he put forth. Finally, there was the efforts of our plant manager Danny Elser, who had to do so much in set up and clean-up to make all of this happen (including the 4th degree exemplification on Saturday in the lower hall)! Most of all I applaud and five thanks to God for how all of these people came together and worked together for the glory of God and to help the families of the loved ones whose funerals we had. Add to all this the flower ceremony by our Ladies of the Sacred Heart for deceased members or spouses of their members and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard of our 4th degree assembly (who due to my negligence had to get honor guard members on short notice to commit to one of these funerals) and I know what can happen when faith-filled servants of the Lord come together to do the work of the Lord and who put into action one of the beatitudes "Blest are those who mourn for they will be comforted."
The second happening was the Catholic Charities fundraising golf outing that took place at Diamante Country Club this past Monday. I don't have room to acknowledge all those OF SACRED HEART parish that worked together as players, volunteers and financial donors who made the day enjoyable and also one of the most successful in terms of money made for the year-round efforts of Catholic Charities of Arkansas to help many who are in need. Let me quickly sneak in one name, Murray Claassen, our parishioner and current Grand Knight of our Knight's Council who worked hard on getting and coordinating parish volunteers. THANK YOU, Murray and than all of you for your efforts!!!
I don't want this to happen after two recent "happenings." The first was the extra effort that was expended by so many to have three funeral Masses here over a period of two consecutive days and receptions for all three!! Firstly, to the Guilds of Lady's of the Sacred Heart who worked together to pull off nice receptions for all three funerals, including coming in after the luncheon the Knights had, after a fourth degree exemplification on Saturday. I also say "Thank You" to the coordinators and volunteers in our bereavement ministry, our altar servers, lectors, as well as the office staff that puts together the programs. With Lynne on vacation, Maureen Morgan agreed to be the cantor for all three funeral Masses with the instrumental help of Ellen Nagode. Larry Gremillion agreed to be the "livestream technician" for all three funerals and though we still have some technical difficulties in the production end of this effort, I know the families truly appreciated the effort he put forth. Finally, there was the efforts of our plant manager Danny Elser, who had to do so much in set up and clean-up to make all of this happen (including the 4th degree exemplification on Saturday in the lower hall)! Most of all I applaud and five thanks to God for how all of these people came together and worked together for the glory of God and to help the families of the loved ones whose funerals we had. Add to all this the flower ceremony by our Ladies of the Sacred Heart for deceased members or spouses of their members and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard of our 4th degree assembly (who due to my negligence had to get honor guard members on short notice to commit to one of these funerals) and I know what can happen when faith-filled servants of the Lord come together to do the work of the Lord and who put into action one of the beatitudes "Blest are those who mourn for they will be comforted."
The second happening was the Catholic Charities fundraising golf outing that took place at Diamante Country Club this past Monday. I don't have room to acknowledge all those OF SACRED HEART parish that worked together as players, volunteers and financial donors who made the day enjoyable and also one of the most successful in terms of money made for the year-round efforts of Catholic Charities of Arkansas to help many who are in need. Let me quickly sneak in one name, Murray Claassen, our parishioner and current Grand Knight of our Knight's Council who worked hard on getting and coordinating parish volunteers. THANK YOU, Murray and than all of you for your efforts!!!