This past Tuesday, we ended the morning Mass by singing "Let There Be Peace On Earth." Afterwards, I went to my office and found the latest issue of the Arkansas Catholic newspaper, and came upon an article about the death of Father Daniel Barrigan (94 years old) who, as a Jesuit priest, was an outspoken advocate for justice and peace, especially in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. During those years, Father Barrigan took on the heavy burden of "peacemaking" in various ways, including speaking out against United Sates military involvement in Vietnam in a rally in a Protestant Church in New York City. His strong voice against the proliferation of nuclear weapons led to actions which landed him before courts and into prison on more than one occasion.
Reading about Father Barrigan and his courageous words and actions reminded me of my uncle, Father Joseph Biltz who, no doubt, was inspired by Father Barrigan and others to speak out and act in the cause of justice and peace in our diocese that led him to face much opposition, persecution and even arrest on a few occasions of protest. In the case of both priests, they were, at times, shunned and criticized by fellow priests and lay people as they stayed steadfast in what they were doing.
As we celebrate Pentecost this weekend, and the coming of the Holy Spirit that led the apostles to be fearless preachers of the truth, I give thanks for those who have followed in their footsteps, like Father Barrigan and Father Biltz, ready to face the consequences of their actions and always the inner peace of knowing that they were being faithful to the Gospel and to Jesus Christ.
The song I mentiond at the start of this column begins with these words: "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. . . ." May we all strive to let the Holy Spirit work in us and through us to be ambassadors of peace, justice, mercy and love in ways that give honor and glory to God and that brings us, one day, to the joy and peace of God's Eternal Kingdom.
Reading about Father Barrigan and his courageous words and actions reminded me of my uncle, Father Joseph Biltz who, no doubt, was inspired by Father Barrigan and others to speak out and act in the cause of justice and peace in our diocese that led him to face much opposition, persecution and even arrest on a few occasions of protest. In the case of both priests, they were, at times, shunned and criticized by fellow priests and lay people as they stayed steadfast in what they were doing.
As we celebrate Pentecost this weekend, and the coming of the Holy Spirit that led the apostles to be fearless preachers of the truth, I give thanks for those who have followed in their footsteps, like Father Barrigan and Father Biltz, ready to face the consequences of their actions and always the inner peace of knowing that they were being faithful to the Gospel and to Jesus Christ.
The song I mentiond at the start of this column begins with these words: "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. . . ." May we all strive to let the Holy Spirit work in us and through us to be ambassadors of peace, justice, mercy and love in ways that give honor and glory to God and that brings us, one day, to the joy and peace of God's Eternal Kingdom.
"Sing a new song to the Lord . . ." comes from one of the Psalms and tells us that we are ALL called to sing to the Lord in praise, thanksgiving and in petition. Some feel they don't have a voice that justifies singing out loud and some have a voice that is such that they should sing out loudly for the Lord and other people to hear. We are always looking for people to serve as cantors and/or part of one of our choirs. I will leave the rest of my pastor's column to a plea from our Music Director and choir leader, Lynne Border, and pray that some of you will pray about this, step forward and call Lynne. Many will be blessed by your gift.
Lynne says: With the summer rapidly approaching, the Sacred Heart Sunday Choir will soon be taking some well deserved time off. But that doesn't mean we stop singing! Just like the Servers and Extraordinary Ministers, the Music Ministry has lost several Cantors recently due to illness and relocation. So, we are in need of some willing volunteers to act as Cantors - Leaders of Song. While the ministry does require some solo singing, the most important part is announcing the hymn numbers and getting the congregation started during the hymn and sung parts of the Mass. We would love to work with you, to bring you along at your own pace, and to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
We have a need at both the 8:00 a.m. Mass and the 10:00 a.m. Mass, and are very flexible in working with your schedule. If you have an interest, please contact Lynne Border at 922-2062, extension 13, or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lynne says: With the summer rapidly approaching, the Sacred Heart Sunday Choir will soon be taking some well deserved time off. But that doesn't mean we stop singing! Just like the Servers and Extraordinary Ministers, the Music Ministry has lost several Cantors recently due to illness and relocation. So, we are in need of some willing volunteers to act as Cantors - Leaders of Song. While the ministry does require some solo singing, the most important part is announcing the hymn numbers and getting the congregation started during the hymn and sung parts of the Mass. We would love to work with you, to bring you along at your own pace, and to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
We have a need at both the 8:00 a.m. Mass and the 10:00 a.m. Mass, and are very flexible in working with your schedule. If you have an interest, please contact Lynne Border at 922-2062, extension 13, or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As I write this column, I am preparing to attend the annual state convention of the Knights of Columbus in Hot Springs this weekend, and I'm reflecting on the Church's liturgical calendar.
This Sunday is the first of May which is traditionally the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, but because it falls on a Sunday, it is being celebrated on the sixth Sunday of Easter. May is also the month of Mary, a time when we give special attention to Mary through May crowning and other devotions. In addition, the Knights of Columbus are promoting a "Building the Domestic Church" program which focuses on the family and what we can do to strengthen the family in all areas, including, and maybe especially, spiritual life.
In the future, I pray that many parishes will give special attention to the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, Joseph) and have a weekend in which everyone at Mass prays a "Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family" which comes from the Knights of Columbus. While the month of May would seem to be ideal to do this, it may actually take place sometime in the months ahead. Let's keep Mary and Joseph in our minds and hearts not only in May, but throughout the year and throughout our lives as we seek to follow the example of their holy lives and ask for their intercession for many needs, including the protection and promotion of family life in a world that needs, stable, holy families. It wasn't that long ago that Pope Francis was in Philadelphia promoting the family, and it is wonderful and fruitful whenever we do the same.
This Sunday is the first of May which is traditionally the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, but because it falls on a Sunday, it is being celebrated on the sixth Sunday of Easter. May is also the month of Mary, a time when we give special attention to Mary through May crowning and other devotions. In addition, the Knights of Columbus are promoting a "Building the Domestic Church" program which focuses on the family and what we can do to strengthen the family in all areas, including, and maybe especially, spiritual life.
In the future, I pray that many parishes will give special attention to the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, Joseph) and have a weekend in which everyone at Mass prays a "Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family" which comes from the Knights of Columbus. While the month of May would seem to be ideal to do this, it may actually take place sometime in the months ahead. Let's keep Mary and Joseph in our minds and hearts not only in May, but throughout the year and throughout our lives as we seek to follow the example of their holy lives and ask for their intercession for many needs, including the protection and promotion of family life in a world that needs, stable, holy families. It wasn't that long ago that Pope Francis was in Philadelphia promoting the family, and it is wonderful and fruitful whenever we do the same.