Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
When one thinks of "holiday" gift giving, the word Christmas is what usually comes to mind.  The Easter holiday (and holy day for us who are Catholic) is not one in which gifts are normally given (except candy and eggs).  However, this year Sacred Heart Parish is giving a gift to those who wish to receive it, a copy (in book form) of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel."  Please don't be hesitant to read it because of concern (or even fear) that it is "over your head."  Pope Francis writes as he comes across in public, easy-going and down-to-earth.  He is clear about the releveance and importance of the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.  I hope this will be good "Easter Season" reading, and that it will inspire a greater love for the Crucified and Risen Lord Jesus Christ and convince us of where true and lasting joy can be found.  Please note that sometime in the future (perhaps summer or fall), we plan on offering a six-week study on the Apostolic Exhortation for any and all who wish to participate.

Remember this Easter Season, we are offering an interesting and informative, six-week Scripture study on the Eucharist in the Bible.  Come join us starting this week, either on Wednesday or Thursday at 9:45 a.m. or on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
I write this Pastor's corner on the solemnity of St. Joseph.  Among many things to ponder about St. Joseph is his privilege of being present for the Birth of the Savior of the world, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  Of course, in modern times, there are countless fathers who attest to the privilege and joy of being present at the birth of their child or children into the world.  It can be said, I believe, that delivery rooms in general are filled with joy with those who witness the miracle of new birth into our world.  So, too, Catholic Churches throughout the world on the holiest night of the year (the Easter Vigil), are filled (or usually not) with joy-filled people who are privileged to witness the birth of adopted sons and daughters of God through the life-giving water of Baptism.  Since this year we have two people, Junior Wilkens and Ted Giraud, who will be Baptized, Confirmed and receive their first Holy Communion, I pray that you will choose to join us at 8:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday night (April 4) and support these two men while also renewing the vows of your own Baptism when you received new life in and through the power and presence of the Holy Trinity.

The Church invites all Catholics to join in an annual observance of the Paschal Mystery by participating in the liturgical and prayer gatherings from Holy Thursday evening (after the "Feast Before the Fast" in our parish hall) until Easter Sunday evening prayer which concludes the Easter Triduum.  Time given in this regard will be blessed time, and I believe will lead to many blessings for our parish and all who participate.  PLEASE make the attending of our primary liturgies (Holy Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Good Friday, 6:30 p.m., and Easter Vigil, 8:00 p.m.) a priority for you and your family in the HOLIEST week of the year!
There are many reasons why I feel blessed every day to be the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.  The list starts with the faith-filled, active people that we have here in this wonderful parish and it includes all of the ministries and activities that are going on regularly here.  I am especially impressed by the ongoing charity and charitable spirit that is alive in so many people and in so many ways here at Sacred Heart Church.

I hope you looked at the insert in last week's bulletin which gave a breakdown of the amount of money that was given in the calendar year 2014 to needy organizations and ministires (a total of $365,774!), as well as the beneficiaries of this charitable giving and the breakdown of who raised and/or collected these funds.  What isn't quantified is the number of hours donated and worked by the members of the Knights of Columbus ($61,726), the Men's Club ($7,200), and the Ladies of the Sacred Heart ($11,200) that produced the amount of money that was given to so many charitable causes.  While so many of you were generous in a monetary way to at least some of the "causes" that were put before you here at Sacred Heart Church in the year 2014, I am impressed and thankful for those who gave of the stewardship of their time and talent (including those on our Social Justice and Charitable Commission and our Family Assistance Committee) that shows how many good-hearted, charitable, Christ-like people we have here in this parish.  I pray that they will be inspired to continue such efforts and lead others to join them in monetary support and time given to our active organizations here at Sacred Heart Church.

Please continue contributing to your Rice Bowls to benefit the needy through Catholic Relief Services for the rest of Lent and be prepared to return them (if possible) on Holy Thursday (April 2) or over the first few weekends of the Easter Season.