After reading the variety of articles and depth of some of the material in the Arkansas Catholic newspaper of our diocese, each week, I give thanks to God that we have such a quality publication; and I pray that more of our Catholics will take advantage of receiving and reading the publication.  (Subscription cards are available year round in one of the slots in our two information tables in the narthex and in the hallway leading to the Education and Administration wing of our parish complex.)

This past week's Arkansas Catholic reported on a new publication that was authored by Pope Francis, which has in it, 30 key questions that the Pope encourages Catholics to ponder as an examination of conscience that will hopefully lead Catholics to "confess well."  A couple of these include: "Do I only turn to God when I'm in need?  Do I begin and end the day with prayer?  Am I embarrassed to show that I am a Christian?"  I will ask Linda to include more of Pope Francis' questions for an examination of conscience in future bulletins.

Again, please note that I am offering opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the weekday Masses from 8:20-8:40 a.m., on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (please note the change due to Mass starting at 5:00 p.m.), and on Tuesdays during Lent from 4:30-5:00 p.m.

The saga of the changing Mass schedule at Sacred Heart Church is almost over.  Starting next weekend, the Saturday Mass change happens because we will have returned, by then, to Daylight Savings Time. The Sunday Mass returns to 10:00 a.m. after a survey was taken of those who attend the second Mass on Sunday and, discussion about the issue at the last Pastoral Council meeting.  While there are reasons given for both mass times (10:00 and 10:30 a.m.), it seems to me that the most adamant people were those who preferred the earlier time (10:00).  Personally, I can work with either time, and we will make the religious education classes for our children work on Sunday as it is clear that Wednesday evening doesn't work well for the attention and participation of our youngest children.  I pray we can move on from this issue quickly and strive to come together and work together in the name of Jesus and for His honor and glory.

If you didn't receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation furing our parish mission, know that there are many more opportunities to do so.  I am in the Reconciliation Room during Lent on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30-5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 2:30-3:30 p.m.  Come and receive the mercy and peace of the Lord!

We are blessed to have Father Victor (Vic) Karls, who has been giving parish missions for overy 20 years, with us for a Lenten Mission starting this Sunday, March 1, at 6:00 p.m.  The mission will continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with the same talk being given at 9:45 a.m. (after morning Mass) and 6:00 p.m.  Pick the time that works best for you each day.  Note that the Tuesday talks will be followed by an opportunity for the individual reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the morning and evening with area priests helping with the sacrament.  The final talks on Wednesday will  be followed by a food and drink reception.

Please come for as much of the mission as you can.  Any time you can attend offers the potential for much growth and many blessings from The Lord for yourself and our faith community.  Also note that a collection will be taken up on Wednesday for the support of the Redemptorist Priests and their missionary efforts. Please be generous!