I am aware of some parishes that audio tape the Sunday homily, and make it available to shut-in parishioners who cannot make it to church. Those of you who get the Arkansas Catholic newspaper each week, know that they usually print Bishop Taylor's homily from a previous Sunday. I am considering how best to make available the homilies from our weekend Masses to people who are shut-in and/or heard it at Mass and want to reflect further on what was said. Perhaps our parish website (hsvsacredheart.com) would be the best way to do this. I must admit that I rarely write out my homilies, so this may be a challenge for me on a regular basis. I did in fact write out my homily from July 19/20 and will find a way to get it on the website soon.
In this homily I quoted the Pope and the bishops from the Middle East on the need for peaceful resolution and long term solutions to the ongoing tensions there. I also spoke on the Gospel that calls us to reach out in a Christ-like way to those young immigrants from Central America who have come to our country in dangerous conditions to escape poverty and/or violence in their homeland or to reunite with family members who are already in this country. Again I quoted from the Pope on this issue. I realize this is a tough and complex issue that needs some real changes of attitude and actions in our country and in the countries of origin of these young people.
One thing that I want to say here, that I didn't say in my homily, is that we need to generally avoid a "border mentality" as Christians and always strive to have a Christ-like mentality and heart when it comes to anyone in need, especially those who are weak and vulnerable.
I did, in my homily, encourage at least one thing we can do as followers of Christ. Give to "Save the Children" which is reaching out to help the children of God along the southern border of our country and in other places around the world. Search on Google, "Save the Children" to see how you can donate. The phone is 1-800-728-3843; their address is 501 Kings Highway E, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825.
In this homily I quoted the Pope and the bishops from the Middle East on the need for peaceful resolution and long term solutions to the ongoing tensions there. I also spoke on the Gospel that calls us to reach out in a Christ-like way to those young immigrants from Central America who have come to our country in dangerous conditions to escape poverty and/or violence in their homeland or to reunite with family members who are already in this country. Again I quoted from the Pope on this issue. I realize this is a tough and complex issue that needs some real changes of attitude and actions in our country and in the countries of origin of these young people.
One thing that I want to say here, that I didn't say in my homily, is that we need to generally avoid a "border mentality" as Christians and always strive to have a Christ-like mentality and heart when it comes to anyone in need, especially those who are weak and vulnerable.
I did, in my homily, encourage at least one thing we can do as followers of Christ. Give to "Save the Children" which is reaching out to help the children of God along the southern border of our country and in other places around the world. Search on Google, "Save the Children" to see how you can donate. The phone is 1-800-728-3843; their address is 501 Kings Highway E, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825.
There is an old song whose first verse says: "Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found." God is present in our daily acts of love and charity.
I am blessed to see regular acts of charity here at Sacred Heart Church through people who weekly bring food or give monetary donations to support the efforts of Jackson House to feed the hungry in our community. I see charity in action through the monetary gifts that are given to the monthly second collection that helps people in needy circumstances throughout the world. I see charity in those who support and give to the fundraising activities of our Knights of Columbus, Men's Club and Ladies of the Sacred Heart throughout the year. I see charity in what our parish gives to organizations in the Catholic Church and ouside the Catholic Church through some of the money that you give as stewardship to our parish.
This year's church budget has set aside, in addition to the amount that will be given to a variety of charities, $10,000 to be used to help individuals and families in the parish and outside the parish who are facing difficult or even dire circumstances and cannot meet their needs totally on their own. A sub-committee of the Social Justice and Charitable Outreach Commission of our parish will do the legwork in deciding who to help and how much from these funds to use for each family who is in need.
Our loving God is present to us and through us in so many ways. Let us all rejoice, not only in the finances, but also in the time and talent that is being given by so many in our parish to help those in need. God bless you all!
I am blessed to see regular acts of charity here at Sacred Heart Church through people who weekly bring food or give monetary donations to support the efforts of Jackson House to feed the hungry in our community. I see charity in action through the monetary gifts that are given to the monthly second collection that helps people in needy circumstances throughout the world. I see charity in those who support and give to the fundraising activities of our Knights of Columbus, Men's Club and Ladies of the Sacred Heart throughout the year. I see charity in what our parish gives to organizations in the Catholic Church and ouside the Catholic Church through some of the money that you give as stewardship to our parish.
This year's church budget has set aside, in addition to the amount that will be given to a variety of charities, $10,000 to be used to help individuals and families in the parish and outside the parish who are facing difficult or even dire circumstances and cannot meet their needs totally on their own. A sub-committee of the Social Justice and Charitable Outreach Commission of our parish will do the legwork in deciding who to help and how much from these funds to use for each family who is in need.
Our loving God is present to us and through us in so many ways. Let us all rejoice, not only in the finances, but also in the time and talent that is being given by so many in our parish to help those in need. God bless you all!
A few Saturday's ago, I, along with a large congregation of people, witnessed the nuptial vows of two of our parishioners, Gordon Wilson and Connie Cody. It was a beautiful Mass that included a homily that focused, or course, on their future as husband and wife under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and their families and friends. At the end of the homily, I quoted part of a poem from an unknown author that was submitted to a magazine by the former athletic director of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. He felt it spoke to him about the situations of his wife of many years who was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. I received a number of requests for this poem, so here it is. It obviously fits in a number of circumstances of life.
Don't ask me to remember,
Don't try to make me understand
Let me rest and know you're with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept,
I am sad and sick and lost
All I know is that I need you,
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold, or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I am acting,
Can't be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'til my life is done.
From Frank Broyles
Article in AY Magazine
December, 2005
Author Unknown
Don't ask me to remember,
Don't try to make me understand
Let me rest and know you're with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept,
I am sad and sick and lost
All I know is that I need you,
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold, or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I am acting,
Can't be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'til my life is done.
From Frank Broyles
Article in AY Magazine
December, 2005
Author Unknown