The lazy, hot days of summer can sometimes go by more quickly than we think.  I just realized that the annual Catholic Charismatic Conference is almost here (August 2-4) at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock.  Every year this conference blesses its participants by presenting two or three nationally known, inspiring speakers who are very interesting to hear.  Michael Cumby (our Lenten video series a couple of years ago) spoke at this conference about four years ago.  There are lively Masses (especially Friday evening and Sunday morning) and other times of praise and worship singing and a healing service (usually on Saturday evening).

A person can either drive back and forth and attend some, or all, of the conference, or get a hotel room for one or both nights and participate in all that is offered (including a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel that is open every hour of the conference).  Flyers are available on the long table in our narthex.  You can register online at www.arkcc.org or call 501-753-1553.  Let the Holy Spirit touch you in a special (and maybe a new) way as you attend this wonderful experience.  I hope to be there for at least some of the conference. 

I know the parents of the young people in our parish (like many parents) are proud of their children's accomplishments in so many areas of their lives.  As a parish we have reason to be proud of these young brothers and sisters in the Lord for their initiative to grow in union with the Lord and His Church.  Some (as they reach the minimum age requirement) participated in a weekend retreat program for the youth called SEARCH.  This past week seven of our young people (Caroline and Camille Eisenhauer, Jonathan Semmler, Ashley and Hazel Bonilla, Sharae Johnston and Megan Shaffer) went to a week-long diocesan activity called "C Squared" which gives the youth who attend, hands-on experience with working with people who are in need in a variety of ways in the Central Arkansas area.  We also have these young people, as well as Sarah and Hannah Issacs and Chloe Calhoun, attending the Steubenville Youth Conference in Springfield, Missouri this weekend.  When you see our young people, affirm them for the time and effort they are putting in to these unique experiences.  We can be confident that our young people will be active, Catholic adults in our Church in the future.  I thank Linda Good and all the parents who took our young people to Springfield this weekend.

I must admit I have mixed feelings about Deacon Larry's announcement (in last week's bulletin) that he asked for and received from Bishop Taylor, a six-month sabbatical from his usual diaconate ministries at Sacred Heart Church.  I certainly am sad about not having his enthusiasm, efficiency and the care he shows to the parishioners and me actively working for the honor and glory of God.  I am, however, happy for him and Jan that they will have the freedom to travel to see family and do other things that they want to do during this six-month period.  Most people don't know it, but the Church recommends that the ordained take a three-month sabbatical for every seven years of active ministry to renew and refresh themselves.  Deacon Larry's sabbatical closely follows this timetable and is well deserved after the time and effort he has put in during his fifteen years of ordained ministry.  I feel blessed that we have Deacon John who will assume some of Deacon Larry's responsibilities and Deacons Bernie and Bill for the time and effort that they always give to serve the Lord in this wonderful parish.  Don't be too sad.  We will all see Larry and Jan a great deal during these six months and enjoy their fellowship and friendship wahtever they do for the Lord.