In a recent weekday Mass, we read from the Acts of the Apostles (4:32-37) in speaking about the early Christian community that "There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, and they were distributed to each according to their need."
Given the generosity of the "Christians" in our faith community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish to those in need as recently reported in our bulletin, I wouldn't doubt that someone might have sold some property to give to the various needs that are ever present in our church and community. In the calendar year 2012, when one adds up the charitable efforts of our local Knight of Columbus Council ($47,205), our Ladies of the Sacred Heart ($9,425), our Sacred Heart Men's Club ($6,200) and the charitable giving of our parishioners ($164,586) and what was allocated from our parish budget ($56,775), countless needs were met in many different ways. For those who are "bottom line" people, that's a total of $284,191.
If your were a part of this tremendous "Christian witness", THANK YOU. If you were not, let the good example of others inspire you to be among the faithful, generous Christians of this wonderful community. It is an act of love that comes back to us in love (from God and others) many times over.
Given the generosity of the "Christians" in our faith community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish to those in need as recently reported in our bulletin, I wouldn't doubt that someone might have sold some property to give to the various needs that are ever present in our church and community. In the calendar year 2012, when one adds up the charitable efforts of our local Knight of Columbus Council ($47,205), our Ladies of the Sacred Heart ($9,425), our Sacred Heart Men's Club ($6,200) and the charitable giving of our parishioners ($164,586) and what was allocated from our parish budget ($56,775), countless needs were met in many different ways. For those who are "bottom line" people, that's a total of $284,191.
If your were a part of this tremendous "Christian witness", THANK YOU. If you were not, let the good example of others inspire you to be among the faithful, generous Christians of this wonderful community. It is an act of love that comes back to us in love (from God and others) many times over.
Though we have one of the smallest number of young people in a religious education program in the diocese, we are truly blessed with outstanding young people who are active in our parish and are making their mark in their secular lives as well. Recently, Chloe Calhoun, Jonathan Semmler, Caroline Eisenhauer, and Camille Eisenhauer were recognized at the Governor's Mansion for being 4.0 grade-point-average students at Jessieville School. Not long ago, Ashely Bonilla and Camille Eisenhauer were two of three students who placed in the Optimist Essay Contest. When you see these young people, affirm them for their accomplishments and their active faith. I know they have proud parents, and I want them to know that they have a parish that is proud of them as well.
High School students who come to the sacrament of Confirmation after their time of formation and preparation, are often told by the bishop confirming them, that this is not really an end, but instead, a new beginning of their life in Christ. I say, as we have completed our Lenten journey, that we now experience a new beginning with the advent of Easter and the Easter season. We are called to reflect on what it means to be a "new creation in Christ" through our dying with Him and rising to new life with Him in the sacrament of Baptism. Having just renewed our baptismal promises (as do our high school students before their Confirmation), we are now called to give an even stronger witness to our crucified and risen Lord. Living our lives in the "joy of The Lord" no matter what happens, good or not so good in our lives, tells everyone that the victory of Jesus is my victory and the victory of everyone who puts their faith and trust in Him. A Blessed Easter to all who continually give their lives daily to The Lord. You will be blessed indeed!