Getting a thank you card from someone says that someone appreciates us for something we have done for them. Opening a thank you card is almost always a pleasant thing to do.  I experience many such cards coming to the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, thanking us for money that has been given - from organizations that help people in need.  I am happy to say that our parish currently tithes 10% of the money that comes in through regular stewardship to the Church to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked and aid children who are in need through our local Catholic schools and in other ways.  We give to two area charitable Health clinics, support pro-life endeavors and provide assistance for the local prison ministry.  Last year's budget provided for almost $60,000 to many people in need.  Since you don't see the thank you notes that I see that come in from those that our parish helps, I want you to know how much our support means to so many.  May God especially bless those of you who give so faithfully, generously, and regularly to our parish collections at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.

I was, and still am, thrilled with how well our Knights of Columbus Lasagna Fundraising Dinner went on Saturday. While one of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of checks and cash to Monsignor Friend from the proceeds of the fund raiser and the individual gifts of many who came to the dinner, there were many other highlights, including the introduction of the seminarians and the remarks by Monsignor Friend and Bishop Taylor.  The mood at the dinner was happy and festive, and the meal was beyond delicious.  The best news is that our Knights' Council plans to make this an annual event to benefit the needs of our seminarians.  It is wonderful to see a Council and a parish so excited about, and supportive of, seminarians for our diocese.  The bishop reminded us that our ongoing prayers are needed and essential.  Let's keep it going (and growing)!

Knowing that we have many parishioners who play golf at our beautiful golf courses and at other venues, I want to ask all golfers to consider participating in one or more benefit golf tournaments that will be coming up in August and September.  The first two, on Saturday, August 25, and Sunday August 26, will benefit our county Catholic Schools, St. John's in Hot Springs and Our Lady of Fatima in Benton, respectively.  There should be more details about these tournaments in our bulletins in the coming weeks.  In addition, the annual Bishop McDonald Catholic Charities tournament will take place on Monday, September 17, at Maumelle Country Club.  We would consider our parish splitting the greens fee for this tournament, with up to eight parishioners who want to play.  All these tournaments promise a good time and a good feeling about your contribution to these worthwhile institutions and charities.  I might even be available (if you dare ask me) to be on your team.  It would be wonderful to see our parish well-represented at all these tournaments.