As you know, I always have more than a few announcements to make at Mass.  I consider it a blessing to have such an active parish with so many activities going on, that it takes awhile to mention them and encourage participation in some, or all, of them.  This happens especially during the Lenten Season.  One thing I haven't mentioned at Mass yet, is the importance of taking advantage of Lent to begin some new "healthy" habits that hopefully will continue even after Lent is over.  One of these is bringing food to help feed the hungry in our area through the Jackson House.  Many are already in that habit, and to them I say, "Thank You".  I keep hearing from people who are working at the Jackson House as they see the food coming from our parish each week, (thanks to the efforts of some of our Men's Club members who deliver the food).  I ask and encourage those who are not bringing non-perishable food items to do so, at least during Lent. Almsgiving is one of the calls of Scripture and the Church during this sacred season.  Even bringing one item and putting in one of the bins outside church will help.  God bless you for all your efforts to respond to God's grace and grow as the Lord wants you to grow.

Though I didn't do much sightseeing in Japan while I was visiting my uncle, the times I did go out in the public, I was overwhelmed by the number of people that crowded in their subway system.  In that environment, I didn't sense much, if any, connection between any of the people I saw.  Being connected is what it means for us who are disciples of Jesus Christ.  We are called in a special way in Lent to connect with God in familiar and perhaps in new ways.  We are blessed to have a parishioner, Paula Doyle, who is a certified and experienced spiritual director.  She is prepared and is willing to help anyone who wants, to grow in connection with the Lord.  Please read the insert in this weekend's bulletin to see if you might be open at this time in your faith journey to spiritual direction.  Of course, I am always open to assisting any parishioner in this way as well. Lent is about connecting with God and with others, including those who are in need.  Let's make this a Lent that is memorable in the connections we make.

One of the ways I have been blessed in my experience so far at Sacred Heart, is having five wonderful permanent deacons to assist me in so many ways in the care of this wonderful parish.  One of these, Deacon Wally Gieringer, recently came to me and expressed his need to retire from active diaconal ministry because of family responsibilities.  I listened to his reasons and supported his difficult decision, though selfishly and for your sake, I expressed regrets that he felt the need to retire.  Even so, he will continue to have Benediction at the end of our First Friday devotions, and I left the door open on Thursdays for him to assist at Mass whenever he wants to.  Otherwise, there will normally not be a deacon assisting me for Thursday Masses.  This puts a little caveat on what Deacon Wally said through a bulletin announcement a few weekends ago.  I pray that Deacon Wally and his dear wife, Suzy, will enjoy not "being scheduled" for anything, while continuing to serve The Lord and this parish in some ways.  God bless you, Deacon Wally and Suzy, for your long and devoted service to The Lord in the permanent diaconate ministry.