It was wonderful to see so many people coming to daily Mass during the Lenten season. Lent is a time for us to begin new spiritual habits that will hopefully continue into the Easter Season and for the rest of our lives.
Since I offered daily Mass on Mondays during Lent, I would like to continue doing this through the Easter Season. This means we will have Monday morning 9:00 a.m. Mass for the next three Mondays (May 23, 30 and June 7), preceded by the rosary at 8:30 a.m. and morning prayer at 8:45 a.m. Please join us to rejoice in the risen Lord and the new life He won for us.
Since I offered daily Mass on Mondays during Lent, I would like to continue doing this through the Easter Season. This means we will have Monday morning 9:00 a.m. Mass for the next three Mondays (May 23, 30 and June 7), preceded by the rosary at 8:30 a.m. and morning prayer at 8:45 a.m. Please join us to rejoice in the risen Lord and the new life He won for us.
While I’m looking forward to celebrating my Silver Jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood with my large biological family on May 29, and my wonderful parish family on May 31, I also want you to be aware that our good friend, Father Vic Bieberle, will be a priest of 60 years this coming Saturday, May 21. Father Vic has asked that any public celebration of his anniversary with Sacred Heart Parishioners take place sometime in the Fall. So, we look forward to doing something for Father Vic to recognize this significant event in his priesthood. If you want to send him a card of congratulations now, please feel free to do so. His address is 29 Tiburon Way, HSV, 71909. He may be out-of-town on the day of his anniversary, but I’m sure he will appreciate the cards.
In the Arkansas Catholic this past week, Bishop Taylor spoke of his priorities for the Diocese of Little Rock for the next 18 months. These included the implementation of the new English translation of the Roman Missal, the implementation of the Diocesan requirement of training engaged couples, Natural Family Planning, and renewed efforts to welcome various newcomers to our state. These newcomers, he said, include immigrants, new Catholics, retirees and other Catholics who have relocated to our state, as well as fallen-away Catholics.
While I look forward to the efforts we will put forth to prepare us for the new English translation of the Roman Missal, I believe that there are many opportunities in Hot Springs Village to reach out to fallen-away Catholics. I hope and pray that you will assist me in an outreach to these individuals in the hope of bringing them back to the full life of the Church. The blessings of such efforts can be many.
While I look forward to the efforts we will put forth to prepare us for the new English translation of the Roman Missal, I believe that there are many opportunities in Hot Springs Village to reach out to fallen-away Catholics. I hope and pray that you will assist me in an outreach to these individuals in the hope of bringing them back to the full life of the Church. The blessings of such efforts can be many.