Father Herald Brock visited Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a Missionary Friar to lead a Day of Reflection and to ask for assistance for the people of South Sudan, Africa.

As part of its Lenten Programs in preparation for the celebration of Easter, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church hosted a day of reflection on Saturday, March 3^rd.  Father Herald J. Brock of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was the program presenter.  Over 100 Sacred Heart parishioners and guests participated in the day which began with a mass at 9 AM.  Following mass, Father Brock led a discussion based on the life and impact of Blessed John Paul II.  He emphasized the important role that John Paul II played in encouraging the Catholic Church at a very difficult time and how he rose above the suffering in his own life to emphasize the dignity of the human person.  Participants were invited to bring a lunch and to join together eating in the church’s Lower Hall with beverages and desserts provided by the Ladies of Sacred Heart guild members.

Father Brock remained at Sacred Heart church to preach the homily at each of the weekend masses.  In his sermon Father Brock reflected on how we all face temptations which are forms of a trial.  We then emerge from these trials transfigured by having accepted and choose Christ’s way forward.  In addition, Father Brock talked passionately about his new assignment as a Missionary Friar.  He is traveling the world to bring to light the great struggles of the Christian people of South Sudan, Africa.  Having emerged from a devastating war of many years in order to remain Christian, the new country of South Sudan is desperately in need of assistance rebuilding churches, hospitals and schools. The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have been supporting the people of South Sudan and are planning on continuing that in the future.  Father Brock asked for both the prayers and the financial assistance of the Sacred Heart parishioners to aid in this important effort.