Pictured in front are (l-r) Elizabeth Schackelford, Father Michael Bass, Father William Elser, Father Joseph Ejimofor, and Jan Cash; in back are Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer and John Bodensteiner

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village used the proceeds from its biennial fall Treasure Sale to provide tuition assistance to students attending two area Catholic elementary schools.  At a recent luncheon meeting, Father William Elser presented $7,944 checks to representatives from the two schools.  Accepting the check for St. John’s School in Hot Springs were Father Michael Bass and Principal Elizabeth Schackelford and for Our Lady of Fatima in Benton were Father Joseph Ejimofor and Principal Jan Cash.  Also in attendance from Sacred Heart were the sale coordinators Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer and Chairman John Bodensteiner.

Near exit 118 on I-30 in Benton

This year the "Keep Christ in Christmas" billboards are located on the right side of I-30 westbound between exits 118 & 117 in Benton and on the northeast corner of Hwy 5 Stagecoach Road and Hwy 111 Alexander Road just west of I-30 exit 126 in Bryant.   A decision was made to go with Lamar Advertising in Little Rock, because the only location available with the Seiz Sign Company  in Hot Springs (last year's vendor) was on Hwy 270 west of the city.

As a bonus for a nonproft client, the Knights of Columbus was given a second billboard by Lamar without charge at a location of its own  choosing.

Also, Council 10208 invited Benton Council 1987 to participate financially in the project, since one billboard is located in its city, and it would help the Council's visibility within its own community. 

The billboard on I-30 will have an exposure to 35,000 vehicles daily, while the one on Hwy 5 will reach 13,000 each day.   The billboards are contracted to remain through the end of December.

We are still in need of people who are willing to run for the parish council under the areas of liturgy, social justice and charitable outreach, education and parish life. The parish council is a consultive body of people to the pastor.  Each of the areas of ministry mentioned here (and also finance and administration) meets as a committee to discuss matters pertaining to that area of ministry (usually with the pastor present).  It would be wonderful to see more parishioners coming to these committee meetings.  Ideally, it would be from the membership of these committees that potential parish council members would surface.  If you have any questions or want to know more, please call Fr. Bill Elser, 922-4024, or one of the current parish council members.  This is a great way to get to know more people and be active in the workings of the parish at Mass and in other venues.

Kathleen Geske, Sheila Harrison, Marilyn Shulte and Joyce Field

The 2010-2011 board members for Ladies of the Sacred Heart are (from left) vice president Kathleen Geske, president Sheila Harrison, secretary Marilyn Schulte, and treasurer Joyce Field.  The ladies guild meet the second Monday of the month immediately following daily Mass.  A brief meeting is conducted, followed by a program, and refreshments are served.  This organization is open to all ladies of the parish, and membership is encouraged. It’s a nice way to be involved in worthwhile programs and activities and meet new friends.  For more information, call Sheila Harrison at 922-1767.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church will offer a program this fall to study the Catholic faith for those who are interested in learning more.

The program is commonly called R.C.I.A., the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

The program is designed to meet the needs of both Catholic and non-Catholics.

Non-Catholics who are interested in learning more about Catholic Christianity are encourage to participate.

Participation in the R.C.I.A program comes without any obligation to join the Catholic church or to participate in any church activities.

Catholics who haven't been active in the church recently and wish to explore returning to active participation will find the program helpful in examining the current teachings of the faith.

Currently active and participating Catholics are encouraged to participate as a way to learn more and to more deeply understand their faith. Through individual readings, Bible study and weekly group discussions the participants will focus on the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments and Prayer.

The program takes place here at the church, 295 Balearlic Rd., each Thursday (except for holidays) until Easter.   There is no cost or obligation involved in participation. Those interested in learning more about the program or would like to register should call Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer at 922-3283.
·

A prayer vigil will be held daily, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Little Rock Family Planning Services building at 4 Office Park Drive, from March 9 through April 17.  Visit www.40daysforlife.com/littlerock for contact information or to sign-up for a prayer hour.  Sacred Heart of Jesus has been assigned Thursday, March 31 as our day of prayer.  There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for available prayer time slots either here in the chapel or in Little Rock.  Please take the time to give one hour of prayer to end abortion.  For information or questions call Rosemary Monarque at 501-781-6108.