I must admit I have mixed feelings about Deacon Larry's announcement (in last week's bulletin) that he asked for and received from Bishop Taylor, a six-month sabbatical from his usual diaconate ministries at Sacred Heart Church.  I certainly am sad about not having his enthusiasm, efficiency and the care he shows to the parishioners and me actively working for the honor and glory of God.  I am, however, happy for him and Jan that they will have the freedom to travel to see family and do other things that they want to do during this six-month period.  Most people don't know it, but the Church recommends that the ordained take a three-month sabbatical for every seven years of active ministry to renew and refresh themselves.  Deacon Larry's sabbatical closely follows this timetable and is well deserved after the time and effort he has put in during his fifteen years of ordained ministry.  I feel blessed that we have Deacon John who will assume some of Deacon Larry's responsibilities and Deacons Bernie and Bill for the time and effort that they always give to serve the Lord in this wonderful parish.  Don't be too sad.  We will all see Larry and Jan a great deal during these six months and enjoy their fellowship and friendship wahtever they do for the Lord.

After at least one instance in which Jesus' disciples had returned from doing God's work, he told them to come away and rest for awhile.  In another place Jesus said, "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest."  Resting in the Lord and being one with Him in prayer brings a peace like no other.  Once a month on First Fridays throughout the day and every hour before daily Mass, we have the opportunity to rest with and in the Lord as He is present in the monstrance.  If you have not received the blessings of this valuable time with the Lord, consider doing it at least once a month.  Perhaps you will be inspired to do it once a week or even more often.  Beginning this Tuesday, we will start having our daily holy hour in the chapel.  This will include the rosary being prayed at 9:15 a.m. and morning prayer at 9:45 a.m.

Recently some of our parishioners have inquired about the possibility of perpetual adoration in our chapel for our parish.  Please pray that if this is to be God's will for us, that it will happen.  This will obviously take a great deal of effort and commitment by a great many in our parish.  The blessings for individuals and parishers who have perpetual adoration, I can testify, are many.

Last year's fireworks on the Fourth of July were cancelled here at Hot Springs Village and in other places in the area due to extremely dry conditions.  It was unfortunate and it seemed to make the end of Independence Day less than complete. Fortunately, every Independence Day can start out wonderfully (and spiritually) by participating in Mass (9:00 a.m.) AND the Patriotic Rosary (around 9:40 a.m.) with a reception of food and drink afterward in the parish hall.  We have many blessings in our country, and we have much to ask God for to "mend our every flaw" ("America the Beautiful", second verse).

While we pray the Patriotic Rosary at least once every month of the year at our church, there is something special about doing it on Independence Day as we pray and sing five beautiful patriotic songs ending with "God Bless America". Won't you join us in making your Fourth of July prayerful, as well as (hopefully) playful?  You may start a tradition that you will observe for years to come.