I must admit that I was not happy when I was told by someone at the Property Owners Association that we had to move the trailer from its position on Balearic Road in front of the white crosses, which reminded all who drove by, of the tragic reality of 4,000 babies, on average, who die every day in our country through abortion.  While we look forward to a banner being approved to be put in front of our church for a few weeks while we still have the crosses, I urge everyone in our parish to be living signs that communicate to other people in the Village what those crosses stand for and what we as Catholics stand for: "the protection and promotion of human life from conception until natural death."  Please take time yourself to meditate on the tragedy of this ongoing loss of human life in our country and what you can do to promote a "country of life."  The upcoming elections are an important way for us to support those who believe that the "right to life" must supersede the "right to choose" in our country and throughout the world.  If this statement produces a reaction in you, please plan to attend one of our sessions on September 12 at either 2:00 or 6:30 p.m.  Tom Navin of the Diocesan Social Action Office will present the teaching of our bishops on "Faithful Citizenship" and what we should consider before going to the polls.

What does "Faithful Citizenship" mean?  What is our responsibility as faithful Catholics and American citizens, to participate in the political process?  We Catholics have a long tradition of teaching and action on the dignity of human life, marriage and family, justice and peace, care for creation, and the common good.  As Americans, we are also blessed with religious liberty which safeguards our right to bring our principles and moral convictions into the public arena.

We have a unique opportunity, prior to the national elections in November, to be catechized on how to form our consciences for faithful citizenship using our rich Catholic tradition of beliefs and teachings.  Sacred Heart of Jesus Church will host a two-day program, Wednesday and Thursday, September 12 and 13, with presentations and time for questions and answers.  Each of these days you can choose either a 2:00 or 6:30 p.m. time to gather with fellow parishioners for 60 to 90-minute sessions.  Mr. Tom Navin from the Diocesan Office of Social Action, will lead the Wednesday sessions.  The Thursday sessions will offer a video presentation entitled "Gospel Without Borders" featuring our own bishop, Anthony Taylor.  It will be followed by a group discussion and question time.  Please mark your calendars for these helpful sessions. 

I am happy to announce to you that a longtime parishioner, Linda Good, has been named the new CCD Coordinator at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Linda takes over from Angela Issacs who is the new principal at St. John's School in Hot Springs.  Linda has most recently taught at one of our Catholic Schools in Little Rock.  She has administrative experience and was a former teacher in our CCD program back when her children were in our classes.  We welcome Linda with all her experiences and her status as a faithful parishioner at Sacred Heart Church.  She will be a blessing to our children, teaching staff, parents and the rest of the parish.  Just to let you know something else, we are currently assembling a questionnaire that we will soon ask you to fill out about the music ministry here at Sacred Heart Church. Please give some thought and prayer to your perceptions of our liturgical music offerings as you experience them.