Many of us continue to pray about the merger of National Park Hospital with Mercy Hospital.  Some pray that another solution, other than the one proposed, will ultimately happen.  All of us should pray that we will have quality medical care in this area in the future.  Many people are affected by this proposed merger and they need our prayers.  One of our deacons, Bill Friedman, who works in pastoral care at Mercy, has asked for a break from ministry at Sacred Heart Church until the end of the year so he can give his full attention to what is going on with this merger.  Let's keep him in our prayers.  In case you didn't know, the Vatican has to give its approval to what the Mercy Health Care System is proposing to do.  The Vatican asks our Bishop for his opinion on the proposal.  Let's give him our prayers on this, and in all that he does as our shepherd.

Getting a thank you card from someone says that someone appreciates us for something we have done for them. Opening a thank you card is almost always a pleasant thing to do.  I experience many such cards coming to the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, thanking us for money that has been given - from organizations that help people in need.  I am happy to say that our parish currently tithes 10% of the money that comes in through regular stewardship to the Church to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked and aid children who are in need through our local Catholic schools and in other ways.  We give to two area charitable Health clinics, support pro-life endeavors and provide assistance for the local prison ministry.  Last year's budget provided for almost $60,000 to many people in need.  Since you don't see the thank you notes that I see that come in from those that our parish helps, I want you to know how much our support means to so many.  May God especially bless those of you who give so faithfully, generously, and regularly to our parish collections at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.

I was, and still am, thrilled with how well our Knights of Columbus Lasagna Fundraising Dinner went on Saturday. While one of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of checks and cash to Monsignor Friend from the proceeds of the fund raiser and the individual gifts of many who came to the dinner, there were many other highlights, including the introduction of the seminarians and the remarks by Monsignor Friend and Bishop Taylor.  The mood at the dinner was happy and festive, and the meal was beyond delicious.  The best news is that our Knights' Council plans to make this an annual event to benefit the needs of our seminarians.  It is wonderful to see a Council and a parish so excited about, and supportive of, seminarians for our diocese.  The bishop reminded us that our ongoing prayers are needed and essential.  Let's keep it going (and growing)!