The 95th Psalm in the Book of Psalms begins with these words: "Come let us sing to The Lord and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us..."  This is one of many places in Scripture that urges us to sing to The Lord.  I am proud and happy with the large number of people in the pews who sing with their minds, hearts and voices turned toward The Lord at our Masses here at Sacred Heart.  I am also pleased and thankful for those who put extra time and effort into the music of our liturgies.  Sadly, I must announce that Mary Ann Miller, who has been directing our 10:00 a.m. Mass Choir has decided to retire after nine years of serving in this position.  We thank her for all her efforts with our wonderful choir over these nine years.  At this time of the year (summer), the Sunday 10:00 a.m. Choir takes a break from practicing and singing as a group at Mass.  We, therefore, have time to look for, and hopefully, surface candidates to take over Mary Ann's position.  There is a monthly financial stipend that is connected with this position.

Please call me at 209-2502 if you or someone you know might be interested and is qualified to lead our 10:00 a.m. Sunday Choir.

 

On Memorial Day we remembered and gave thanks to God for those in our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice, their life, to stand up for and promote liberty and justice for all in our country and throughout the world.  In some ways we are charged as citizens of this great country to stand up for and promote the values that our country holds dear, especially when these values come under attack.  Such is sadly the case now with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHHS) mandate which in law, will demand that the Catholic Church violate our beliefs, which is something we cannot do.  This coming Friday, June 8, there will be rallies held throughout our country that will give us the opportunity to give witness to our belief that our government should safeguard, NOT threaten, our freedom to practice our faith in church and in our day-to-day lives.  Please join me, your fellow parishioners, and people of all faiths at the Sate Capitol at noon for a presentation that will last around 45 minutes.  Bishop Anthony Taylor will be among the speakers for this event.  Bring a chair, water, and protection from the sun.  Carpools are available if you want to ride with others or drive others.  Call Mary Costello at 922-3915 or Jim Goodson at 501-226-5312.  LET'S STAND TALL FOR OURSELVES AND FUTURE GENERATIONS in this, and in other ways.

A joy-filled Pentecost to all of you!  I use this greeting because I have seen the word joy throughout this Easter Season in the prayers and readings at Mass and in the expression and attitude of so many, especially our newly Baptized and Confirmed members.  Even though the Easter season ends with the celebration of Pentecost, hopefully many of us will continue to ask the Holy Spirit to make us joy-filled in our attitude and actions for The Lord and His good news of salvation.  Pope Benedict, in his visit to the United States said, "Let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America."  There is no doubt, with actions that threaten our religious liberty and laws, along with actions that lead to and allow the taking of the most innocent life (the unborn); and, with so many people worried in these tough economic times of whether their basic need will be met, we need the Holy Spirit's help in our country and in our individual lives.  COME HOLY SPIRIT.