There are times that some of us are blessed to participate in more than one Mass on a single day.  This happens most often when someone attends a funeral Mass on a Saturday morning and then the regular anticipated Mass on Saturday evening.  When that happens, you can (if properly disposed) receive Communion at both Masses.  This was changed over 25 years ago, but unfortunately, was not widely publicized.  I pray that we will feel blessed when choosing to participate in more than one Mass on a single day for whatever reason.  Obviously, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion should be the highlight of every Mass.

I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the "Disaster Relief Team" of our parish for all of its hard work for parishioners and others in the Village who were affected by the Spring storm damage here in the Village.  Many hours and intense labor were given by so many.  The Catholic Charities Office of the Diocese has labeled our group as one of the best in Arkansas.

Special thanks to the coordinators of this effort, John Bodensteiner, Marvin Young and Ed Miller.  The Lord brought comfort and hope to people through the work and kinds words of these men.  God bless you all for answering the call when needed. 

After one of the Masses during Memorial weekend, I was told that some people spoke with an usher about there not being any patriotic songs at Mass.  Others commented that they have not heard any Marian songs during the month of May at any of the Sunday Masses.  The reason for that has to do with the fact that all of the Sunday Masses throughout the year are focused on The Lord and aspects of His saving mission to the world.  The songs of Mass are supposed to reflect this.

We celebrated a beautiful Mass on Monday, Memorial Day, which included prayers for our servicemen and women, living and deceased.  After Mass, we prayed the patriotic rosary which included the singing of five patriotic songs. Given the positive response to this rosary, we will discuss offering one of these patriotic rosaries at least once a month.

Songs focused on Mary are appropriate on Marian feasts and on many Saturday weekday Masses (like our First Saturday Masses) that can be offered in honor of the Blessed Mother.  I hope you can join us in the future for these weekday Masses and prayer opportunities.