In the Arkansas Catholic this past week, Bishop Taylor spoke of his priorities for the Diocese of Little Rock for the next 18 months.  These included the implementation of the new English translation of the Roman Missal, the implementation of the Diocesan requirement of training engaged couples, Natural Family Planning, and renewed efforts to welcome various newcomers to our state.  These newcomers, he said, include immigrants, new Catholics, retirees and other Catholics who have relocated to our state, as well as fallen-away Catholics.

While I look forward to the efforts we will put forth to prepare us for the new English translation of the Roman Missal, I believe that there are many opportunities in Hot Springs Village to reach out to fallen-away Catholics.  I hope and pray that you will assist me in an outreach to these individuals in the hope of bringing them back to the full life of the Church.  The blessings of such efforts can be many.

I want to tke the time to express words of thanks after celebrating with so many, the Easter Triduum.  First and foremost I thank the Lord, Jesus Christ whose life, death and resurrection won for us eternal life and the guidance we need to live our lives (hopefully, like His).  I thank the Lord for all those whose efforts before, during, and after our Triduum liturgies made them beautiful and meaningful for all who participated in them.  I thank Tom Canavan, Bill Hurley, and all who helped make our Lenten Soup and Sandwich Supper and our Holy Thursday meal so successful and efficient in getting everyone served in a timely fashion.  Finally, I thank The Lord for our deacons for their presence and efforts at all of our liturgies.  The risen Lord does indeed live and move in so many here at Sacred Heart with blessings to many, including me.  (Finally a personal thanks for the greeting cfards and gifts that were given to me at Easter.  God bless you.)

Alleluia, The Lord has risen!  We are beginning the most joy-filled season of the Church year as we celebrate the reality of the crucified and risen Lord for 50 days.  Throughout the season (especially through the sprinkling rite at Mass), we are given a visible reminder of our death in Christ and rising to new life at our baptism.  We bask in the risen glow of The Lord, and we let His Spirit lead us to new ways of living our new life in Him.

I have witnessed the risen Lord and His Spirit working in many wonderful ways in this parish in these first ten months that I have been here.  Just as the disciples of the risen Lord were excited about their future, so am I excited about the future work of The Lord here.  I pray you share that excitement with me.

Starting Easter Monday (April 25), you are invited to join us at 8:45 a.m. on the days we have daily Mass to pray morning prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Church.  Prayer books will be provided which will remain in church after we pray the morning prayer.  Let this prayer form come alive in and through you as we begin the Easter season.