“Only good fruit spares the tree the ax, and even now the ax lies at the root of the tree!” (Matt 3:1-12)

December 4, 2016

Second Sunday of Advent

We are reminded that Advent is not only a time of waiting for Christ but a time of waiting for His loving mercy and forgiveness.  Repentance changes our lives. It does not bring the poison of the vipers but the “good fruit” of counsel, strength, knowledge and delight in the mercy and love of God.  If we listen to the message of last week’s Gospel, we know that the best way to make ourselves ready for Christ is to recognize and live out the presence of God right now. “Only good fruit spares the tree the ax, and even now the ax lies at the root of the tree!”   (Matt 3:1-12)     - Deacon Jim

“…If the Master had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake…” First Sunday of Advent 2016

Welcome to the recording of the weekend Mass for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception. Just click on the link below or the picture above and enjoy watching the Mass for November 26 & 27.
https://youtu.be/dUsoZ5a-hD4

First Sunday of Advent - What would you do if you knew that Lord was coming for you this very hour?

November 27, 206

First Sunday of Advent

As we begin our new church year, Jesus is giving us a reminder that there are no warning signs for our life to end.  The words in today’s Gospel are often used at a funeral of a Christian.  “…If the Master had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake…”  Francis of Assisi was said to have been asked while working in his garden, what he would do if he knew that this very hour the Lord was coming for him in judgment.  Francis is said to have responded, “I would keep on gardening.”  Are we living our lives in a manner that we will be ready when the Lord comes for us?                         - Deacon Jim

Last Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Last Sunday of the Church Year

November 20, 2016

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Last Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Last Sunday of the Church Year

When a Permanent Deacon dies in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, at the end of the funeral Mass, the members of the deacon community, dressed in their albs and white stoles, form an honor guard as the casket is brought from the church to the hearse.  As the deceased deacon passes the honor guard, all of the deacons are chanting, “Jesus – remember me, when you come into your kingdom.  Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom…”

This very special tribute / prayer, is a tribute to not only the deceased deacon but to the honor and glory of God our Savior.  In the Gospel reading today, we are reminded of the story of the good thief at the side of Jesus on the cross.  Remember, Jesus Christ our King keeps His promises.  One day we, His faithful disciples, will be with Him in Paradise.

“Jesus – remember me, when you come into your kingdom.  Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom…”

Mass for November 13, 2016 / Is it the end of times or just an opportunity to witness to the Gospel?

Here is the video of the Mass for November 13th the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Click on the link or the picture to enjoy the Mass.

https://youtu.be/0kNZYf71cMs

"Keep fighting the fight, keep your spirits up and beat this. I love and pray for you all!"

In honor of NET Cancer Day. My son Brian is approaching his 3 year diagnosis anniversary and after hemicolectomy and 2 liver resections, he has completed his first half marathon to honor ALL of the Zebra family. (The Zebra is the symbol representing this kind of cancer survivors and fighters.) So very proud of him. He says, " Keep fighting the fight, keep your spirits up and beat this. I love and pray for you all!"

Like the bare tree in winter, we are reminded that the end of a season, like the end of times is followed by the begining of an NEW LIFE in the whole plan of creation and salvation.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 13, 2016

This is the weekend when Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy begins to end as “holy doors” are closed in Rome’s basilicas and in diocesan cathedrals and churches throughout the world.  While the end of this year of specifically praising God’s mercy brings about a certain sadness, we are encouraged to continue that same mercy we have focused on this year, in the days, weeks and months to come as we face the challenges of change and struggle in our world as well as in our lives. Truly the end of this special year in our church and the end spoken of in today’s Gospel should be a new beginning for those who love God and praise His name with a strong faith that He will never abandon us.                                  – Deacon Jim

Mass for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception for November 5 & 6

Here is the video of the Mass for this weekend.  Click on the link or the picture to enjoy watching for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time:

https://youtu.be/CetgW97rVeA

November 6, 2016 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. (In faith we have a strong belief in life after death). We pray for our loved ones who have died, that they will find eternal happiness in heaven.

November 6, 2016

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Each year we take the month of November to honor and remember our beloved dead.  Our scripture helps us to encounter and be inspired in the faith of the resurrection of the dead.  Today’s first reading allows us to face the unspeakable horror in which seven brothers are slain in front of their mother, who also is about to be killed.  Their faith in the life to come is remarkable.  Today’s Gospel affirms life after death by the word of Jesus.  As we move through this month, let us pray for a deeper faith in the promise of eternal life.                                           – Deacon Jim