23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. "Do you want to be a disciple?"

September 4, 2016

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pope Francis states that the words of Jesus from the Gospel this weekend are challenging us to imitate Jesus’s self-sacrificing love.  “Love one another as I have loved you.  Well done, good and faithful servant.  I was hungry and you gave me food, a stranger and you welcomed me, in prison and you visited me.”  Only God knows what it would take for each of us even to begin to follow His instructions and imitate His love.  We pray today for the strength and faith to respond to those words and follow Jesus more closely.                      -Deacon Jim

"He who humbles himself will be exaulted!" Mass for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. August 28, 2016

 

Break the addiction of "Honor" is the message today. Watch the video of Sunday Mass for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception. Just click on the link below or the picture above: https://youtu.be/S2eZTskTAxw

"He who humbles himself will be exalted." August 28, 2016 August 28, 2016

August 28, 2016

"He who humbles himself will be exalted."

Today’s readings are a metaphor for how we live our lives. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the need to have humility in our lives.  The Gospel from Luke also talks about this very issue as we consider our place at the table of life.  Too often we find ourselves in situations where we are more concerned with those around us than the celebration of life we are living.  We may even be asking, “Are we receiving the honor that we feel we have coming”?  We pray today that the message from the readings will cause us to become lost in the celebration of the banquet of life with true joy, rather than be caught up in the pain of watching and concern about others.                                                                        – Deacon Jim

To view the readings for this Sunday, go to the following link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/083114.cfm
Or click on the picture below:
 

Will you be able to pass through the Narrow Gate? 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

This past week had some thought provoking readings for all of us. Are you interested in watching the Mass from this past weekend and hearing what Fr. Wayne had to say? Just click on the link below or on the picture and enjoy. https://youtu.be/FyyHoUh82k0
 

August 21st. Are we on the road to salvation?

August 21, 2016

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

 As we reflect on the Gospel for this weekend, we may be asking ourselves, “Will I be saved?”  It takes strength and strong faith to enter through the “narrow gate”.  Too often we find that we are facing a very difficult decision in our life concerning issues that are truly asking us to discern whether or not we are going to put God first in our lives or something else other than God.  We might be asking ourselves, “Do you mean God wants me to choose between this special situation in my life and God?”  The answer is YES! (And it may not be easy. It may be something that is very difficult challenge for us).

 Let us pray today that we might receive the grace and the will to answer the call we all have from God to do what he requires as we walk that road of life to the “narrow gate.”                    -Deacon Jim 

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time / August 14, 2016

Would you like to watch the Mass for this weekend, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Sacred Heart, Oelwein & Immaculate Conception, Fairbank?  Just click the link below or the picture and enjoy!

https://youtu.be/u06ANUBDj5I

The Assumption of Mary

The feast of Mary’s Assumption is a preview of what our lives will be. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed, or taken up, into heaven body and soul. She did not have to wait for the end of the world, as we do. God granted her this special privilege because of her sinlessness and her fullness of grace.  God wants every one of us to be in glory forever, body and soul, just as Mary is now. This special feast shows how important every single human life is. It is hoped that by thinking about Mary’s Assumption, people all over the world would develop a deeper respect for their own lives and their own bodies, and would grow in respect for the lives of others.

The Assumption is normally considered a Holy Day of Obligation, however, since it falls on a Monday this year, the Church has lifted the obligation to attend Mass on this feast day for 2016.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 14, 2016

The Gospel this week talks about the good news as well as the bad news.  Interesting isn’t it, that we so often only react and show interest when there is shocking or bad news.  Think about what is most watched on TV or other media.  The division and the persecution that is going on in our world against Christians should open our eyes.  Jesus himself was slain while He walked the earth.  The challenges that we as Christians face have been with us since the beginning.  The temptations to walk away from God and to worship earthly things is the evil one at work in our lives.  As we reflect on this week’s readings and the message God has for each of us, let us pray for strength to be the best followers of Christ possible.  Pray for courage to do God’s will whatever the cost.                           – Deacon Jim

Sunday Mass for August 7, 2016 for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception

Enjoy watching the video of Sunday Mass from Sacred Heart for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time.  To watch the video, click on the link below or the picture above.
God Bless
https://youtu.be/ewOJcx5BZjE  

Prayer Before Our Election:

Prayer Before Our Election:

   Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
   We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.  We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
   We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.

   We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.

   We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.    (Prayer Before An Election / USCCB) 2016