World Youth Day

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

July 31, 2016

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

It is a good practice for us to look at ourselves from time to time and ask if we really need all that we have.  Do we understand the difference between needs and wants?  What is it in our lives that really matters?  The Gospel today challenges us to evaluate this very thing as we look at our Possessions, pursuits and priorities in life. 

Weekend Mass for July 24, 2016 "How Do You Pray?" 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Enjoy a video of the weekend Mass for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception. Mass is for July 24, 2016 the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 
How do you pray? 
Jesus taught us to pray by his words and the way he lived his life. 

To view this video, click on the link below or on the picture above: https://youtu.be/Vih4T2izcQM

July 24, 2016 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. PRAYER

 July 24, 2016

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

     As we gather for Mass this weekend, we might ask ourselves: how solid is our relationship with God our Father?  The Gospel is a good example that Jesus gave of how to offer prayer, and yet to merely repeat the words and not have a true connection and faith in the Father, is for naught.  In the first reading from Genesis, we see that Abraham was bold in his relationship and communication with God.  His plea to save Sodom and Gomorrah was not just words of a prayer but was actually a direct bargaining request to save the cities for the sake of those who were innocent of evil. 

     How often do we pray the Our Father?  Do we realize what we are truly praying?  Let us pray for the grace to build that connection with God in our lives.

-       Deacon Jim 

July 17, 2016 - Hospitality Sunday. The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 17, 2016

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

  

Today’s readings from Genesis as well as from the Gospel of Luke, are reminders that this weekend might be dubbed “Hospitality Sunday.” In our Catholic faith, hospitality is a key virtue.  As I travel to Washington State this weekend to bring my 91 year old father-in-law back to Oelwein to live out the rest of his days, we are encountering many stops where most people are showing a friendly and welcoming hospitality. Let us reflect on and pray about how we welcome strangers and even those friends and family we are close to in our lives. Are all truly welcome at the table?

-       Deacon Jim 

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2016 (The Good Samaritan )

July 10, 2016

15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 We can learn a great deal about ourselves if we take time to reflect on the story in today’s Gospel.  Jesus tells us what He expects of us in our relationship and caring of others.  It is not easy at times to help a person, knowing that they may have brought the situation they are in on themselves.  Yet, we meet others where they are in life and without judgment or pointing fault, we must show our love and concern for them as Jesus did.  Remember, God's love is unconditional. We must be ready to do good to others for their sake, just as God is good to us. Are we ready to lay down our life for your neighbor?     - Deacon Jim

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time / Zambia Story and much more.

Watch the Mass for Sacred Heart & Immaculate Conception from this past weekend. (The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Click on the link below or on the picture to enjoy the Mass: https://youtu.be/PZ3jAV0QnPc