Weekend Mass for the 5th Sunday of Lent, March 13, 2016

To watch the Mass for the 5th Sunday of Lent for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception, simply click on the picture or the link below:

https://youtu.be/R1JUWrafHa8

March 13, 2016 The 5th Sunday of Lent (Third Scrutiny)

John 11:1-45
Fifth Sunday in Lent

Reflecting on the Gospel today we know that Jesus loved Lazarus, and yet, at word of his illness and pending death, Jesus did not make it a rush to go to his side. Jesus saw everything in the BIG PICTURE.  He knew that Lazarus’ illness would not end in death, and it would all be for the gory of the Son of God.

I believe that we should see ourselves in Lazarus.  God helps one who suffers from affliction and that includes you and me.  Lazarus is the "one Jesus loves"; he represents all those whom Jesus loves, which includes you and me and all humankind. This story, then, is the story of our coming to life from death in this present moment, not just in a future event.

As we prepare ourselves on this 5^th Sunday of Lent, let us be mindful that Jesus loves all of us, just as He loved Lazarus.  He walks with us in all we do and is there to raise us up when we fall.  It us up to us to reach out and take His hand.  I assure you, I am so grateful that His hand is out for me, as He raises me up in my illness and in my need to grow my faith and love of Christ as a humble sinner.   As Martha said, “I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coining into the world,” to save us!

-Deacon Jim

4th Sunday of Lent, March 6, 2016 (Laetare Sunday) REJOICE

Enjoy the video of this weekend's Mass for the 4th Sunday of Lent, March 6th for IC and SH. Blessings to everyone during this time of Lent. Just click on the link below or on the picture to view the Mass. https://youtu.be/aXrk9da2uBQ

Feb. 28, 2016 the third Sunday of Lent

Thank you Fr. Wayne for covering all of the Masses this weekend for the two best parishes in Iowa. What great people and faith filled families. To view this weekend Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, go to the link below or click on the picture of Fr. Wayne with the Book of the Gospels.

https://youtu.be/EllmHeYiAJw

Third Sunday of Lent - First Scrutiny

February 28, 2016

Third Sunday of Lent

First Scrutiny

This weekend we celebrate with our Elect the first of three Scrutinies.  These communal prayers help to uncover and then heal what is weak and sinful, and also to bring out and strengthen all that is upright and strong in their hearts as they prepare for the Easter sacraments.  By their example, let us then also scrutinize our own lives so that we too will be ready to celebrate the Easter sacraments with then.

As we consider the Gospel for today, we note that it comes from Year A, the Gospel of John.  In the Gospel, the Samaritan woman first calls Jesus Sir, but then prophet, and then she reaches divine truth:  She states, “I know that the Messiah is coming”  Jesus then said, “I am he”  Her neighbors’ eventual profession of faith evokes our won; “this is truly the savior of the world”.

Lord, in the living waters we have been saved.  Hear our prayers this week for all that suffer, for all that need our prayers, especially for Pope Francis and all who are hoping to enter our faith this Easter.   AMEN

-       Deacon Jim

Weekend Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent at Sacred Heart & Immaculate Conception.

What a gift to have Fr. Paul giving of his time in retirement, so that SH and IC can have the Sacraments and can participate in our faith at weekend Mass. Thank you Dear Lord for the gift of Fr. Paul and of all priests that dedicated their lives in service to others. 

To enjoy viewing the Mass for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, click on the picture or on the link below.

https://youtu.be/dI3cdHt9IkA

Second Sunday of Lent, February 21, 2016

February 21, 2016

2^nd Sunday of Lent

The Second Sunday of Lent always features Jesus’ Transfiguration.  From the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; Listen to Him.”

As God speaks to the apostles from the clouds upon the mount, so too does He speak to each of us.  He wants us to become more and more like Christ.  That is not something new but we do need to be reminded of it from time to time.  We pray that we will all demonstrate our eagerness to share fulling with Christ at the Lord’s Table, where bread and wine are changed into His Body and Blood, (Our food for the journey to salvation.)

-       Deacon Jim