In a conversation with a friend who owned and operated a floral business, I asked her the following question, “What is your busiest time for the sale of flowers and arrangements. She replied, “at one time it was Mother’s Day; now we sell more flowers and arrangements on the days leading up to Valentine's Day.” [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

Join us for faith-filled summer fun! Registration is open for our summer VBS program (June 21-24th), a Family Pilgrimage to the Grotto (June 19th) and various one day events for Middle and High School Youth.

"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

In order to offer sustainable and flexible giving options to parishioners, the parishes of Boone County have adopted a platform to enable online giving through Vanco Payment Solutions. Click on the title of this article to learn more about this giving option.  

The past year was quite challenging, but so far 2021 is moving in the right direction. We can now resume almost all of our programs and activities. To better serve you, we would appreciate it if one person from each household could complete this survey by May 1st. This will help us understand what you may need from us and help us plan for some "welcome back" activities.

On Sunday, April 25th twenty-seven children from Sacred Heart and St. John's received First Holy Communion.

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.” (Pablo Neruda, poet). Like my father, I enjoy ‘pouring over’ a seed catalogue especially that which arrived in the midst of our “polar vortex.” Pondering garden seeds, the possibility of certain trees (though seedlings demand more time to mature than my age will permit), and of course, perennials. [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

Daffodils, tulips and magnolias are all blossoming this early spring, subtle reminders of God’s creative hand at work though the weather can be a bit “cantankerous.” What remains steady and consistent is the progression of the Easter readings these fifty days leading up to Pentecost Sunday. From the Acts of the Apostles we are reminded of the sacrifices made by the followers of Christ. Not just the apostles themselves, but ordinary men and women of the day who would not back down from their beliefs though misunderstandings, alienation from neighbors, and likely persecution to follow. [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

Such a gift to again celebrate Holy Week and Easter Sunday liturgies with parishioners and visitors—a congregation. I hope for those who were present, the feeling was mutual, and likewise, our participation together reflected a gracious and joyful spirit of faith. Many thanks to the musicians and volunteers in all three churches who provided the music throughout the holy days; and for the preparation of the sanctuary with flowers and decorations reflecting the joy of Easter. [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

Join us for fun and faith-filled summer activities for all ages! Planned events include a Family Pilgrimage to the Grotto, Cathletics VBS, Middle School and High School "Into the Wilderness" events. Register online!

Please make note of our new Mass schedule effective this weekend.

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” (Pope John Paul II) We have waited two long years to celebrate Holy Week and Easter Sunday in person, as a community of hope, graciously sharing in the Eucharist. CLICK TITLE TO READ FULL MESSAGE

I had the liberty one year ago to bless a palm and place it on my crucifix hanging on the wall. Palms were not allowed to be distributed last year regardless of the supply received by each parish; such was the fear and protective measures as the Coronavirus became more prevalent. Gratefully, we are in a “different place” regarding our understanding and measures to protect parishioners and visitors. Holy Week is renewed with full participation—albeit some restrictions— as we enter this journey of faith with the symbol of the palms and the reading of the Passion.

A year has passed as we approach Holy Week. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday or Palm Sunday of the Passion of our Lord. Our churches were closed and Holy Week liturgies were viewed via internet, without people present at the recordings, and for the most part, without the spiritual passion our great week normally offers. We were not allowed to offer the blessed palms, much less the hope of participation with the Triduum Masses of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil and Easter celebrations. Though we are still under certain guidelines to maintain the wellbeing of all, we welcome parishioners and visitors to our Palm Sunday liturgies within whether at Sacred Heart, St. Malachy or St. John. [CLICK ARTICLE TITLE TO READ MORE]

We welcome you to join us at our county Holy Week Masses! Masks required. No pre-registration needed. Click on the article title to view all Mass times.

With more and more individuals receiving their “shots”—including Fr. Ross and myself—it seems Bishop Nickless may be ready to lift the remaining restrictions for our gatherings in church. He has not indicated such. If and when he does, most likely it will be after Easter sometime. With more and more parishioners and visitors feeling safe enough to actively share in the Eucharist in person, we will make the necessary accommodations with added chairs so everyone feels welcome and present at Mass... [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” Ralph Waldo Emerson goes on to say, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Recognizing the divine in all creation, possibly our Creator has embellished the month of March with special touches. Aside from the acknowledged longer hours of daylight and warming temps this month annually kicks off the season of Spring. Though unseasonable weather can persist, the beginning of Spring unleashes a certain hope within our soul—if you will, ‘yearnings.’ On the twentieth of this month, day and night are equal—the spring equinox. Alongside the beginning of Spring the month of March is wholly the season of Lent, with some exceptions. [CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE]

Our Boone County Catholic Community has compiled resources for you on our website to help you Pray, Fast and Give this Lenten Season.

Our First Sunday of Lent was blessed with falling snow, the blessing over the individuals seeking to be received into our Catholic faith this Easter, and a baptism with family surrounding the infant with such graciousness. Our parishes remain hopeful and welcoming to those who have been sharing in the Eucharist, those who are still hesitant to attend because of health reasons, those who are visiting, and those whose faith may have lapsed. Lent is a penitential, reflective time, but also a time of renewal and reconciliation—as our God desires [Click Title to Read More]

All Boone County Catholic Community Fish Frys will be drive-thru style this Lenten season. We hope you can join us!