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!

In our last teleconference with the Bishop, staff and priests of the diocese the consensus indicates the continued restrictions/guidelines at least through Lent and Holy Week. Bishop Nickless desires not just the protection of individuals and families who come to church, but the freedom from anxiety for all Catholic-Christians who share in the Eucharist at any of our Masses. I understand such concerns knowing many individuals who are still hesitant because of existing health conditions. Whoever we are in our parish families, may we always reflect the Christian virtues of hospitality and understanding for the concerns of others. [Click Title to Read More]

Sacred Heart School’s Annual Gala will be held virtually for the 2021 year. Our “Not So Gala, Gala” will be held online as a Facebook Live Event on the evening of Friday, March 5th at 6:30 pm. Fr. Ross Caniglia will be the Emcee for the evening. Throughout the live stream Fr. Ross will be interviewing alumni, teachers, and even some very adorable Sacred Heart School students.

Wednesday the 17th is the beginning of our Forty Days of Lent. Our Mass times for that day: 7:30am, Noon, 5:30pm at Sacred Heart; 6:30pm at St. John’s; 7:00pm at St. Malachy’s. Ashes will be offered individually at each Mass, with a slight variance. [Click Title to Read More]

You get the big promotion, but it doesn’t make you happy for more than a day or two. You buy the fancy car, but the thrill is over by the time you pull into the garage. Your team wins the Super Bowl… and you all you have to show for it was an expensive jersey with someone else’s name on it. The things we expect to fulfill us don’t…

Join us Saturday, February 27th at 10am at the new Sacred Heart parish hall for a wreath making workshop and coffee! We will be creating a minimalist style wreath that easily transitions from the season of Lent to the Easter season. If you are not comfortable meeting in-person at this time we will have take home kits available for pick up as well!

Good news and bad news for those of us enduring the winter elements:  Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow indicating six more weeks of winter weather; but the goods news is the brevity of February, 28 days only!  “The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.” (Bill Vaughn)

“When it snows you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.” I believe we either have been ‘blessed’ or ‘hampered’ with more snow this January than the folks up north, and the anonymous quote says it best.