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Together In Christ, our Diocesan Annual Appeal, has recently reached the households of each adult parishioner within the diocese. Bishop Nickless’ letter and a pledge card was received in each household, (as well as to each priest in the diocese). I’m remiss in my reminder of our Annual Appeal’s significance. Probably not the piece of mail that one is eager to open immediately. Nonetheless, your prayerful consideration and financial gift is a significant boost to the programs that we as a parish attempt to offer for the faith and wellbeing of our families and individuals. Whatever our donations or pledges, such supports the ongoing outreach of Hispanic & Migrant Outreach, Religious Education Programming, Social Justice Office, Ordained Ministry Training, the Vocations Office and Seminarian formation. All these programs on the Diocesan level affect the ministries and programs we as a parish offer to build the faith of our parishioners and visitors. There are numerous causes or charities to support, as it should be; however, our Annual Appeal benefits not just the Diocesan programs offered in support of parish efforts, but enables our staff and volunteers to touch the lives of so many; hopefully, enabling the struggling to find the presence of Christ in their lives, and we as parishes to welcome all to our Sacraments—prayerfully and as Christians of hope.
Our goal set by the Diocese for the amount of pledges may seem high, but if we reach that figure, parishes will receive back monies for our own local needs. When we fall short our parishes pay in the balance out what was not received. I only ask for your prayerful consideration towards the Diocesan Annual Appeal, whatever the amount. And I thank you for your support—whatever your donation—and your presence and faith shared with our parish. “Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)
Trying to re-establish the opportunity for all the Sacraments to be received prayerfully in our parishes since the ‘virus’ restrictions is an ongoing process. And yet, the grace in each Sacrament remains unchanged regardless of the conditions or circumstances at the time it is received. As our Church defines: “a sacrament is a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Jesus to give us grace, an an undeserved gift from God. Christ was present at the inception of all of the sacraments, which He instituted 2,000 years ago. Christ is also present every time each sacrament is celebrated.” Thus, we will again offer the Sacrament of Anointing on a regular basis in church aside from the personal requests by individuals or those hospitalized or in care centers. On the first Friday of each month we will offer the Sacrament of Anointing during the daily Mass to all who desire to receive this grace. At the same time, we will protect the wellbeing of those who are present, and those who receive the Sacrament.
There is no restriction on the number of times you can avail yourself to this Sacrament. However, the Church offers these guidelines: “In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus healing grace touching the individual. The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death (Last Rites) to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness (physical, mental, emotional), or one’s injuries or disability, or the aging is sufficient.
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, by God's will, the person is healed. However, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness, a surgery, injuries, mental/emotional struggles, or the frailty of old age.” Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters [priests] of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:14-15)
At St. Malachy, church the Sacrament of Anointing in Mass will be offered at the evening Mass on the first Thursday of the Month. At St. John and Sacred Heart churches, the Sacrament of Anointing will be offered at the morning Mass on the first Friday.
We have an opening for a part time position to maintain the Parish Hall and lobby at Sacred Heart. And someone to clean St. John’s rectory. If interested or have questions about the responsibilities please contact me at the office. Thank you.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” (William Cullen Bryant)
