USCCB, (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) just released the summary of the Synod gatherings that has been sent to Rome. I include a few general highlights of the report (though you may read its entirety on our parish website). “In the Fall of 2021, the local churches in the United States of America joined the worldwide Catholic Church in entering the diocesan phase of the 2021-2023 Synod - For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. The Church in the United States is made up of an estimated 66.8 million Catholics spread across one hundred and seventy-eight (178) Latin Church (arch) dioceses, including the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

Each household received a letter from Bishop Nickless this past week, asking for your support of the 2022/23 “Together as One,” our Diocesan Annual Appeal. Please prayerfully consider making a gift and know that your offering will help fund ministries that benefit the more than 25,000 Catholic households and especially our own parish. As St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans: “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Sr. Josephine arrived safely back in Houston after sharing the mission and ministry of The Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel and receiving our rural hospitality. We received this letter from Sr. Balogun, their Mission Coordinator. On behalf of the Superior General and the Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners for your love and kindness towards Sr. Josephine during her visit to Sacred Heart and St. Malachy, for mission appeal.

He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” (Saint Francis of Assisi) We shared similar tastes in music (ie. Blues, classic rock, jazz) though she was stuck on Boz Skaggs in her later years.