From your pastor

    I have to compliment the parishes on how well you have adapted to the new words in the liturgy.  I am sensing some unsurety regard liturgical postures.  For the sake of clarity I offer the following guide.

    Standing during the "Pray my sisters and brothers..."; you should stand once the priest has finished washing his hands and the offertory hymn is finished.  Kneel after the "Holy, Holy".

    Standing during reception of communion; you should stand up while the priest comsumes the host and the communion hymn begins.  Kneel (or sit if you are unable) once everyone has received communion and the communion hymn finished.  Remain at prayer until the priest says "Let us Pray"

    I hope this is some help.

Are a wise one?

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=3997b47e0a0f9b72567f126c3f946bee585ae7d601bf7e585

Wisdom leads us to lay down what we have been given to make a gift of them.

From Your Pastor

Our Christmas celebrations were wonderful.  Since this was my second Christmas here, I could better enjoy the celebrations because I could anticipate what was coming down the line.  I want to thank the countless people who made our celebrations come alive.  We are blessed with two talented parishes in our faith community and Christmas brings out the best in us.

      This coming year is filled with many challenges.  As you could see in last weeks bulletin there is a lot going on in our faith community.  It takes a lot of work and effort to bring this together.  Over the next year we will continue to grow and I ask for the grace and patience that are necessary to support that growth.  I look forward to celebrating the giftedness of our community as we draw together our time, treasure and talents and offer them to the Lord.

Who or what is ruling your life?

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=94a767f9b685c90980acdead3a03753e4dde29303e0d5ab14

It is counter cultural to see Christ as the King of of life but left on our own what or who rules our life?

From your most thankful pastor

The fundamental gift of Christmas is the gift of Christ's presence himself. It encourages us to enter into God's life giving grace by sharing the gift of ourselves in our time, treasures and our talents. I am overwhelmed by the countless hours, resources and talents giving freely by our parishioners to make things come alive over this last year.
There are so many groups that do good work but two have stood out this last year. Firstly, Anna Maria's many helpers have really helped to make Sacred Heart parish shine. The past building committee and volunteers have shared their time and talents to fix up the back yard, the upstairs rooms and the meeting rooms. On her behalf and on behalf of the parish I would like to thank all of you.
The second great gift of self that has stood out is the Arise: Together in Christ groups. I would like to thank the steering committee and all the group leaders who made these group possible. It is wonderful to share the gift of self.
Fr. Peter Keller

St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community

What are you waiting for?

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=4306880a850a8feb816550d89ae81a9867ffbc3c963a5ccfc

MAKE ROOM FOR CHRIST: CONFESSION

It's not easy

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a difficult one for most of us. We need think no further than the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. Rather than admit wrongdoing, it was so much easier for them to put the blame somewhere else. We can feel too, that God loves us more when we're doing good. We can even try to make ourselves believe God doesn't know about our wrongdoing.

God loves you

God love us! God knows what the challenges of human life are all about. We can think about the story of the Prodigal Son, the great insult and hurt the son inflicted on the father, and how the father welcomed him back, without even waiting for an apology. I've had occasion to meet many people who were hurt very badly by family members and friends. When I ask the question, "Would you ever be able to forgive them?" the answer is usually, "Yes." If we as humans can be so forgiving, how much more is God willing to forgive us!

God waits

He waits for our return. "But I haven't been to Confession for fifty years!" The response is simply ... "Welcome back! How good it is that you are here!"

All Day Confessions - December 21st

Sacred Heart      9:00 am - 3:30 pm             (11:30 am to 12:30 pm lunch)
St. Michael          4:30 pm - 9:00 pm            (6:30 pm to 7:00 pm Mass)

Weekly Saturday Confessions

Sacred Heart      11:00 am – 12:00 pm

St. Michael          4:00 pm – 4:45 pm