29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
As we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day we also mark the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Old Testament and Gospel readings for this Sunday direct our attention to PRAYER and its various components. The Sacred Scriptures speak of the significance of prayer in the life of a believer and within the community of believers. Indeed, prayer is both personal and corporate. Both types are important, both types are our tradition as the Sacred Scriptures attest.  We know that prayer is ongoing, never should it come to a conclusion but rather it must be persistent. All this is evidenced in the Scriptures and is for our instruction and encouragement. In today’s second lection from the Apostle Paul’s second correspondence to Timothy we read: “ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
 
I know that our corporate and personal prayer will be enhanced by the upcoming PARISH MISSION which will take place from Monday through Wednesday, November 14-16. Our parish mission will be led by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The mission will be conducted at both Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and Saint Cecilia Church, Sacred Heart during the day and Saint Cecilia in the evening. A complete schedule of the parish mission will be published in the parish bulletin. The celebration of the Holy Mass, the Sacrament of Penance, Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and other services will be conducted to draw us into prayer and worship.
 
A parish mission is nothing new for the Catholic Church. We have a long tradition of them being conducted by some very holy people such as Saint John Eudes and Saint Louis deMontfort, just to name two. The parish mission is an opportunity for a “spiritual recharge” for a parish. Having outside clergy or religious come into a parish is beneficial for both laity and clergy. The “spiritual lift” which comes from the parish mission will be that necessary fuel which will keep us “equipped for every good work.” This is OUR RETREAT, our time as a parish to be together for three consecutive days (nights) in prayer, praise and spiritual formation. I ask that YOU make a commitment to be faithful for these three days (nights) and rearrange your calendar now so that our parish mission will be your priority! DUE TO THE PARISH MISSION I HAVE CLEARED THE PARISH CALENDAR AT SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH AND SAINT CECILIA CHURCH FOR MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14-16. NO MEETINGS OR PREVIOUSLY PLANNED EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON EITHER PARISH PROPERTY DURING THE PARISH MISSION! Our only focus during these days will be prayer and spiritual renewal, nothing else!
 
Please remember me in your prayers as I assure you of mine!
Father Zig