Confirmation
St. Ann will host Archbishop Schnurr for Confirmation on April 25. Please pray for those completing their sacraments of initiation.
CMA
As of 4/15/24, Sacred Heart is at 204% of target with 408 families participating. St. Ann is at 123% of target with 148 families participating. Remember that when any parish exceeds target, a percentage of the money over target comes back to the parish.
Thanks to all who have pledged or contributed. Thank you for prayerfully considering a donation or pledge to this year’s CMA. I will report each week the results I have in the bulletin.
Beacons of Light Phase Two
As we move past Easter, St. Ann and Sacred Heart are conducting meetings and discussion sessions regarding the process for “visioning for the future.” At present this has been done through Parish Council and some of the various committees. Soon this will expand to include ideas for worship enhancement, stewardship (Finance Committee), evangelization, and an all-inclusive look at charitable outreach (aka Love in Action).
We must also recognize that Beacons expects our two parish schools (St. Ann and Sacred Heart) to abandon the stance of “maintaining” what traditionally has been, and embrace a more forward looking (all encompassing) approach. To use an analogy; we have become accustomed to swimming in our fresh water lake. Now we must learn to swim in the ocean.
DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS!!!!
I keep running this article because there are new scams everyday
Remember I NEVER solicit funds, donations, favors, or any request of any kind over the telephone, text, email, carrier pigeon, drone, etc. NEVER! Do not allow yourself to be taken in by scammers. Even if they have my recorded voice, be assured it is computer generated fake! It is not me!!!
Reminder for volunteers who work with or around children
Please be aware that failure to register with and complete the requirements of Safe Parish will result in your inability to continue to work with or around children in any parish and/or school setting. We have been informed by the Archdiocese that there can be NO EXCEPTIONS.
Live Streaming for Precept Masses
Please remember to access the Sacred Heart / St. Ann Pastoral Region You Tube site by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVLLqbEY5hKWinwz069MVcg
Reflection on Scripture:
The significance of the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is sometimes lost on people who lack agricultural experience. Some ask, “After all, what’s the difference between a good shepherd and a good cow hand?” At the time of Jesus, shepherds were the poorest of the poor. Industrial methods of farming did not exist, so the shepherd lived with his sheep and came to know each by name. Sheep are vulnerable to wolves and even domestic dogs. Sheep eat the grass down to the dirt unlike many other grazing livestock, so the herd had to be moved more deliberatively. Sheep just seem more vulnerable and in need of gentle protection. Caring for a flock of sheep is pastoral. Thus we have the analogy of a “pastor and his flock,” not a “pastor and his herd.”
Jesus does not compare humans to swine or cattle! He does compare us to sheep. Sheep are known to see other sheep running, panic and run aimlessly even though they do not know what or who they are fleeing. Jesus tells us to come to him if we are burdened or afraid. Sometimes we run to drugs instead. Sometimes we look to greed for strength. Sometimes we look to temporary gratification for fulfillment. If you ever feel like a sheep; afraid and confused, and needing to run away, run to Jesus. He is the only sure bet!
NEXT SUNDAY The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:26-31
1 Jn 3:18-24
Jn 15:1-8
Theme: Eternal life is a gift that comes to us only through Jesus Christ.