The Tabernacle is Moving at Sacred Heart!
When you first hear these words, you may think we are speaking of a miraculous event. Rather, the title reveals a decision approved by our Worship Commission, our Parish Pastoral Council, and the Archbishop. After reflecting on the Canon (universal) Law of the Church (referenced below), and given the USCCB’s National Eucharistic Revival; we have asked and been given authorization to move the tabernacle to the center of the sanctuary at the foot of the crucifix, displacing it from the small chapel which has been its home since shortly after the new church was built in 1989. So why should we make the change now? For one thing, placing the Blessed Sacrament in the center of the sanctuary renders us more compliant with the spirit of the current Church Law. Reference the following:
Canon 938: paragraph 2 & 3
- The tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved is to be situated in some part of the church or oratory which is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer.
- The tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved habitually is to be immovable, made of solid and opaque material, and locked in such a way that the danger of profanation is avoided as much as possible.
In addition to conformity with Church Law, placing the tabernacle in the sanctuary speaks volumes to the centrality of the Eucharist in our spiritual self-understanding. For those coming to our worship space for the first time, there will be immediate recognition that this is a community that focuses on the Eucharist as our foundation. One of the most compelling reasons for using the brass tabernacle from the former church (now the gym) is that it provides a real sense of continuity.
We plan is to move the tabernacle to the center of the sanctuary possibly before next Sunday, November 19. We will still celebrate officially on the Feast of Christ the King. We will have to remember to genuflect (or solemn bow) when entering or leaving the church. We will also wish to use the narthex a bit more for conversation so, while in the nave, we show the appropriate respect for the presence of the Sacred Species. Be assured that we are simply moving existing furniture in this process. Nothing is permanently or irreversibly changed. There is no cost.
Beacons of Light Phase Two
In Phase One of Beacons of Light (Leadership) we hired or promoted from within the four “Directors” who will be in charge of much of what the pastor traditionally has done that is non-sacramental. This restructuring allows the parish to focus on evangelization rather than simply maintaining what we have done in the past and doing it the same way. In addition to hiring and promoting lay ministers, we have refined the Sunday Mass schedule so that the Family can be served by only one priest.
We are now moving into Phase Two which is “Visioning.” We will use this time to discern goals and create teams. We will explore opportunities for the parish to reach out in faith into a broader scope of community. We can pinpoint the purposes for our stewardship efforts and consider new ways to structure into cost centers which could pinpoint purpose and enhance revenue sources. We will marginalize the maintenance of the impractical and highlight the opportunities for purposeful expansion. We will seek to redefine the pathway and reaffirm priorities. All this must be done is the context of practicality and feasibility. We will look for opportunities to expand, not just maintain. Please watch for discussion sessions that peak your interest as we move forward through this discernment process.
DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS!!!!
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
A apologize that the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, November 4 was not live streamed. Someone unplugged the router and I had no time to sort out the problem before Mass. Therefore, I live streamed the 5:15 p.m. from St. Ann, and then live streamed the 8:00 a.m. from Sacred Heart the next morning. I also live streamed the 2:00 p.m. Memorial Mass. Sorry I missed live streaming the 4:00 p.m. Mass. When I discovered there was no internet, there was no time to investigate before Mass.
Please remember to access the Sacred Heart / St. Ann Pastoral Region You Tube site by clicking on the following link: www.youtube.com/channel/UCVLLqbEY5hKWinwz069MVcg
Reflection on Scripture:
Those poor foolish bridesmaids! The wise bridesmaids brought plenty of oil so they could extend the flame of their torches. The foolish of course had come unprepared. Then to add insult to injury, the wise bridesmaids refused to share their oil as they all might be out of luck. The foolish had to go out shopping, and in the meantime they missed their chance to meet the bridegroom. Doesn’t this all make the “stingy” wise bridesmaids the bad guys?
Jesus is analogizing oil for torches for living one’s faith. The wise bridesmaids had been living their faith all along. They had stored up actual grace. When the opportunity arose to actively wait for Jesus, they knew how to do it! The foolish bridesmaids had done nothing but prepare to wait. Because the foolish had wasted their time, they did not have the grace of having practiced to know how to wait productively. If you don’t live in the light, you condemn yourself in darkness.
We all know the guys who come on a fishing trip and never think to bring a pole or bait. They have their minds on too many other things. Jesus encourages us to be wise. Practice your faith and store up grace. Then your life of waiting for the Lord will prove productive and you will be ready to meet him when he comes.
NEXT WEEK Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
1 Thes 5:1-6
Mt 25:14-30
Theme: Parable of the Talents