September 22, 2024 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Next Sunday: Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time      Celebrant:  Fr. Tharp         

RCIA is now OCIA:  Starts September 25

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is now called the “Order” of Christian Initiation for Adults.  For the past thirty-six years I have brought people through the RCIA so that they could be baptized, received, and confirmed at the Easter Vigil.  It was instructional and liturgical.  In its new form as the OCIA it seeks to be “formational.”   The new approach is to make the OCIA a journey of faith that touches both the mind and the heart.  We have a team of lay volunteers who will take over the OCIA program under the direction of our Director of Evangelization.  The first meeting is on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in RH 2&3 in the basement of Sacred Heart.  Dress is casual.  If you know someone interested in becoming Catholic, come check it out.

Beacons of Light: Phase Three:  “Culture”

The next step in the Beacons process is to identify and lift up the various cultural adaptations that have evolved in each unique parish and determine how these can be incorporated into and maintained for the combined “Family of Parishes.”  In meeting with the combined Parish Council, it seems that both St. Ann and Sacred Heart have combined cultural aspects unique to each so they are available to both.  The four directors, two principals and certain volunteer coordinators have been invited to the Archdiocese to consider the timing of official canonical consolidation into the Parish Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; one parish with two worship locations and two semi-independent parish schools.  As two parish communities becoming one parish in two communities, we do not want to lose the uniqueness of either while we become an even more powerful Catholic evangelical force in the future of the south Butler County region. More to come.

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:

Humility is the most important virtue for a follower of Christ.  Before you can begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, you must acknowledge that you cannot save yourself; that we all are sinners.  You have to admit you are a sinner before you can accept a savior.  This act of humility is necessary as prelude to accepting Jesus as savior.  Jesus can only invite you to accept salvation if in humility you have admitted to being a sinner.  Jesus challenges us to admit we are all in the same lifeboat adrift in a sea of confusion.  Only Jesus can make sense out of a chaotic world.  Jesus is the only savior and Lord.  Jesus is the only answer to all the questions of the world.

NEXT SUNDAY:  Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Nm 11:25-29

Jas 5:1-6

Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Theme : It would be better to die than to cause scandal in the Body of Christ