What a glorious autumn we have enjoyed thus far. We heard one meteorologist describe it as living a charmed life, at least weather-wise! We wanted to share a bit of news and happenings of late, and encourage you to mark your calendar for upcoming events. The past few weeks here have been busy for the pastoral team and the support staff. We’ve had a very large number of funerals and are grateful for all the women who work the kitchen and help on a day of need for our families. We’ve recently enjoyed a mid-week Anointing Mass where all who were in need of healing and strength were encouraged to come and celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing and then stay for a luncheon…perhaps you spotted photos on our Facebook page! (If you haven’t found us yet, please search Sacred Heart and give us a like!!!) The beginning of November also saw the kick-off to Stewardship month, where we will be enjoying a series of short testimonials during Mass between now and Thanksgiving from folks who give of themselves in various ways in our parish and end up getting so much more back in return. We hope you enjoy the witness the stories bring, and that they encourage you to reflect a bit about your own call to give here at Sacred Heart, both financially and with your time. On November 1, the Grief Ministry team also offered a beautiful Remembrance Service on All Saints Day, and then that later that night the Welcoming Committee invited ministry leaders and new members of Sacred Heart to gather for the annual Soup and Salad Dinner to welcome newcomers to our parish family. On top of all this, we’ve kicked off our RCIA process and are journeying with SIX people who are prayerfully discerning a conversion to the Catholic faith. Please keep them in prayer. We have lots of good going on in our community, with the promise of more to come as we look toward the celebration of our 150th anniversary as a parish. Please let Wendy or Fr. John know if you would be willing to be on a steering committee to begin to plan for a few special events for our parish community in the next year.
Upcoming things to note:
• Month of November: please bring in a photo of a loved one who has died and leave it on the Remembrance Stand in the Narthex. This, along with writing loved ones names in the Book of the Dead, are ways for our community to remember and pray for those who have gone before us.
• Nov. 13: Deadline for Giving Tree applicants for families in need this Christmas
• Nov. 14: St. Mary’s School Fall Bazaar & Bake Sale, 9 am – 1 pm, school cafeteria
• Nov. 14/15: Council of Catholic Women Bake Sale after Masses, benefiting Birthright
• Nov. 14/15: Second Collection for Healthy Seniors, sponsored by Social Justice Committee
• Nov. 21/22: Feast of Christ the King
• Nov. 22: Assembly of Thanksgiving Food Baskets, 11:30 am in the Parish Center. Help needed!
• Nov. 26: Happy Thanksgiving!!! Mass at 9 am, desperately seeking liturgical ministers now…contact Wendy at wendyc@sacredheartowatonna.org or call the office at 451-1588. No 7:15 am daily Mass offered, nor Adoration offered on Thanksgiving Day.
• Nov. 28/29: Advent begins…Giving Tree begins… foodshelf collection baskets available
May God’s richest blessings reign down upon you and yours in abundance during this month of Thanksgiving!
Sacred Heart Staff
