We, the parish of Sacred Heart, are committed to enriching the Spirituality of the parish family, the Christian community, and all brothers and sisters created in God's divine image and likeness. We are called by the Holy Spirit, under the leadership of our Bishop and Pastor, to assist others through the development and promotion of various ministries. We pray for Divine guidance that we may serve others with truth, courage, forethought, and compassion.
UKRANIAN SOLIDARITY REFUGEE RELIEF FUND ADMINISTERED BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
EASY WAY TO HELP - 100% OF PROCEEDS GOES TO HUMANITARIAN RELIEF:
Bishop Malone asked me (Elaine Gallion) to share the message below which he received from Mr. Tom Sweeney, a parishioner of St. Jude Parish, Benton:
This Lent Jesus Christ is being crucified in The Ukraine. The situation is completely dire, the suffering is immense, thousands of innocent noncombatants have been wantonly killed and over 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes to seek safety in neighboring countries. What has been happening in Eastern Europe for the past five weeks are the most momentous events in the lifetimes of most of us! None of us can say how this will end, but one thing is certain, this Lent the people of the Ukraine were tragically joined to the Passion of the Christ and we MUST help them in this, their darkest hour. We have an opportunity to aid them by volunteering to work a parking gate shift at the Spring Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport from April 28th to May 8th. We need to fill 151 shifts working as parking gate attendants. You will be tasked with collecting a $5 parking fee from each car that passes through your assigned area. The work is light and easy, and the time goes by fast. Instead of being paid for your work you would be pledging that money to the Ukraine Solidarity Refugee Relief Fund administered by the Knights of Columbus. 100% of the $15,480 we can raise will be used for humanitarian relief. There will be a Shreveport Police Officer at every location to ensure everyone's safety. You may sign up for more than one shift if you are able. Teenagers sixteen years of age and up may also work at the gates accompanied by an adult. Ukraine is 85% Christian and millions of them are Catholic. Please help in aiding the Refugees from Ukraine, by doing so you will be Eucharist to them. As dutiful Christians we know that on this earth God's work must truly be our own. Click on this link below to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4bada828abf58-ukrainian
Thank you and God bless you,
Tom Sweeney
Homily-Be Prepared
Luke 12:32-48
by: Fr. Mark Watson
The Gospel today calls us to be prepared. We are called to not be afraid because God the Father has given us the Kingdom. How are we preparing for eternal life? In the Gospel Jesus states that if we sell our possessions and give alms we will make purses for ourselves in heaven, which are “an inexhaustible treasure (Luke 12:33)”. No one can take this treasure away from us. “For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be (Luke 12:34)”.
Humans have an eternal destiny. We are called to have faith in attaining eternal life beyond our lives on earth. What we do in this life has consequences for the future. Humans should not only worry about food and clothing, but that they should strive for eternal life through living lives of generosity. If God controls history and cares for humans more than flowers and birds, then humans can dispose of their life freely in the expectation that this does make an inexhaustible treasure in heaven (Luke 12:33)”. In Luke’s Gospel the response of faith is expressed in the sharing of possessions. The sharing of possessions brings a reward from God.
The Father has already established his rule among us. We do not live in a world of chaotic change, but in a world governed by the gracious gift of God. Only because we have been so fundamentally gifted can we share their possessions with others.
Jesus gives us various images which call us to be prepared. He says that we are to gird our loins and light our lamps. This image is from Exodus 12:11 and it describes how the Israelites pulled their robes over their belts so that they could move quickly during their escape from Egypt before the Passover. If Christ finds us in this way he will sit us down at the table and begin to wait on us.
Jesus says as well, that Christ will come, at a time we do not expect. Jesus even uses the surprising image of the Son of Man being like a thief in the night who comes at a time we do not expect. Thus, we are always to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
Finally, he tells his followers that they are to act like a household manager who are both subject to the master or Lord (Kyrios) and who cares for the other slaves. If the household manager feels that the Lord is delayed in coming and begins to beat the other slaves, the Lord will come at a time he does not expect and punish him severely. The message is that we are to be faithful to the Lord and to care for one another at all times. God judges humans at every moment, and knows whether they have “given rations at the appointed times” or have fallen to beating the other slaves.
As we reflect on this Gospel we are to reflect on how we are preparing for the coming of the Lord. To do this, let us look back. Are we more loving, faithful, holy, forgiving, generous and patient than we were five years ago? If so we can feel confident about our lives. If not, what do we need to change in our lives, so that we are becoming the people that will receive eternal life?
Sacred Heart Family,
Sacred Heart Grief Support Group is Helping families recover from the loss of a love one. I also see a need for a Family Support Group to aid our families with a variety of needs, to be able to reach out in a safe and confidential way with other couples. I would like to start a Sacred Heart Family Support Group. The aim is to have family couples that are open minded and nonjudgmental that can listen to each other and share personal reflections.
The aim is to:
· Increase the strength and resilience of families
· Support better family relationships so to reach their full potential
· Helps families make acquaintances with other families and resources in the community
· Provides individualized, family-driven support that respects family culture, values, and preferences
Benefits
· Increases families' level of knowledge about family relationships
· Connects parents with similar experiences
· Reduces the sense of stress and isolation
· Provides opportunities for families to support each other
Please let me know if you would be interested in starting this ministry at Sacred Heart. Just email me individually at deaconnash@sacredheartshreveport.org
Deacon Clary Nash
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After Wed. Morning Mass and
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Location:
4736 Lyba Street
Shreveport, LA 71109-0467
Postal Mail:
4736 Lyba Street
Shreveport, LA 71109-0467
Rectory: 318-635-2121
Church: 318-635-2121
Fax: 318-635-5226
Gabriel Hall: 318-635-5446