HAPPY BIRTHDAY FR. PRATAP!!
Thursday, July 2nd

Weekly Words from The Rock:

This is for all of you who enjoy a shopping spree from time to time.

I was walking down life’s highway, a long time ago when I saw a sign that read, “Heaven’s Grocery Store.”

As I came a little closer, the door opened wide, suddenly I was surprised, to find myself inside. I saw a host of angels, they were everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, “My child, shop with care.”

Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store. All you can carry, you’re welcome to come back for more.

First, I picked up some patience, love was in the same row. Next was understanding, you need that wherever you go. I picked up a box of wisdom and a bag or two of faith. I couldn’t miss the Holy Spirit, for it was over all over the place. I stopped to get some strength and courage; I always need a lot of them to help me run the race.

By then my basket was starting to get very full, but then I remembered I also needed grace. I didn’t forget salvation, for salvation it is offered free. I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my Master’s will. As I walked up the aisle, I saw prayer and had to put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I’d run right into sin. Peace and joy were plentiful; they were on the last shelf. Songs and praises were hanging near, so I helped myself.

When I finally reached the counter, I asked the angel, “How much do I owe?” The angel smiled and said, “Jesus paid your bill a long-long time ago.”

(Author of the Story is unknown).

This is for all the germ conscious folks that worry about using cold water to clean.

John went to visit his 90-year-old grandfather in a very secluded, rural area of Northern Wisconsin. After spending a great evening chatting the night away, the next morning John’s grandfather prepared a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast. John noticed a film like substance on his plate, and questioned his grandfather asking, “Are these plates clean?” His grandfather replied, “They’re as clean as cold water can get them. Just go ahead and finish your meal, Sonny.”

For lunch, the old-man made hamburgers. Again, John was concerned about the plates, as the plate appeared to have tiny specks around the edge that looked like dried egg and asked, “Are you sure these plates are clean?” Without looking up the old man said, “I told you before, Sonny, those dishes are as clean as cold water can get them. Now don’t you fret, I don’t want to hear another word about it!”

Later that afternoon, John was on his way to a nearby town. As he was leaving, his grandfather’s dog started to growl and wouldn’t let him pass. John yelled and said, “Grandfather, your dog won’t let me get to my car.” Without diverting his attention from the Packers football game he was watching on television, the old man shouted, “Coldwater, go lie down, yah hear me!”

Maybe, hot water is a good idea after all. (Author of story is unknown).

Do you have any electric motors that are lying around, and you would like to be rid of? Even with the passing of my father, I would be happy to take any electric motors. You can leave them by the rectory garage in Slayton, or I can pick them up at any of the parishes. Thanks!

Peace be to you!
Father Peter Schuster

Vocation View: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. As a church, let us pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Isaiah 56:6-7

There will be Confession available 1/2 hour before mass on Sundays.

Liturgical Roles for August and September are now available to pick up.

Faith Formation Registration for the 26-27 school year is now available to pick up at church entrance. Please return registrations to Judy Stenzel or the office by September 13th. Registration $20 per child with a $50 cap per family.

Quilting Ladies would like to continue their mission, but will need the help of two people to put the quilt top, batting, and backing together before it is tied. If you are able to help please contact Dianne Freking or Melanie in the office. Thank you!

The Southwest Area Diocesan CCW is looking for a Commission Chair. A commission chair reads a report from the Diocesan newsletter at each area meeting. They are, also, looking for the position of Vice President. They would like to return to a 2 year term. If interested contact the office or Barb Hussong.

Do You Love To Sing? The Sacred Heart Choir is looking for new members to enhance the Mass with their beautiful voices. Please reach out if interested.

Phone/Address Updates: Please let Melanie know if you have any updates to addresses or phone numbers that may be out of date in the system or directory. Thank you!

Recent Changes Have taken place with the Catholic Foundation (CMA). Checks should be made payable to : Diocese of Winona-Rochester. It is very helpful if donors include CMA– Heron Lake in the memo line. The CMA appeal, as always, remains a tremendous benefit for our parishes when goals are met and overage funds are returned.

The Light Is On For You: : Reconciliation continues to be available. All are encouraged to continue coming to confession throughout the year; or return to the sacrament of reconciliation.

Don’t Miss The Joy The Lord Wants You To Have! The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in the tri-parish, during adoration, on the 1st Sunday in Windom from 11-12 AM, also in Brewster on the 2nd Saturday from 4:00-4:45 PM and in Heron Lake before Mass on Sundays at 7:30 AM. Reconciliation is also before Mass on Saturdays at 4:30 PM in Brewster.

Remick Ridge Estates is looking for an individual or couple who would like to lead a weekly Bible Study for our residents. We are open to dates/times. Please call Brenda at 507-831-0745.

Mikkelsen Manor invites all seniors to join us Fridays at 2:00 pm for Bingo fun with our residents! Call Brenda with any questions, 507-831-0745.

Weekday Mass Schedule: Regarding the weekday Mass schedule; funerals and vacations scheduled intermittently may affect weekday Masses and there may be cancellations. Please be patient as we learn of these schedule changes. We will update you as best we can via facebook, the church website, signs at the church, announcements or even the bulletin when able. Thank you for your understanding.

Heavenly Father, Giver of all good things, Your Son told us to beg You to send workers into Your rich harvest, and so we have the confidence to ask You to raise up an abundance of priests in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Send us good and holy men to respond to your call to lay down their lives in service to Your people. We know that the Church comes from priests. Therefore, Gracious God, send us priests to build up Your church, through Jesus who is High Priest and Lord forever and ever.

Amen.

Intinction is the practice of dipping the host into the Precious Blood (the chalice). It has come to my attention that a few people are practicing self-communicating which means the person receiving Holy Communion takes the host, carries it to the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who is distributing the Precious Blood, and dipping the host into the chalice on their own. This practice is not allowed in the Catholic Church. The theological reason for this stems from the Church’s tradition to receive rather than take the Eucharist. Also, this practice prevents the possibility of the Precious Blood dripping onto the floor after the host has been placed in the chalice and transferred to a person’s tongue. Thus, moving forward, I would ask anyone receiving Holy Communion to receive the Precious Body and Precious Blood from the priest or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Thanks, Father Peter Schuster.

Please like and share our Facebook page. The page is intended to connect current parish members and members that have moved with the activities of Sacred Heart Heron Lake.

We welcome you into God’s family! If you are interested in learning more about our church, or would like to join, please stop in the Parish Office.

Please notify the Parish Office of any change of address.

Contact the priest 6 to 12 months in advance of the date of marriage to fill out the forms, to do FOCCUS Test and to attend Marriage Prep Mentoring sessions. Please contact your parish office, if interested.

Contact the parish office a month in advance to fill out the form and to attend Baptism Mentoring Sessions.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation still available by appointment for each Parish.

When booking a Quinceanera and needing a 1st Reconciliation and a 1st Holy Communion. There is a three month preparation time. Please schedule your Quinceanera 3 months in advance. Thank you. It is also required that the family is a member of the parish.