O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, Your Heart is a glowing furnace of Love. You are my refuge and my sanctuary.
St. Gertrude the Great
Observances and Readings for the Week
Monday (1-5)
Saint John Neumann, Bishop, Memorial
1 Jn 3:22-4:6
Mt 4:12-17, 23- 25
Saint John Neumann, Bishop, Memorial
1 Jn 3:22-4:6
Mt 4:12-17, 23- 25
Tuesday (1-6)
Saint André Bessette, Religious
1 Jn 4:7-10
Mk 6:34-44
Saint André Bessette, Religious
1 Jn 4:7-10
Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday (1-7)
Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest
1 Jn 4:11-18
Mk 6:45-52
Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest
1 Jn 4:11-18
Mk 6:45-52
Thursday (1-8)
Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 4:19-5:4
Lk 4:14-22a
Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 4:19-5:4
Lk 4:14-22a
Friday (1-9)
Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 5:5-13
Lk 5:12-16
Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 5:5-13
Lk 5:12-16
Saturday (1-10)
Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 5:14-21
Jn 3:22-30
Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 5:14-21
Jn 3:22-30
Sunday (1-11)
The Baptism of the Lord, Feast
Is 42:1-4, 6-7
Acts 10:34-38
Mt 3:13-17 (21) Pss Prop
The Baptism of the Lord, Feast
Is 42:1-4, 6-7
Acts 10:34-38
Mt 3:13-17 (21) Pss Prop
Monday (1-12)
Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time)
1 Sm 1:1-8
Mk 1:14-20
Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time)
1 Sm 1:1-8
Mk 1:14-20
Tuesday (1-13)
Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
1 Sm 1:9-20
Mk 1:21-28
Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
1 Sm 1:9-20
Mk 1:21-28
Wednesday (1-14)
Weekday
1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20
Mk 1:29-39
Weekday
1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20
Mk 1:29-39
Thursday (1-15)
Weekday
1 Sm 4:1-11
Mk 1:40-45
Weekday
1 Sm 4:1-11
Mk 1:40-45
Friday (1-16)
Weekday
1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a
Mk 2:1-12
Weekday
1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a
Mk 2:1-12
Saturday (1-17)
Saint Anthony, Abbot, Memorial
1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a
Mk 2:13-17
Saint Anthony, Abbot, Memorial
1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a
Mk 2:13-17
Sunday (1-18)
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 49:3, 5-6
1 Cor 1:1-3
Jn 1:29-34
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 49:3, 5-6
1 Cor 1:1-3
Jn 1:29-34
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FR. PRATAP!!
Thursday, July 2nd
Adoration Schedule
St Francis Xavier Church Windom
First Sunday of each month
11:00-12:00
Sacred Heart Church Brewster
Second Sunday of each month
4:00-4:45
Mankato Area Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation
The next session is January 31st, at St. John Vianney, Fairmont, MN.
World Wide Marriage Encounter
The next session is November 22-23, 2025 at Alexandria, MN. Contact Miki Schultz at 507-227-8229 with questions.
Weekly Words from The Rock:
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
Why did Jesus Christ undergo baptism? Recall the baptism of Jesus Christ differs from the baptism we celebrate today. John the Baptist’s focus was on repentance. Repentance is the need to peer within oneself and to turn away from whatever is sinful. John the Baptist called people back to their original dignity, a life lived in and through God.
When it comes to Jesus Christ, there was no need to repent. Conceived without sin, living a life free from sin, his life was devoted fully to God. Then why undergo baptism? Here are the key Catholic reasons:
- Fulfilling Righteousness: In Matthew 3:13-17, John the Baptist tries to prevent Jesus from being baptized. Jesus’ response is, “Allow it for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” “Fulfill all righteousness” shows an obedience to God’s plan.
- Modeling for Humanity: “Fulfill all righteousness” also showed what his followers must do. As I have entered the baptismal waters so you must do.
- Sanctifying the Waters: His presence in the Jordan River transformed the waters, making them holy and the means of grace.
- Inaugurating His Mission: The baptism of Jesus marked a pivotal point in Jesus’ life. With his baptism, he is lead into the desert and prays. Upon coming out of the desert, Jesus Christ begins his public ministry.
- Embracing Sinners: Jesus wasn’t the only one baptized in the Jordan River. He was baptized alongside others. In so doing, he associated with them and began his salvific work of saving sinners.
An Obituary of Jesus Christ
How would an obituary of Jesus Christ sound? Someone composed one and I thought it worth sharing.
Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died today on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the ruler Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, and loss of blood.
Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David.
He was the son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary his devoted Mother.
Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem. He is survived by his mother Mary, his faithful Apostles, numerous disciples, and many followers.
Jesus was self-educated and spent most of his adult life working as a teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a medical doctor, and it is reported that he healed many patients. Up until the time of his death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry and helping the poor.
Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father’s kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fish and healing a man who was born blind. Yesterday, he held a Last Supper and at which he foretold his death.
The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontinus Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.
We your siblings love you, Lord Jesus, and we anxiously await your return.
Electric Motors
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
Father Peter Schuster
Vocation View: In baptism we have become children of God. We are called to live a life of holiness. Am I being called to live that life as a priest, brother, or sister?
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Campaign for Retirement Fund for Religious Retirement Fund for Religious Catholic University Sat/Sun, December 13 & 14: Your donation makes a difference for nearly 25,000 religious senior men and women . Religious men and women have spent their lives serving others usually for little or no pay. Donations run Dec. 13 & 14 through January 2026.
There will be Confession available 1/2 hour before mass on Sundays.
Faith Formation: There will be no Faith Formation classes from December 24th through January 4th.
Catholic Order of Foresters will be having their annual TOM & JERRY celebration today, January 11th at 2:30 PM. A light lunch will be served.
Mission Quilt Sewing will begin on Tuesday, January 13th, at Steger Hall, weather permitting, at 1:30 PM. Extra hands make light work! Do you have any old drapes, mattress pads or blankets that could be used for batting? We could, also, use good used sheets or fabric for the quilt backs. Please drop these items at the Church, Steger Hall or Rectory. Thank you!
Thank You to everyone who shared their talent with us for the Christmas Eve Mass. It was a beautiful Mass full of lovely music and worship!
Mark Your Calendars!
Fun Sunday will take place on Sunday, February 1st with a snow date of February 8th. Please give all raffle donations to Lisa Carlson. Raffle tickets have been mailed. We are, also, accepting $5 per family for Bingo prizes.
Reminder: If school is late or closed due to adverse weather, Wednesday Mass is also canceled. Sunday Mass cancellation will be announced on KDOM and Worthington Radio Stations, along with being posted on Facebook.
Sacred Heart of Brewster is now taking applications for the position of Office Administrator Job title descriptions are available. Please contact Father Schuster or Loretta Smith at 507-370-2215.
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.
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is excited to send, for a second time, a group of religious and laity from our diocese to experience and participate in the Walk to Mary from May1-3, 2026!
The Walk to Mary is an annual, twenty-two-mile pilgrimage walk in Wisconsin. The pilgrimage begins at the National Shrine of St. Joseph located in St. Norbert College and ends at the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States of America, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. In 1859, Mary appeared to Adele Brise in Champion, Wisconsin instructing her to teach the Catholic faith to the children of the land. On this pilgrimage, pilgrims not only remember this beautifully simple Marian apparition, but they also journey spiritually with Joseph and Mary to witness their love and fidelity to Jesus Christ. People of diverse ages, races, and nationalities all come together to participate in this sacred experience. Information will be posted on bulletin boards at entries, you can register by visiting here: https://www.dowr.org/ event-details/3789 or call (507)516-6945. Early deadline is January 1st, 2026.
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, signs at the church, announcements or even the bulletin when able. Thank you for your understanding.
Diocese of Winona-Rochester Prayer for Vocations
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
‘Who is My Neighbor? Join Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry at St. Francis Xavier in Windom for a day of reflection. On this day we will explore scripture, Church teaching, the historical context of immigration and welcoming the stranger. Join us and reflect on the ‘Parable of the Good Samaritan’ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We look forward to learning and praying with you. The day of reflection will take place on January 31st from 10 am to 2 pm at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom. A meal will be served to encourage further discussion. Register with Maria at 507-905-8602 or email mahmed@ccsomn.org.
C L A S will meet January 13th in the Dining Hall at 2pm. All ladies of the Church are welcome to attend.
Please remember to check the back page of the bulletin and support our sponsors!
Facebook Page
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.
New Parishioners
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.
Marriage Preparation
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.
Baptism Preparation
Contact the parish office a month in advance to fill out the form and to attend Baptism Mentoring Sessions.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation still available by appointment for each Parish.
Quinceanera Preparation
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.