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

Weekly Words from The Rock:

What if? That was the question which came to mind as I was writing this column? What if I was a farmer instead of a priest? Things would be different in my life:

I would be preparing machinery for the fall harvest rather than preparing a Sunday homily.

I would be wondering about the corn and bean prices, doing a comparison with my input costs, wondering if there was money to be made.

I would be asking the question, “Should I be purchasing fertilizer and fuel for the spring months?” I would be constantly checking the weather for just the right mixture of rain and sun.

I would be doing a test run of the dryer and bin fans.

I would be walking the fields checking pods (in beans) and ears (in corn).

I would be making runs to implement dealers to purchase parts.

I would have my semi(s) go through DOT inspection.

I would pay bills prior to harvest because there isn’t time to pay bills while the harvest is in full swing.

I would be wondering how many bushels a field will hold.

The reality is that I am not a farmer. I am a priest. But let us stay with the question for a moment. What if Jesus... What if Jesus concerned himself with healing everyone who came to him?

Some desired Jesus to overthrow the Romans. What if Jesus concerned himself with staffing and preparing an army?

What if Jesus tried to teach everything?

What if Jesus never left Nazareth?

What if Jesus had lived thirty more years?

What if Jesus concerned himself only with debating the religious leaders?

These questions pose the reality of Jesus focusing on something other than his suffering, death, and resurrection. If Jesus had refused to suffer, die, and rise, these are some of the realities:

I find it hard to believe we would be worshipping a Savior.

I find it hard to believe that as many people would follow Jesus Christ.

I find it hard to believe that we would believe in the resurrection.

I find it hard to believe that we would come together as the Body of Christ and receive the Eucharist.

I find it hard to believe we would have the hope we currently have.

I find it hard to believe we would make sense of suffering.

I find it hard to believe we would make sense of death.

In the end, aren’t we glad that Jesus knew the path the Father had in store for him and he remained faithful to the will of the Father. For without that resolve, we would be left posing the question, “What if? What if Jesus Christ, instead of being a military leader, great healer, renowned debater, had chosen to die and rise for each of us? How would my life, my hope, my faith be different if Jesus suffered and died for me?” Aren’t you glad such a question does not need an answer? Jesus Christ did suffer, die, and rise for you and me. He is our Lord and Savior!

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: Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a slave. Am I willing to empty myself to follow the Lord? Consider a call to priesthood and religious life.

Philippians 2:1-11

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

Faith Formation Registration: Please return registrations to Judy Stenzel or the office ASAP.

Faith Formation: Classes will begin for K-7th grades on Sunday, September 27th and for 8th-12th grades on Wednesday, September 30th. (Please note the change in times for 7th grade students. They will attend Sunday mornings instead of Wednesday nights)

A Box of Joy may be the only Christmas gift a child in need receives. Please help your CCW with this project by picking up a Box of Joy from the church; fill it and return it to the rectory by October 20th. A list of gift item suggestions & instructions can be found next to the boxes in church entrance. They have requested that a rosary be included in each box. The postage will be paid by CCW.

Catholic Charities Baby Bottle Campaign will begin on October 4th, Respect Life Sunday, and go through the 31st. Your support gives local new and expectant mothers the help they need like rent, utilities and baby supplies, so they can choose life with hope and dignity. Please grab a bottle when available and please be generous. Thank you!

Winona-Rochester Diocesan CCW will be holding a meeting at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea on Saturday, October 10th. Sign up sheets available on tables.

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.

The Southwest Area Diocesan CCW Meeting will be held at Sacred Heart in Heron Lake on Tuesday, October 20th at 7 PM in the church basement. All are invited to attend.

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.

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 quesions 507-831-0745.

Fall in love all over again by attending the October 17-18 Marriage Encounter. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Weekends are held at Mt Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington. Register at: www.marriages.org. A “perfect marriage” is simply two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other!

Register for St. Francis Xavier OCIA program:

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is 5+ months of prayer, learning and reflection designed for:

Those seeking to become Catholic

Those seeking the sacrament of Confirmation

Those exploring the Catholic Faith. Classes are held at St. Francis Xavier Church

Classes are Sunday evenings starting October 4th at 6:30 pm. There will be 12 sessions.

Classes will be every other week until March 21st. A Spanish option is available.

OCIA is open to all adults and serves Windom, Heron Lake and Brewster.

Registration forms, course topics and dates of classes are available at St. Francis Xavier Church.

The deadline to register is September 15th, 2026.

For questions, contact Fr. Jordan Danielson 507-831-3300 or Fr. Schuster 507-304-2541.

Baby Bottle Campaign Provides Help and Creates Hope

You can help Catholic Charities in providing help and hope to new and expectant parents in your community! The Baby Bottle Campaign starts next week on Respect Life Sunday, October 4th . Support women who are choosing life for their babies by taking home a bottle and filling it with change or a check and returning to church by October 31.

All donations through the Baby Bottle Campaign will be used for rent and utility assistance for new mothers.

Three ways to give:

“This program has helped me in an unexpected hard time. Catholic Charities answered my prayers and helped me pay rent at 8 months pregnant with no job. I’m so happy they were able to lend a hand!”

– Catholic Charities Client

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.