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

Weekly Words from The Rock:

In the October 17-23, 2021 edition of Our Sunday Visitor, pages 9-12, there is a special section entitled “Getting to know the apostles.” In the weeks ahead, let us learn about the 12 apostles.

Judas Iscariot – Like some of the other apostles, we do not now when Judas was selected. He was the treasurer of the group, in charge of the finances, probably efficient in his efforts. Judas was present in Bethlehem when Mary anointed Jesus with precious spikenard ointment and complained, she was wasting the oil, but he complained, “not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief and held the [apostles’] money bag and used to steal contributions” (John 12:6). Jesus rebuked Judas for his comments, and it was soon thereafter that Judas connived with the chief priests to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

At the Last Supper, Jesus knew what Judas was doing, and after washing all the apostles’ feet, he revealed that someone would betray him and identified Judas, saying, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27). Later that same night, Judas, leading a band of soldiers, singled out Jesus as leader of the Christian group. After the arrest of Jesus, Judas tried to give the money back but was rejected by the Jews, so he “went off and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5).

Matthew – Matthew was a tax collector for the occupying Romans in Galilee. The Jews hated tax collectors, both because they worked for the Romans and often cheated the people. Jesus saw Matthew (Levi) “sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him” (Mark 2:14).

In the eyes of the Jews, Matthew was a despicable creature, an outcast no better than a sinner because of his job, but Jesus, in his abundant love and mercy, read Matthew’s heart and called him to be one of his apostles. Matthew gave up everything to become a follower, a believer in Christ. While not a lot is known about Matthew, there is evidence that he went to evangelize in India where he is that country’s patron saint.

Andrew, Simon, Jude and Matthias – The Scriptures provide few details about Andrew, Simon, Jude and Matthias. Yet, they each followed Christ and went out to teach the Good News. Andrew was the first of the apostles selected and the first to call Jesus the Messiah; thus, he was close to Jesus.

Simon may have been a member of the Jewish political group called Zealots, who were adamant about their Jewish faith and hated the Romans. Jesus won Simon over, and the apostle channeled his enthusiasm and energy to the message of Christ.

Jude was known as Thaddeus, according to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, and Judas, according to St. Luke. St. John also refers to him as Judas at the Last Supper: “Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?’” (John 14:22). This is a question likely being considered by some of the other apostles who still saw Jesus as potentially an earthly king, not yet grasping why Jesus had come to earth or what was going to happen to him on the next day. Jesus responds that he will make himself known to those who love him and keep his commandments, “and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” (John 14:23)

Matthias was picked to replace the betrayer, Judas (Acts 1:15-26). While the apostles waited in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, Peter, as their leader, could have picked the replacement, but he left the choice to the apostles. Peter does provide some direction saying that whoever is chosen must have been part of Christ’s followers from his baptism and be a witness to his resurrection. There are two candidates, Barsabbas and Matthias; eventually, Matthias is selected by drawing lots. We never hear of Matthias again in the New Testament.

We will look more closely at more of the apostles next week...

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: Am I willing to sell everything I own and follow the Lord? What is precious to me?

Matthew 13:44-52

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

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

Prayer Chain: Colleen Freking is taking over the prayer chain for Sacred Heart in Heron Lake for Maurita Volk. Please call the office or Colleen with your prayer requests. Also, if you would like to a member of the prayer chain please contact the office or Colleen. THANK YOU to Maurita Volk for your time and dedication to this mission over the years.

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.

Faith Formation: Sacred Heart is seeking a teacher for the 7th/8th grade Faith Formation classes for the 2026/2027 school year. Please reach out to Judy Stenzel or Melanie in the office if interested or have questions.

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.

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.