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

Weekly Words from The Rock:

Proof of Jesus’ Resurrection

During the Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us look at a question regarding proof of Jesus’ resurrection.

Question: I have a friend who unfortunately is an unbeliever. In particular, she scoffs at the idea that Jesus rose from the dead. I really don’t think anything short of video evidence will convince her. Is there anything I can say to her that you have found helpful?

Answer: Most people would simply say they know that Jesus Christ rose from the dead because it says so in the Bible. While this is true, it is not really the most correct answer. The proper answer is that we know that Jesus is risen from the dead because the apostles said so. They were eyewitnesses to this fact. Jesus himself attests to this when he said: “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48).

So it is the eyewitness testimony of the apostles on which our faith in the resurrection is founded. Surely, too, the Holy Spirit, assists us who have faith to assent and cling to the truth.
But some, like your friend, will ask, how can we know that what the apostles said and later wrote is true? What if they made the whole thing up or were suffering from some delusion? What if they just meant by the Resurrection that Jesus merely lived on in their hearts and memory?

The best reply to such questions was given in a homily by St. John Chrysostom: “How could 12 uneducated men, who lived on lakes and rivers and wastelands, get the idea for such an immense enterprise of spreading the Gospel worldwide? How could men who perhaps had never been in a city or public square think of setting out to do battle with the whole world? That they were fearful, timid men, the evangelist makes clear; he did not reject the fact or try to hide their weaknesses. Indeed, he turned these into a proof of the truth. What did he say to them? That when Christ was arrested, they fled, despite all the miracles they had seen, while he who was leader of the others denied him!

“How then account for the fact that these men, who in Christ’s lifetime could not stand up to the attacks by the Jews, now set forth to do battle with the whole world if Christ was dead – if, as you claim, Christ did not rise and speak to them and rouse their courage? Did they perhaps say to themselves: ‘What is this? He could not save himself but now will protect us? He did not help himself while he was alive, but now that he is dead he will extend a helping hand to us? In his lifetime he brought no nation under his banner, but by uttering his name we will win over the whole world?’ Would it not be wholly irrational even to think such thoughts, much less to act upon them?

“It is evident, then, that if they had not seen him risen and had proof of his power, they would not have risked so much.”
Indeed! And not only did they risk much, they suffered so much! Every one of them, except perhaps John, died as martyrs. They would never have done this for some lie they had concocted or for some dreamy notion that Jesus still lived on in some way in their hearts. Clearly, they were so convicted and moved by the actual fact of the Resurrection that their lives were utterly changed.

And as for the charge of delusion, it may be possible for one man to be delusional, maybe even two, but 12 men collectively having the same delusion? To believe this would take more faith than simply to believe they were telling the truth.

Not a lie, not a fanciful hope, not a delusion, only the true fact of the actual Resurrection can really explain heroic and tenacious going forth of the apostles. These are trustworthy eyewitnesses. Christ is risen indeed.
(Written by Msgr. Charles Pope, appeared on page 19 in the February 7-13, 2021 edition of Our Sunday Visitor).

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: Don’t let your hearts be troubled. The Lord shows the way, just ask him.

John 14:1-12

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

Meeting: CCW will meet on Tuesday, May 12th at 7 PM in church basement.

Baccalaureate will take place on May 17th with coffee and rolls to follow.

The April Couriers are available at the entrance of the church. Please pick yours up. Thank you.

Collection Envelopes: Please let Melanie in the office know if you do not use your collection envelopes. Thanks!

Second Collection on Sunday, May 10th for Mother’s Day Appeal.

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.

At Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, we are guided by the belief that Christ is present in every person—particularly in those who are unseen, overlooked, or in need.

For more than 75 years, we have walked alongside families, individuals, and older adults in our communities, offering support and care in times of hardship.

From providing shelter for those experiencing homelessness to helping families stay in their homes with rent and utility assistance, from offering diapers and essential supplies to meeting critical individual needs, our work reflects Christ’s compassion in action—our faith in action.

By supporting the Catholic Charities Appeal on May 9th and 10th—Mother’s Day Weekend— you are helping bring stability, and relief to people right here in our diocese. Every gift stays local, touching lives in meaningful and lasting ways.

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

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.

Recent changes have taken place with the Catholic Foundation (CMA). Checks should be made payable to : Diocese of Winona-Rochester. We can still process checks made out to the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota but checks payable to the diocese are preferred.

It is very helpful if donors include CMA–WINDOM 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. Please note that the new goal for Windom is $13,526.

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.