The Catholic Tour, a 30 year old Catholic Pilgrimage Apostolate is pleased to announce its new “Special” pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. The pilgrimage is being done below cost to introduce all to “The Beauty of Our Catholic Shrines” at just $999.00 including all land arrangements, superior tourist hotel next to the Shrine, most meals, deluxe motor coach, tour guide, and Airfare from JFK airport in New York. The price does not include taxes, airline surcharges, lunches, some dinners, or table drinks besides tap water. Call 1-877-627-4268 (877-Marian Tour) toll free for further information, reservation forms, etc. First Come-First Served with only 25 seats available. Also available-Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Fatima, Portugal at below cost pricings. Please call or email jimadair@thecatholictour.com.

As he evoked the example of King Solomon, Benedict XVI stressed during the Angelus on July 24th the need to distinguish between good and evil. Those who hold political office especially need God’s help. “People called to political office naturally have more responsibilities, and thus, as Solomon teaches, need God’s help even more. “ The Pope expressed his “deep sorrow” for the victims of the Norway attack, urging the faithful to pray for all those affected by the tragedy. He also renewed his “sad appeal to abandon forever the path of hatred and flee from the rationale of evil.” Excerpted from Asia News Catholic Online

In this weekend’s Gospel we find an equation the disciples of Jesus couldn’t solve. Five loaves and two fish divided by 5,000 plus people. They failed to recognize Jesus in the equation; that whatever they had to offer, Jesus could take it and bless it and satisfy the hunger of the crowd with it. Good stewards recognize that the Lord can work miracles with the gifts they offer to a hungry and broken world. How often are we willing to offer our gifts in faith, even as insignificant as we think they are, and count on the Lord to do the rest? How often do we count Christ into the equation? What is Catholic Stewardship? Stewardship is not simply making donations or taking care of the building or grounds. It is spirituality—hence a way of life-made of four parts: 1. Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude 2. Cultivating them responsibly 3. Sharing them lovingly in justice with others 4. Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability It is up to you to determine how you will live out this stewardship way of life. You will not be alone, however. Millions of fellow Catholics are traveling together with you.

The Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) focuses on finding new ways to bring the gospel message to you by working to be wherever the faithful and those seeking the faith are. CCC provides content the way you need it—on the Internet to strengthen marriage, in podcasts for daily readings, on television for Christmas Mass, and on Facebook for news, discussions, and sharing of the faith. Please be generous in the Collection and support this important work. CCC is how the Good News gets around to you.

Sacred Heart would like to thank the members of the Bereavement Committee for their dedication and commitment to their Ministry. This much needed ministry means so much to the families who lose a loved one. If you would like to be a member of this committee, please call the parish office at 364-4439.

First Communion Pictures and Confirmation certificates can be picked up in the church office. For more information call Dru Provost at 364-4439.