To My Spiritual Family of Holy Redeemer and St. Anthony,
Do not Forget: One of the critical tasks of a pastor is to be the Chief Reminding Officer. Especially in a vibrant parish (like we are blessed to enjoy), it’s easy to forget or to lose track of all the good things that are going on or that are available to the parish family. Therefore, please allow me to do my job and remind you of the following:
1. MONTHLY PARISH TITHE: Remember that each month we give 10% of our weekend offertory collections to an organization that serves the poor or otherwise carries out the Church’s mission. This is an important way that we sacrificially remain in solidarity with our needy brothers and sisters. 2. ONGOING FOOD COLLECTION: Remember that food for the families served by the Warren-area Salvation Army can always be dropped off at Holy Redeemer in the passageway beneath the mural. Food for the needy in Sheffield can be dropped off in the vestibule at St. Anthony’s. 3. CATHOLIC VIDEOS AND PODCASTS: Remember that www.formed.org is available and is – in fact - an underused parish resource. From movies to catechetical information to children’s programming, this site is a wealth of Catholic media. Registration is free for all Holy Redeemer parishioners. 4. PARISH WEBSITE: Remember that our website – www.holyredeemerwarren.com – is a great place to catch up on all the parish happenings. 5. OUR FLOCKNOTE FLOCK: Remember that the #1 communication tool that I use to stay connected with each of you is via Flocknote text messages. I really encourage you to sign up if you have not yet done so. To join the 300+ folks who are already receiving these daily messages, simply text the word “BEHOLD” to 84576. 6. HOME ENTHRONEMENTS: Remember that having your home and family blessed by the presence of our Lord’s Sacred Heart and our Lady’s Immaculate Heart is a beautiful way to express your love and devotion to God. Audrey Davis (who leads this ministry) and I so enjoy visiting parish homes to conduct the enthronements. Interested? Give Audrey a call at 814.968.5918. 7. VISITS TO THE SICK: Remember that Deacon Ray and I are happy to visit the sick. Whether a loved one is in the hospital or at home, if a clergy visit is desired, please let us know. For emergency calls (e.g. someone is dying and in need of the sacraments), please always call the rectory number directly (814.726.3360), as I sometimes do not see Flocknote texts or emails in sufficient time.
A Return to the Chalice: The Precious Blood will again be available at communion time, beginning with the Masses of next weekend. Bishop Persico, speaking of the return to the chalice, wants everyone to be reminded that to receive either species at communion – the Body of Christ or the Blood of Christ – is to receive the entire Christ: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. If for any reason you prefer not to receive from the chalice, you have no need whatsoever to be concerned.
Tithing Our Blessings: Our August tithe is going to our old friends at Haiti180. The nation of Haiti is currently experiencing great trauma, with anarchy and violence being widespread and destructive. Please pray for the wonderful people of Haiti. They most definitely need your prayers!
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer – Pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us! St. Anthony – Pray for us! St. Joseph – Pray for us!