Brothers and Sisters in Christ – The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fr. Basil Moreau, C.S.C., the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, consecrated the priests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When I was a child, I would attend Mass at Sacred Heart Parish with my grandparents. They’d sit in a pew on the side aisle facing the statue of the Sacred Heart. I was always mesmerized by Jesus pointing to his exposed heart. For some reason I wasn’t uncomfortable with it but, instead, found it comforting as it reminded me of Jesus’ love for me. A monk, when reflecting on the Sacred Heart, wrote: “Jesus notices us lost in our sinfulness, our isolation and confusion and greatly desires to take us to himself, even into his wounded side. And so, the invitation is to honestly even joyfully take ownership of our very real need for mercy, our need to be found and sought out by him. Our sinfulness can never estrange us from Jesus, for as Saint Paul reminds us, nothing can ‘separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ When we beg for Christ’s mercy, he will draw us into his broken heart, because he loves us and wants to forgive and console us.” Pope Francis has stressed God’s mercy from the very beginning of his pontificate. In his second homily after being elected to the papacy, Pope Francis said: “The message of Jesus is mercy. For me, and I say this with humility, it is the Lord’s strongest message.” In 2015 he declared a year of mercy. Pope Francis wrote a book entitled, “The Name of God is Mercy,” which is absolutely beautiful, and I’d recommend that you consider reading and praying with it this summer. In the book, Pope Francis defines mercy. He says that mercy involves opening one’s heart … allowing God to give Himself to us, accept us, and forgive us. Mercy is God’s identity. Pope Francis said that our merciful God raises us up, embraces us, floods us with infinite, patient, indulgent love, and puts us back on our feet when we sin. As we move through this month, I’d invite you to spend some time in prayer reflecting on mercy. How do you experience God’s mercy in your life? How is God embracing you, loving you, and helping you to stand upright again when you sin? How are you being merciful to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you embracing them, loving them, and helping them to grow as Christians? Are you being the image of our merciful Savior to all? Each Friday I pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (https://www.usccb.org/prayers/litany-sacred-heart-jesus). I invite you to make that a practice in your prayer life this month. Meditate on the infinite love and mercy of the Sacred Heart. Allow Jesus to touch your heart and help you to grow in love, holiness, and mercy. A few announcements: Summer Mass Schedule … We will have one Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. for the months of July and August. THIS IS NOT A PERMANENT TIME CHANGE! The regular Mass schedule will resume on Sunday, September 1. Maintenance Committee … If you are interested in being part of this committee, please see me or send an email expressing your interest. Sacraments … If your child(ren) are of the age to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation in 2025, please schedule a meeting with me to discuss sacramental preparation beginning in the fall. Celebrate Juneteenth … The people of St. A’s are invited to join the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, Court #416, on Saturday, June 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a short Prayer Service followed by a potluck dinner and games. Everyone is encouraged to bring spouses, adult/minor children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, etc. There will be games (Connect Four, Jenga, Croquet, Cornhole, and others) to play. This family event will be a time that grandparents, aunts/uncles can bond with the younger members of the family. For more information, please contact: Cheryl Ashe at [email protected]. Annual Parish Picnic … Will be held from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25 at the St. Patrick County Park. Please mark your calendars. Women’s Group … The next gathering will be on Saturday, June 29 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be either via Zoom or in person. Please watch for an email confirming the location. Any women of the parish are welcome. Please contact Sr. Betty at [email protected]. St. Augustine, pray for us. Fr. John, C.S.C.