From the Pastor’s desk— February 9, 2025

Dear Parishioners:

One of the things I love about Sacred Heart is the variety of people who make up our parish family. When I was in college many years ago, I studied Spanish as the focus of my degree. At the time, I was very torn whether to leave college and go to seminary right away or finish my degree first. I won’t go into all the reasons I stayed at college and waited, but one of them was because I enjoyed learning Spanish and knew it would be valuable in ministry one day. I still remember the first time years later that I sat with Spanish speaking parishioners and told my vocation story. Now that decision led me here!

I think of our many different cultures like so many plants in a garden. The variety is not only beautiful to the senses but draws in birds and bugs and animals of all kinds. I think of God’s love for variety in creation, from the planets and stars down to seashells on the beach. Gardens and woods are full of the wonder of God. And every creature is better because of the other creatures. Even farm crops need to be changed out frequently to protect the richness of the soil.

However, I remember that a flower’s beauty is not for itself. It is for others and God. We are most beautiful as a community when we are loving and welcoming. When we say to others, “there is room for you, too!” And the source of our beauty is our Savior Jesus who became man to die for all. He is truly beautiful. Worshiping Him reminds us above all that we are all equally loved and welcomed into heaven. Daily, we should want to introduce others to that love.

Fr. Joseph