-
BackForwardPauseCaption
-
-
PARISH NEWS
THURSDAY 8:00AM MASS WILL RESUME SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
There is a great desire among Catholics to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion. Although there is still no obligation to attend Mass, we cannot ignore the desire for Communion and the joy that Jesus can bring to each and every one of us.
From Fr. Josh: Resuming Thursday Morning Mass
As we continue to make weekly Mass available for those who wish to attend, I am pleased to announce that 8AM Thursday morning Mass at Sacred Heart will resume.
The reason behind this decision is because of the limited number of seating we can accommodate at our Saturday Mass. Adding Thursday Mass will give more people an opportunity to come to Mass and receive Holy Communion once a week. We will continue to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all who wish to attend, following the guidelines of the CDC and the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Fr. Josh Link
From Fr. Neil
Sabbatical - On a couple occasions, I've told you of my opportunity to be part of a sabbatical program this year. Seeing people so seldom with the current COVID circumstance, some people ask if I've gone yet or perhaps, I'm already back! No, I've not gone yet, but I am leaving soon. Saturday, August 15 is my last day here for a few months.. I'll then leave early Sunday morning for a long drive to San Antonio TX.
A sabbatical is an extended opportunity for spiritual reflection, renewal, and learning. Priests in our Archdiocese can consider this option every seven years. Many choose not to avail themselves of the opportunity. I've been ordained now for 35 years and I love being a priest. Fifteen years ago, I had the chance to make a sabbatical and did. It was a life-affirming experience with benefits not only for me but those I served.
So that brings me to where I am today. I have nine years before considering retirement (yes, priests can retire at 70 to serve in differing ways, but not in an assigned role). I see myself as happily wanting to serve in assigned roles beyond age 70 if my health allows me to do that! So now is a good time for a sabbatical. It will benefit me and I trust you as well. My sabbatical concludes December 10th.
How will you and the parish get along without me? That's a really good question! First, we have a good parish staff that works hard on your behalf all the time. Most parish members don't have the opportunity to see all our staff does. They are wonderful and never get enough credit for all they do! Second, we have the good fortune that Fr. Josh, our associate pastor is remaining here for a second year. He knows our parish well and I'm confident in his leadership abilities in my absence. Third, we've done lots of planning as well. You can get along fine for the months I'm away.
The past months have been challenging in trying to adapt to a pandemic as a parish. I know we've had mis-steps but we have also done amazingly well. We really have! I've learned a lot about "forward learning," a new term I've learned. It means that we make decisions with what we best know today, but tomorrow we learn new things and so keep changing and developing as we move forward. That's a pretty good way to understand why I'm going on a sabbatical...learning and growing forward. It also describes all that you have been doing these past months in your household and family!
You will be in my prayers and thoughts every day I am away. That's an easy promise to keep! It's already the case every day. Be assured of my love and care for you even as I'm away!
Gratefully yours,
Fr. Neil
Fr. Neil’s address
if you would like to write to him!
Fr. Neil Manternach
109 Oblate Drive
San Antonio, TX 78216
-
-