As summer begins, we have a few new ministries developing at Sacred Heart Parish. We are happily three months in to our “Pray Dates” for our little ones. This is a monthly prayer gathering for families with young children. Infants on up are welcome to participate in a very informal time of faith development/enrichment beginning in the church where are youngest members are invited to feel at home in the worship space and parents can relax a bit as kids, well, act like kids. A teachable moment for families to pray together and learn a little bit about our rich Catholic traditions. We headed off with Eucharistic Adoration with the usual hour of quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament rounded down to about ten minutes with almost four and a half minutes of quiet time. (How quiet were you at two years old?). The children participate by holding battery operated candles and the best part – ringing their hand bells during the Benediction and Reposition. Out of the church and (weather permitting) into the Meditation Garden for some snacks and an arts and crafts project related to the day’s topic. It is loud, it is unpredictable, it is wonderful! As the statue of Jesus receiving the little children greets all of our visitors to the parish campus, our Pray Dates put it into action. A great opportunity for young families to meet and build relationships with each other and most importantly with the Lord. Our next one is scheduled for Friday, July 10 with a tentative start time of 3:30 p.m. Check out our website for exact details at http://www.sacredheartct.com
Another new ministry beginning this summer is called “Jesus Wept”. This is a ministry dedicated to bringing healing and hope to souls broken by separation, grief and loss through faith, mercy and love. The group will gather in Fr. Ted Hall on Thursday evenings promptly at 6 p.m. with the purpose of helping to develop a faith-filled journey loss to comfort. A healing process through prayerful conversation and meaningful support. For more information, please contact the parish office Monday through Thursday from 9-4.
Spiritual Direction for people dealing with issues related to loss is a ministry that we hope to have in place in the fall. Stay tuned for more information. If you would like to join our Catholic Family at Sacred Heart, stop by for a visit at 446 Mountain Road or check us out on Facebook at Sacred Heart Suffield or our website as listed above.
On behalf of my brother Matt and our entire family, I would like to express our profound appreciation for the love and support that the Suffield Community and the Sacred Heart Parish Family have offered and are continuing to offer us as we mourn the passing of our mother, Mary Anna. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. Her passing at the end of May left a void in our family and in our hearts but we are most thankful for the time we had with her and the support received from so many. As the prayer text from the Order of Christian Funerals reminds us, “one day we shall joyfully greet her again until the love of Christ which conquers all things, destroys even death itself.”
Enjoy the summer!