HAPPY BIRTHDAY FR. PRATAP!!
Thursday, July 2nd

Weekly Words from The Rock:

I would like share with you a Dear Abby column. It is dated but still offers an insight.

Dear Abby: In a recent column, a reader complained about the amount of money he was expected to give to the church. Perhaps this piece will provide an answer to that question. I regret I don’t know who the author is, but I hope you feel it is worth sharing.

Is the Church Costing Too Much? Last Sunday another golfer sank the last putt on the 18th green and received a check for $50,000 for four rounds of golf, plus an automobile for himself and one for his wife. This week, the papers reported a certain singer will receive $100,000 per week for her current singing engagement. Americans spend more annually on dog food than on church contributions. It is not unusual for an individual to pay more for their country club membership than they give to the church. Is the church costing too much?

Let me share an experience with you. On June 2, 1940, a little girl was born to us. She cost us money from the moment she was born to us. As she grew from babyhood to girlhood, she cost even more – her dresses and shoes were more expensive, and we had to have the doctor through all those childhood diseases.

She was even more expensive during her school and teen years. She needed long dresses to go to parties and
prom. When she went to college, we discovered, along with other parents, that all college expenses are not
listed. Then after graduation, she fell in love and married. She was married in a church wedding and that, too, cost a lot of money.

Then, five months after her marriage, she suddenly sickened and within a week she was dead. She hasn’t cost us a penny since the day we walked from her grave.

As long as the church is alive, it will cost money. And the more alive a church is, the more money it will cost. Only a dead church, like a dead child, is no longer expensive.

Think it over. Is the church costing too much?

An old man lay sprawled across three entire seats in the movie theater.

When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the old man, “Sorry sir, but you’re only allowed one seat.”

The old man didn’t budge.

The usher became more impatient. “Sir, if you don’t get up from there, I’m going to have to call the manager.”

Once again, the old man just muttered and did nothing.

The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment returned with the manager. Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the old, disheveled man, but with no success. Finally, they summoned the police.

The officer surveyed the situation then asked, “All right buddy, what’s your name?” “Fred,” the old man moaned.
“Where are you from, Fred?” asked the police officer.
With a terrible strain in his voice, and without moving, Fred replied, “The balcony...” I just hope none of us have that type of day.

Do you have any electric motors that are lying around, and you would like to be rid of? Even with the passing of my father, I would be happy to take any electric motors. You can leave them by the rectory garage in Slayton, or I can pick them up at any of the parishes. Thanks!

Peace be to you!
Father Peter Schuster

Vocation View: The sower went out to sow. The Lord has sown the seeds of vocations to priesthood and religious life in our parish. Be good ground! Encourage the gifts of compassion and leadership wherever you find them.

Matthew 13:1-23

There will be Confession available 1/2 hour before mass on Sundays.

Prayer Chain: Colleen Freking is taking over the prayer chain for Sacred Heart in Heron Lake for Maurita Volk. Please call the office or Colleen with your prayer requests. Also, if you would like to a member of the prayer chain please contact the office or Colleen. THANK YOU to Maurita Volk for your time and dedication to this mission over the years.

The Southwest Area Diocesan CCW is looking for a Commission Chair. A commission chair reads a report from the Diocesan newsletter at each area meeting. They are, also, looking for the position of Vice President. They would like to return to a 2 year term. If interested contact the office or Barb Hussong.

Do You Love To Sing? The Sacred Heart Choir is looking for new members to enhance the Mass with their beautiful voices. Please reach out if interested.

Faith Formation: Sacred Heart is seeking a teacher for the 7th/8th grade Faith Formation classes for the 2026/2027 school year. Please reach out to Judy Stenzel or Melanie in the office if interested or have questions.

Phone/Address Updates: Please let Melanie know if you have any updates to addresses or phone numbers that may be out of date in the system or directory. Thank you!

Recent changes have taken place with the Catholic Foundation (CMA). Checks should be made payable to : Diocese of Winona-Rochester. It is very helpful if donors include CMA– Heron Lake in the memo line. The CMA appeal, as always, remains a tremendous benefit for our parishes when goals are met and overage funds are returned.

I would like to profoundly thank you all for your love and kindness while I was there. I especially want to thank you all for having attended the going away party and wished me well in my next chapter of life. THANK YOU ALL. Father Antony.

The Light Is On For You: : Reconciliation continues to be available. All are encouraged to continue coming to confession throughout the year; or return to the sacrament of reconciliation.

Don’t Miss The Joy The Lord Wants You To Have! The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in the tri-parish, during adoration, on the 1st Sunday in Windom from 11-12 AM, also in Brewster on the 2nd Saturday from 4:00-4:45 PM and in Heron Lake before Mass on Sundays at 7:30 AM. Reconciliation is also before Mass on Saturdays at 4:30 PM in Brewster.

Remick Ridge Estates is looking for an individual or couple who would like to lead a weekly Bible Study for our residents. We are open to dates/times. Please call Brenda at 507-831-0745.

Mikkelsen Manor invites all seniors to join us Fridays at 2:00 pm for Bingo fun with our residents! Call Brenda with any questions, 507-831-0745.

Please like and share our Facebook page. The page is intended to connect current parish members and members that have moved with the activities of Sacred Heart Heron Lake.

We welcome you into God’s family! If you are interested in learning more about our church, or would like to join, please stop in the Parish Office.

Please notify the Parish Office of any change of address.

Contact the priest 6 to 12 months in advance of the date of marriage to fill out the forms, to do FOCCUS Test and to attend Marriage Prep Mentoring sessions. Please contact your parish office, if interested.

Contact the parish office a month in advance to fill out the form and to attend Baptism Mentoring Sessions.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation still available by appointment for each Parish.

When booking a Quinceanera and needing a 1st Reconciliation and a 1st Holy Communion. There is a three month preparation time. Please schedule your Quinceanera 3 months in advance. Thank you. It is also required that the family is a member of the parish.