Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
I must admit that I waited to the end of my reflections on the four commissions that comprise our parish ministries and activities to speak about Parish Life because I knew it would be the hardest for me to do, since it involves so many opportunities to grow in fellowship and relationship with our brothers and sisters in the Lord here at Sacred Heart Church.  Someof them also include opportunities to grow in witness to Jesus Christ through acts of service to others. The Knights of Columbus gives Catholic gentlemen the chance to come together and be in union with Knights all over the United States and world in fellowship and charitable actions and projects which help many people in need.  Call Tom Donnelly at 915-0880 for further information.  The Ladies of the Sacred Heart also meet for fellowship and to do charitable projects that benefit people of all ages who have various needs that can't be met on their own.  Please call Mary Lou George at 922-0065.  Last, but certainly not least among our large groups, is the Men's Club which meets monthly for prayer and fellowship and who also get involved in a few charitable endeavors like the Chicken and Fish Bakes (the latter of which is coming up on March 3).  I must sadly report that our Singles Group, which is open to anyone who is not married due to choice, or death of a spouse, is without leadership and is therefore not very active right now.  I am certainly open to a person or persons stepping forward for this role.  Please call me at 209-2502 and we'll talk about it.  Parish Life also offers fun gatherings like Spades and other card games every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the Upper Hall.  Come even if you don't know how to play Spades, and I'll personbally instruct you.  Our Church Bowling League has a Fall and Winter season, and possibly a shorter Summer Season if there's enough interest.  Call Ann Bowman at 922-6619 for more information.  Finally, we have a Hand and Foot card-playing group that meets and plays in parishioners' homes in a scheduled fashion.  Call Cathy Bertrand at 204-9088 if you want to join in the fun and fellowship.  Our Parish Life Commission also sponsors various receptions during the year including the upcoming Marriage Anniversary Celebration on February 21 and our Holy Thursday Dinner on April 13.  Cathy Silk at 908-938-5545 and Joan Prockup at 915-8422 are always looking for people to help with some of these activities.  It's a good way to meet new people and "enjoy" time spent helping to set-up, clean-up or serve at a parish activity.  We have much to offer here at Sacred Heart, but we are alway open to more ideas on activities that can bring our parishioners and others together.  Call me, Cathy or Joan, with any ideas you might have.  Before I forget, we also have a group of people (mostly couples) who meet, greet and welcome new members through our Welcoming Committee.  Call Marna Morissette at 915-1821 if you are interested in this ministry to newcomers.  I ask you to please get involved in SOMETHING that our parish offers.