Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Given the many activities that Hot Springs Village normally offers through the POA, civic organizations and local churches especially at this time of the year, I'm sure we continue to be saddened by the fact that so many have been cancelled due to health concerns from the corona virus.  I give thanks every day that we have been able to at least offer the celebration of the Eucharist both inside the church (now everyday during Advent) and outside in the parking lot (on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm).  Please pray that the weather allows us to continue to offer our outdoor Mass in this wintertime.

While we too have had to cancel more than a few of our normal activities, one annual Mass, I believe needs to happen this year, especially because of the realities of the corona virus, that being our annual Parish Mass of Remembrance.  This Mass, which will be on Wednesday, December 16 at 11:00 a.m. will be offered for loved ones of our parishioners who have died this past year no matter where that loved one died.  Not only, due to the virus, did we not offer a funeral Mass for at least one of our dear parishioners, Ed Cudworth (though Masses have been offered for him since he died in March), I'm sure more than a few of you had relatives die, and because of concerns with COVID-19 you were not able to attend the funeral of your loved one.  This special Mass gives us the chance to come together and lift all these dearly departed to the Lord, and offer comfort and consolation to those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.

If you did lose a loved one in 2020 and did not put their name in our remembrance book that was in the Narthex this weekend, call the office to submit their name or come early on Wednesday before the 11:00 a.m. Mass to put their name in the book yourself.  This book will be brought up and placed in front of the Easter Candle for this special Mass.  Of course while we grieve the loss of our loved ones, including people like Ed Cudworth and other brothers and sisters in the Lord from our parish, we ALWAYS celebrate our hope for undending life for them and for us one day with the Lord and all the saints in glory.  This is one annual event that definitely needs to and will take place!  Please join us!