Among the many blessings that have come to many through the Pontificate of Pope Francis is his stress on Jesus love for the poor and our call to follow his example in this and in all that he said and did. Pope Francis has also encouraged us to ALWAYS look outward in all that we do as members of a parish to the larger community that we are called to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. This month's V.I.P.'S of Sacred Heart Parish definitely have followed the encouragement of Pope Francis and were in fact active in these areas long before the Pontificate of Pope Francis. They have also inspired many to join them in multiplying what has been and is being done for those in need. They are Ed and Claudia Keearns who are best known as the faces of our charitable outreach to families in need both inside and outside the gates of Hot Springs Village at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and during the summer time. They coordinate the "Basket Program" that feeds the needy of our area through the time, talent and treasure of many parishioners, as well as gifts at Christmas that are provided for "angels" (children and young people in this area of the state). In addition to all the good that has come from these programs, Ed has coordinated the "Village Outreach" program that provides shoes to children at Christmas and has participated in the "Senior Food Program," served as a Court Appointed Advocate for abused and/or neglected children for 10 years, and has coordinated the weekend Jackson House food collection and delivery in our parish. Claudia has worked with Ed in the Basket Program (coordinating the angel tree through the help of LOSH members), has been active in the All Saints Guild, and worked with a number of parishioners who price items for our Treasure Sale whose proceeds help support our local Catholic Schools. She has provided food for the homeless men at Samaritan Ministries with other couples through the Men's Club.
I think you get the picture! When it comes to giving of themselves and encouraging others to do so, countless people have been helped in a variety of ways, through the ongoing efforts of Ed and Claudia. They have done all this (and more) while also being very involved in parish ministries and activites that serve their fellow parishioners and pastor.
Please look them up in the parish pictorial directory (if you don't already know them) and express to them your appreciation for what they have done and continue to do!
I thank them and God's continued blessings on them in their wonderful married life (59 years) and in their lives as dedicated disciples of Christ and members of our parish!!
I think you get the picture! When it comes to giving of themselves and encouraging others to do so, countless people have been helped in a variety of ways, through the ongoing efforts of Ed and Claudia. They have done all this (and more) while also being very involved in parish ministries and activites that serve their fellow parishioners and pastor.
Please look them up in the parish pictorial directory (if you don't already know them) and express to them your appreciation for what they have done and continue to do!
I thank them and God's continued blessings on them in their wonderful married life (59 years) and in their lives as dedicated disciples of Christ and members of our parish!!