A parishioner recently asked if I would share with him about my family which I gladly did.  After he heard me say I have five brothers and three sisters, he quickly inquired as to whether any of my brothers were in the priesthood.  My answer was no, and I shared with him the fact that I had a younger brother, Kenny, who went to seminary right out of high school, and remained there for three years.  After that he finished his senior year at the University of Dallas, went to law school, passed the bar the first time he took it and has practiced law now for almost 30 years, including many years as an assistant United States attorney here in Arkiansas.  While part of me wisheds he had finished his seminary formation and been ordained, I give thanks that he chose a profession and position to serve the public good in prosecuting people who have committed serious crimes in this part of the country. 

I am also proud of my other siblings who have all been successful in their chosen profession and for choosing professions that help people in various ways.  Among my siblings, there is a food service manager, a physician, a speech pathologist, two teachers, a lawyer, an accountant and a registered nurse.  As a new school year has begun, I ask all of us to pray that more of our young people will be inspired toward professions and vocations that help people with Christ-like love and concern.  Also, let us pray for our parents, teachers and professors, that their influence and encouragement will help our students to be formed in healthy ways and thereby create a world of people who are focused on others in the name of Jesus Christ.

I would like to confess to all of you that I have not been diligent nor consistent in what I do and offer to bereaved families as we prepare for the liturgies that will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church for their loved ones.  The one thing (and I hope it is only one) that I forget to offer to everyone is the opportunity to have their loved one remembered on our "Giving/Memorial Tree" in the Narthex of our church.  If you don't know what I am referring to, the tree is on the wall to the left as one is about to enter the library or our Eucharistic Adoration chapel.  In reality, it is possible that any parishioner at any time (not just upon the death of their loved one) may have a gold leaf put on the tree for a deceased loved one of the parish OR in celebration of someone or of a couple in the parish. You might come early or stay late after Mass sometime and view the tree with all the names that are on it.  If you have been here for any length of time, you will recognize some or perhaps many of the names that are on the tree.  To have a leaf inscribed and put on the tree, one has to give at least a $50 donation which will be put in a separate fund that will be used solely to pay for needed items for our liturgies such as Communion cups, vestments, or refinishing of items such as our tabernacle.  While I tell all of this to you, I must inform you that there are a limited number of spaces that are available to put new leaves on the tree.  If you want a leaf ordered for yourself or another parishioner living or deceased, stop by the front office during regularly scheduled hours (Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and take care of giving the donation.  Please indicate the wording you want on the leaf, remembering that the leaves are fairly small.  I will try to be better at telling bereaved family members of our parishioners about the tree (as long as we have space left on the tree).  Whenever we run out, if it happens while I am still your pastor, I am open to suggestions on what to do next.  Also, from now on I will start including those names on the tree as a group during the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass at least once or twice a week.

In the parable in last Sunday's Gospel, (Lk 12:16-21), we heard of a rich man, who had an abundant harvest and made the choice to build larger bins for his abundance instead of giving to those who were in need.  Jesus told this parable after warning his disciples of the sin of greed.  Indirectly, the Lord was encouraging generosity, especially to those who struggle to provide for their basic needs and that of their family.  This, I believe, has both a present and normally a future aspect to it.  Just going through one's closet and drawers can provide the opportunity to use some of one's abundance (of clothes, shoes etc.) for others through donations to one of the thrift stores in the area.  Secondly, many of us will have at least some abundance that we will obviously not need after we die.  While Jesus did not choose to help the man in the Gospel to get "his share of the inheritance," I would ask you to consider when making out a Will or a Trust that indicates where your excess money and material possessions will go, to consider the Church and other charitable causes along with any family members that you want to benefit from what you have left when you die. 

On the local level, Sacred Heart Church has an endowment at the Hot Springs Village Community foundation that will perpetually use money made through interest and investments that have been donated on behalf of Sacred Heart Church to provide for the needs and charitable endeavors of this parish.  Envelopes to give a gift now and/or to include Sacred Heart's endowment in your Will can be found in one of the racks on the credenza leading from the Narthex to our Administration/Education wing.  Even if you have not ever "tithed" when it comes to your stewardship to the Church, consider at the very least leaving 10% of what you have left when you die to the Church and/or charitable causes of your choice.  That can not only serve as a faith statement that your discipleship (that includes stewardship) is important both in your life and even at your death, but it will also be a wonderful example and encouragement to your heirs to do the same.