If I speak of St. Faustina, I would hope that more than a few of you not only immediately connect her with the "Divine Mercy" chaplet prayer and the Novena to the "Divine Mercy," but also can say that you are praying the chaplet regularly, if not every day. The revelations of the Lord to St. Faustina led to the beautiful Image of the Divine Mercy through Jesus Christ which is prominent in our Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel as well as wonderful reflections on God's Mercy.

Did you know that St. Faustina's Diary of revelations from the Lord also speaks in more than a few places about the Eucharist? Author and speaker Vinny Flynn, who has introduced millions of people to the Divine Mercy message, has written a book "Seven Secrets of the Eucharist" that highlights St. Faustina's simply expressed, yet tremendously profound teachings on the Eucharist.

Sacred Heart Church Education Commission is offering the opportunity for group or individual reading and reflection on this reflection on the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn.  This includes a book (about 100 pages) and a study guide with discussion or journaling questions.  The group gathering will be for seven weeks and will begin the last week of this month.  Please be ready to sign-up to get the materials, and if you want to participate in the group gatherings, which day of the week that you want to meet.

I also would encourage you to block off the dates of November 6-8 as we will be having a parish mission on the topic of the Eucharist by Vincentian priest, Father Bill Rhinehard.  He is of the same religious order that includes Father Oscar Lukefahr (oh happy memory) and Father Ron Hoye who led good missions for us in the past.

In light of the terrible natural disaster in Texas due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey, I'm sure that there are already people making the claim that this phenomena is as "act of God" that is punishment for something that has been done or many things that have been done to anger God.  While the Old Testament story of the plagues being sent upon the Egyptians by God to push Pharoah to let the people of Israel leave their slavery in Egypt, might be quoted to say that "maybe" God has caused this hurricane and its effects to happen, I hope we would not be tempted to draw such a conclusion.  Instead, it seems clear that God is inspiring many people (including I hope, many of us) to come to the aid of the victims of this disaster in a variety of ways.  Firstly, our prayers for the victims and those who are physically working to come to their aid are powerful and needed now and for probably, a long time to come.  Secondly, our financial gifts are certainly needed and will be very much appreciated and used as needed.  If you were not ready to give a generous donation this weekend at Mass, please do so soon, and send your checks to our parish or bring it next week in an envelope marked "Hurricane Disaster Relief."  Our checks should be made out to Sacred Heart Church, as we will be sending one check to Catholic Charities USA.

It is indeed a blessing to hear so many stories of heroism and compassion in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy!  Know with confidence and trust that the Lord is working to bring comfort and hope to those in need.  He ALWAYS does.

Those who are blessed to spend at least one hour a week in our Perpetual Eucharistic Chapel speaking to the Lord, listening to Him, and/or growing in relationship with Him through spiritual reading, are regular recipients through their e-mail address of meditations that are called "Breakfast Food for the Soul."  The one I received this past Monday sounds like the Lord Himself encouraging everyone to come to Him to be refreshed and nourished.  While I believe this is a perfect invitation for those who are currently not a regular Adorer or substitute, to join us in this blessed activity, I believe it has something for what the Lord and only the Lord can satisfy.  I would like to give the rest of my column this week to this invitation.  Those who are drawn through this invitation to Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel, are encouraged to call Mike Kerwin at 922-1531 to find an hour each week that works for you.  I ask everyone to read this in a place of quiet, praying first for the grace needed to respond to what is said to you by the Lord.

BREAKFAST FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Before the end of day, Lord
help me make the time
and lead me to a place
where You might still the waters of my life,
calm my fear
and give me rest 
in the peace that's only Yours to give. . .

Be the still point of my spinning world,
the center of my heart,
the place wherein I find that peace
where I find You and know
that You've found me. . .

In chaos and in calm,
in rage and in relief,
in turmoil and tranquility:
make your dwelling place within me,
Your home within my heart
at the center of my being. . .

Help me make the time
and lead me to a place
where I might swim the waters of your mercy,
refreshed by peace in mind and heart,
restored by Your good grace. . .

Today, Lord, gently touch
the trouble waters of my life
and still them with a calm
that settles deep within my soul. . .

Amen.


A Concord Pastor