Today, Luke 12:13-21 is proclaimed in our sanctuaries. This gospel tugs at our conscience. It helps us explore our attachments here on earth. We have been reflecting on a series of gospels in these summer months that teach us to proclaim the Kingdom of God as we examine our possessions here on earth.
I invite you today to step back from your life. Take a moment and breath into the mystery of God’s fidelity in you. Our attachments on earth can cause great anxiety within us. We know deep earthly responsibilities of caring for our loved ones, paying bills, learning new things in order to survive. We live grounded on the earth and we need many earthly things to flourish. Yet, we gaze above, to glance into the face of God, knowing our home is ultimately more than our possessions, more than what we control, more than our own human dreams.
I began a new ministry in Texas last week. However, a few days ago, it was clear that the position was not suitable for my life and gifts. So, I will be moving yet again. I will spend some time at Notre Dame, IN, until I figure out my next move.
So, I am confronted with all my possessions before me. I realize nothing I own will create a path to heaven. No possession will deepen my soul’s quest for God’s love. Nothing in these boxes give me identity or purpose on earth. Still, I want to cling to what I know and to what I have, to what is familiar.
As I pack up this week, I am deeply aware of my utter dependence on God. I need my heart and life to be centered in his will for me, to rest fully in his providence and his healing remedy. I desire a place in this life where I can be free enough of my own interior baggage and know within my heart that my real possession is the person of Christ Jesus.
God give you peace.
Thus, will it be for all who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.
Jesus invites us into deep prayer. We can’t imagine God’s love when we are bombarded by doubt, deadlines and endless demands. Jesus surrounds us with the invitation to call out to the Father. In fact, he reminds us to say, “Our Father.” This is not whimsical or fanciful. “Our” invites us to know that all people belong to God. God is the source of forgiveness, kindness, and mercy to everyone. We belong to Him. He belongs to us.
Jesus invites us to ask for what we need. This invitation goes deep into our souls. We so often don’t trust that invitation when life confronts tragedy or duties beyond our expertise. The word, “ask” sometimes feels like a four-letter word. It carries with it a heavy weight, yet we know it would bring relief if our ego allowed. It remains heavy on our hearts when we don’t trust the invitation.
As I make this important transition in my own life, I am struggling to ask the right person for help, who is Jesus Christ. I reach out to others when I don’t know new technology or when I fail already at deadlines and getting up to speed in a new position. I need this week, to recall, to remember and to realize the gift of Jesus Christ is already within me. I have much asking to do and much to let in to my heart. I am confident that doors will open as I remember just last week when an important door in my life closed.
I know in my heart that God the Father will not offer me a snake or a scorpion. I am in the Father’s heart and everything I need is already there.
After the last Mass on Sunday, an embrace of farewell with Bishop James Golka from the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
This past weekend was a highlight of my priesthood. We celebrated 100 years as a parish with prayer and wonderful parties. We dedicated the sculpture of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Andre House. We welcomed Bishop Bill Wack, CSC from Florida and former associate pastor at Sacred Heart. We welcomed Bishop Golka for two Masses. We welcomed a new pastor, Fr. Jarrod Waugh, CSC. And, I said goodbye.
I am deeply touched by the outpouring of tears, embraces, smiles, handshakes and moments of silent appreciation. I have been privileged to share many stories, personal sufferings and loss, and moments of profound wonder and joy. I continue to lift you in prayer, always.
After our celebration of Eucharist for our 100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Parish, Bishop Bill Wack, CSC, dedicated the sculpture of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. Joel Ernster, parishioner, designed and crafted the large image for the outside of Sacred Heart Church. Our Lady of Sorrows is the Patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Last evening was the first day of celebrations for the 100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Church. Four hundred people gathered for tours of the church and the opening of Saint Andre House. We shared a meal from two food carts that ran out of food. The weather provided clouds to shade us from the strong sun. We welcomed Fr. Jarrod Waugh, CSC as the new pastor and welcomed Bishop Bill Wack, CSC who will preside this evening at Mass.
Today is the actual day of our anniversary. On July 16, 1922, the church building was dedicated. I am so grateful to have been part of the history of this parish community.
This photo captures a moment of transition. Fr. Jarrod, our new pastor, myself ending nine years, and Bishop Wack.
Pray for us all in these days of transition, change and celebration!
Bishop Hanifen reflects on his life as a bishop. I am very grateful for his life, ministry, and joy of life. This is my favorite of the three interviews as he reflects on his life as a local bishop. God bless Bishop Hanifen!
Today’s gospel, Luke 10:38-42, invites us into a scene with Martha and Mary. Martha is anxious about serving and Mary rests at the feet of Jesus. This combination of prayer and service is at the heart of every parish community. We take to heart our prayer, our communion with Jesus, who then calls us into the world to serve the needs of people. Eucharist and justice combine to reveal God’s fidelity within us and in our actions in the world. This is essentially our history on this block. Rejoice in God today. Rejoice in one another today!
Happy 100th Anniversary! This weekend we remember, recall, and rejoice in our history as a parish community. On July 16, 1922, the building of Sacred Heart Church was dedicated, becoming the main parish community on the westside of Colorado Springs. Our Lady of Perpetual Help is much older and Holy Rosary was not yet built; however, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate our combined communities under the centennial of Sacred Heart. Congratulations!
On Friday, July 15, 2022, we will offer Food Truck Friday, with food trucks, live music from “All in Jazz Trio,” and tours of the art and architecture of Sacred Heart Church. Come celebrate with us!
On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Bishop William Wack, CSC, from the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese, will preside at the actual anniversary. Bishop Wack served at Sacred Heart as a deacon and young priest from 1994-1997. He will also dedicate our new sculpture of Our Lady of Sorrows located outside on the southeast side of our church building. This sculpture was created by Dr. Joel Ernster, a Sacred Heart Parishioner. There will be a reception following in the Parish Center gym with live music from the “All in Jazz Trio.”
On Sunday, July 17, 2022, Bishop James Golka, Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, will preside at the 9 am and 11:30 am Masses. After the 9 am Mass, Bishop Golka will bless the new Saint André House. There will be a reception following in the Saint André House.
We also welcome our new pastor, Fr. Jarrod Waugh, CSC to our parish community. Fr. Jarrod begins his ministry on Monday, July 18, 2022. Please welcome him and pray for his transition into the Sacred Heart Parish community. I thank God for our new pastor.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to Fr. Randy for his years of support and ministry here. I also want to thank members of our parish staff through the years who worked so hard to make things look easy. To members of the Finance Council and Building Committee in these past years, I am very humbled and grateful. I am also grateful for this year’s class of Holy Cross novices as they prepare for First Profession on July 30, 2022. All are invited to attend.
As I finish my years as pastor, I also want to thank Pope Francis. He became pope just a few months before I became pastor. I remember well when he was elected. I was living in Portland and had flown to our parish in Viera, Florida to preach a parish mission. On the way there, I prayed that the new pope, whoever it was, would be named, “Francis.” I prayed about this because I knew we all needed to start fresh, to come back to the basics of faith in Jesus Christ and love for people. Imagine my surprise when he walked out on the balcony and they proclaimed his name, Pope Francis. We need to listen to him.
I am so grateful for this weekend! It marks a great milestone in our history and the completion of much work on the block of 21st Street and Colorado Avenue. I so appreciate your financial support and your trust in the projects of restoration and renewal in these past years. So much of my nine years has led me to this weekend. Our time together has been marked with divine providence. God’s providence has come to be lived and loved here on this block.
Of course, our parish is much more than buildings. I am delighted to celebrate here with all of you on our anniversary. You have inspired me with how you have lived your faith, how you have worked through many obstacles of suffering, disappointment, and anguish, and how you have come to the deep joy of your life. Thank you so much for your presence, prayer, and participation in these lovely nine years.
Much of my heart will remain at Sacred Heart. This is now the second time I have left the parish. I carry you all with me. I will have much grieving to bring to prayer as I journey beyond Colorado. Thank you for these years. Thank you for providing a home for me. Thank you for our mutual search for God. I leave on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, for my new home in Austin, Texas. Please pray for me, always. Saint André Bessette, pray for us. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, console and comfort us.
From today’s gospel acclamation: Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Broken But Not Divided 