| From the Pastor's Desk |
| Most Reverend Thomas A. Donato |
| I have a friend who says she doesn't need to attend church because she prays to God every day. What are your thoughts on this justification? If the only reason for going to church were to talk to God, your friend might be right. Prayer is not something limited to a physical place, or even a holy place. If the sole purpose of the church were prayer, it would be a narrow purpose indeed. The church is a community of believers, formed by "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph 4:5). It is an outward sign of our faith in God, instituted by Christ and the purpose of the church is to give us grace, that is, a share in God's life. If a person prays regularly, it would seem that they would be drawn to that community, since prayer leads us to a deeper desire for union with God. Many times, people have a limited understanding of the church, or limit their own participation in it and then look for spirituality in other places. The traditions of our faith are deeply rooted in the spiritual quest for God. We need the verification and clarity of the community of faith. God calls us to be one with him and each other for a reason, so that we help and support one another. © 2010 Liturgical Publications Inc. |
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| READINGS FOR TODAY, 2/5/12 Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; Ps 147; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39 READINGS FORSUNDAY, 2/12/12 Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Ps 32; 1 Cor 10:31—11:1l Mk 1:40-45 |
| St. Henry 2013 MASS BOOK The 2013 Mass Book opens for intentions TODAY, February 5th, after the 8:00 AM Mass in the Rectory Office (not the Parish Center). In order to keep waiting time minimal, we will only accept 4 Mass intentions and 1 Memorial Intention today. Additional intentions will be taken beginning Monday, February 6th. Anyone who cannot make their request in person on February 5th may come in or send in their request with another person beginning Monday or thereafter. Please Note… We still have a number of Memorials (Sanctuary Lamp, Altar Bread & Altar Wine) for various weeks in 2012 available for intentions. Please come to the Rectory Office, Mon.—Friday, 9 AM—5 PM. |
| 2012 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal THIS WEEKEND, February 4th/5th, is ‘KICK OFF Weekend” for the 2012 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. The Appeal is conducted in every parish of the Archdiocese each year to help finance various activities and programs of the Catholic Church in the archdiocese of Newark. It gives us an opportunity to work together to respond to those in need— the poor, the sick, the elderly, troubled families, the disabled, and those in crises, and to show Christ’s love by putting our faith in action as a Catholic family. Please plan to make your pledge to the AAA. As always, your generosity is appreciated! |