Spiritual Lifelines: Prayer and COVID-19
|
Our Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC is offering a new series on prayer during our time away from the church called "Spiritual Lifelines: Prayer and COVID-19." As Pope Francis suggests, we need to learn from this experience of illness and isolation both as individuals and as a Church. God is not to blame for this illness; instead we are called to discover mercy and love, hope, and service to our neighbors. This new series will be in text and video format.
Click here for Coronavirus and parish updates. Pictured Left: Original art by Fr. Ron Raab, CSC |
Series Twenty-nine
Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC shares a Christmas message of gratitude for Sacred Heart Parish.
Please note: This will be my last Saturday video until later in 2021. I hope you have enjoyed my interviews with parishioners these past months. I also hope you enjoy these reflection statements for the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
On the Ground of Hope for 2021
The highest hurdle I climbed in 2020 was…
The brightest delight I enjoyed in 2020 was…
If I could live 2020 all over again, I would…
If I could pray through 2020 again, I would surely…
The one thing I missed the most in 2020 was…
In 2021, I am determined to pay more attention to…
If I could sum up 2020 In one word, it would be…
If I could offer one word of prayer for 2021, I would say…
In 2020, I learned…
In 2021, I want to offer my life to…
I wish I had talked more to my family in 2020 about…
I want to listen to my family in 2021 about…
The issue beyond the virus in 2020 that concerned me was…
With God’s grace, in 2021, I want to…
I learned much about myself in 2020 because…
In 2021, I ask God to help me because…
I discovered hope in 2020 through…
I want to live hope in 2021 because I …
I surrendered to the reality of 2020 and it taught me…
I desire a deeper commitment in God now in my life because…
In 2020, I grieved…
In 2020, I want to embrace…
I want to live on the ground of hope because…
I ask God to give us a new hope in 2021 toward…
Peace to you in 2021,
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC, Pastor
Please note: This will be my last Saturday video until later in 2021. I hope you have enjoyed my interviews with parishioners these past months. I also hope you enjoy these reflection statements for the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
On the Ground of Hope for 2021
The highest hurdle I climbed in 2020 was…
The brightest delight I enjoyed in 2020 was…
If I could live 2020 all over again, I would…
If I could pray through 2020 again, I would surely…
The one thing I missed the most in 2020 was…
In 2021, I am determined to pay more attention to…
If I could sum up 2020 In one word, it would be…
If I could offer one word of prayer for 2021, I would say…
In 2020, I learned…
In 2021, I want to offer my life to…
I wish I had talked more to my family in 2020 about…
I want to listen to my family in 2021 about…
The issue beyond the virus in 2020 that concerned me was…
With God’s grace, in 2021, I want to…
I learned much about myself in 2020 because…
In 2021, I ask God to help me because…
I discovered hope in 2020 through…
I want to live hope in 2021 because I …
I surrendered to the reality of 2020 and it taught me…
I desire a deeper commitment in God now in my life because…
In 2020, I grieved…
In 2020, I want to embrace…
I want to live on the ground of hope because…
I ask God to give us a new hope in 2021 toward…
Peace to you in 2021,
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC, Pastor
Series Twenty-eight
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews Sacred Heart Food Pantry Coordinator Bill Johnson and Co-Coordinator Kate Gioglio.
In anticipation of the Dec. 3, 2020 re-opening, the Sacred Heart Food Pantry requests donations of plastic and paper grocery bags. Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation. Bring donations to Mass or arrange to drop them off at the Parish Office, Monday-Thursday, 9 am-3 pm. As a reminder, we are no longer accepting parish donations of pill bottles, egg cartons or pots and pans.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can drop off donations at Mass in the collection basket (be sure to mark the donation for the Food Pantry), give online to the Food Pantry at our website or mail donations to Sacred Heart Parish Office, 2021 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
Special thanks to our new Food Pantry Coordinator Bill Johnson and Co-Coordinator Kate Gioglio who have worked diligently to ensure our pantry and volunteers are ready to safely resume service.
In anticipation of the Dec. 3, 2020 re-opening, the Sacred Heart Food Pantry requests donations of plastic and paper grocery bags. Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation. Bring donations to Mass or arrange to drop them off at the Parish Office, Monday-Thursday, 9 am-3 pm. As a reminder, we are no longer accepting parish donations of pill bottles, egg cartons or pots and pans.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can drop off donations at Mass in the collection basket (be sure to mark the donation for the Food Pantry), give online to the Food Pantry at our website or mail donations to Sacred Heart Parish Office, 2021 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
Special thanks to our new Food Pantry Coordinator Bill Johnson and Co-Coordinator Kate Gioglio who have worked diligently to ensure our pantry and volunteers are ready to safely resume service.
Series Twenty-seven
Finance Council Chair John Goddard continues his interview of Fr. Ron Raab, CSC about an art commission he received from Liturgical Press. Click here to pre-order "The Stations of the Cross in Atonement for Abuse and for the Healing of All" with commentary from Fr. Paul Turner and art by Fr. Ron Raab, CSC published by Liturgical Press in Collegeville, MN. The booklet will be published mid-December, 2020.
Series Twenty-six
The interviewer becomes the interviewee! In the final interview of the series, Finance Council Chair John Goddard interviews Fr. Ron Raab, CSC about how he came to learn his creative voice. Part 1
Series Twenty-five
All are invited to watch "St. André Bessette, Model of Holiness for All" by Bishop Bill Wack, CSC.
Series Twenty-four
October 17, 2020 was the 10th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint André Bessette, the first saint from the Congregation of Holy Cross.
*Original art and litany by Fr. Ron Raab, CSC, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish.
|
On Sunday October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict canonized the first member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Brother André Bessette. Alfred (André) Bessette was born near Montreal, Canada on August 9, 1845. He was sickly, poor, and a man of faith. When he joined the Congregation of Holy Cross, he was assigned to serve as porter. He welcomed people at the door for over forty years. His hospitality turned into healing the sick and offering consolation for the hungry, the destitute, and crippled. He died on January 6, 1937. Learn more about Brother André.
At Sacred Heart Church, a first-class relic of Saint André Bessette is housed in our new altar. His life as healer remains at the center of parish life and worship. His simplicity speaks boldly today as we ache for healing from a pandemic and the violence of our divided society. Through the intercession of Saint André, pray for healing for our loved ones who have died of COVID-19 and those who grieve. Pray for the healing of racial divides, for those who have lost jobs, for people who live outside, for the unborn, for reconciliation among families and those who survive domestic violence. Pray for our children who have lost hope. Ask Saint André to intercede to God for what your heart aches. |
Saint André, pray for us:
You welcomed the lost.
Shelter those who travel in fear.
You embraced the weary.
Calm the storms of our anguish.
You lived simply.
Guide us through our complicated lives.
You healed the sick.
Give us hope when we are in pain.
You trusted Saint Joseph.
Open the door to God’s providence.
You embodied hope.
Give us respect for every human being.
You lived every day with body pain.
Heal our bodies during this pandemic.
You trusted your life to Jesus.
Show us how to live beyond selfishness.
You prayed for the ill.
Change our agony into courage.
You comforted the sinner.
Love us in our anguish.
You offered hospitality to all people.
Help us heal our racial divides.
You prayed during sleepless nights.
Reassure us when we are restless.
You were illiterate.
Help us read the signs of the times.
You were orphaned.
Form our communities with respect and dignity.
You were short in stature.
Pray that we may stand tall when politics wearies us.
You gave your life to others.
Guide us to build the Church on trust.
You allowed compassion to guide you.
Show us the tenderness of the Sacred Heart.
Amen
Visit https://holycrosscongregation.org/ to learn more about The Congregation of Holy Cross and the life (and photos) of St. André Bessette.
You welcomed the lost.
Shelter those who travel in fear.
You embraced the weary.
Calm the storms of our anguish.
You lived simply.
Guide us through our complicated lives.
You healed the sick.
Give us hope when we are in pain.
You trusted Saint Joseph.
Open the door to God’s providence.
You embodied hope.
Give us respect for every human being.
You lived every day with body pain.
Heal our bodies during this pandemic.
You trusted your life to Jesus.
Show us how to live beyond selfishness.
You prayed for the ill.
Change our agony into courage.
You comforted the sinner.
Love us in our anguish.
You offered hospitality to all people.
Help us heal our racial divides.
You prayed during sleepless nights.
Reassure us when we are restless.
You were illiterate.
Help us read the signs of the times.
You were orphaned.
Form our communities with respect and dignity.
You were short in stature.
Pray that we may stand tall when politics wearies us.
You gave your life to others.
Guide us to build the Church on trust.
You allowed compassion to guide you.
Show us the tenderness of the Sacred Heart.
Amen
Visit https://holycrosscongregation.org/ to learn more about The Congregation of Holy Cross and the life (and photos) of St. André Bessette.
Series Twenty-three
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC continues his interview with parishioners David, Pam & Hannah Kovach about prayer during COVID-19.
Series Twenty-two
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews parishioners David, Pam & Hannah Kovach about family life during COVID-19.
Series Twenty-one
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC continues his interview with Joe Uvegas, musician, artist and parishioner,, about how to live and pray in solitude during COVID-19.
Series Twenty
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews Joe Uvegas, musician, artist and parishioner, about music, creativity and prayer during COVID-19.
Series Nineteen
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC continues his interview with Mary Faith Hall, parishioner and executive director of a charter school in Colorado Springs, about prayer and family life during COVID-19.
Series Eighteen
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews Mary Faith Hall, parishioner and executive director of a charter school in Colorado Springs, about school, home and working through anxieties during COVID-19.
Series Seventeen
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC continues his interview with Melissa Nussbaum, parishioner, theologian and author, about family and the domestic church during COVID-19.
Series Sixteen
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews Melissa Nussbaum, parishioner, theologian and author, about family and the domestic church during COVID-19.
Series Fifteen
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC continues his interview with Tonita Lopez, parishioner and licensed professional counselor, about mental health and the media during COVID-19.
See previous video for mental health information and resources.
See previous video for mental health information and resources.
Series Fourteen
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews Tonita Lopez, parishioner and licensed professional counselor, about mental health during COVID-19.
Mental Health Information and Resources
Mental Health Information and Resources
- Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook from The Wellness Society.
- Harvard Medical School provides information on use of exercise, a simple breathing exercise, and grounding to assist you in reducing stress.
- Colorado Crisis Services 1-844-493-8255
- Suicide Prevention and 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-273-8255
- Mental Health Colorado
- Let's Talk Colorado - Covid-19
Series Thirteen
In part 2 of Fr. Ron Raab, CSC's interview with David Green, parishioner and representative of Catholic Charities, they have a conversation about race.
For more information about Catholic Charities, visit ccharitiescc.org.
For more information about Catholic Charities, visit ccharitiescc.org.
Series Twelve
Sacred Heart Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC interviews David Green, a parishioner and representative of Catholic Charities, about the focus of Catholic Charities since COVID-19.
For more information about Catholic Charities, visit ccharitiescc.org.
Join us for Mass this weekend!
Saturday, July 11th– 4 pm at Holy Rosary Chapel (*mass time has changed)
Saturday, July 11th – 5:30 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, July 12th – 7:30, 9 & 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, July 12th– 8:30 & 10:30 am in the Parish Center gym at Sacred Heart
Sunday, July 12th– 5 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (*mass time has changed)
Sign up with our online reservation system SlyReply. Click the link below:
Sacred Heart Church: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/nrp83t32cpxx/
Holy Rosary Chapel: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/1eskroknrsgr/
OLPH: http://www.slyreply.com/app/sheets/bzx1k46f9etu/
For more information about Catholic Charities, visit ccharitiescc.org.
Join us for Mass this weekend!
Saturday, July 11th– 4 pm at Holy Rosary Chapel (*mass time has changed)
Saturday, July 11th – 5:30 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, July 12th – 7:30, 9 & 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, July 12th– 8:30 & 10:30 am in the Parish Center gym at Sacred Heart
Sunday, July 12th– 5 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (*mass time has changed)
Sign up with our online reservation system SlyReply. Click the link below:
Sacred Heart Church: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/nrp83t32cpxx/
Holy Rosary Chapel: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/1eskroknrsgr/
OLPH: http://www.slyreply.com/app/sheets/bzx1k46f9etu/
Series Eleven
Fr. Ron Raab, CSC shares some updates with the parish, including a new time for confessions: Saturdays from 9-10 am at Sacred Heart Church. Join us for Mass this weekend!
Saturday, June 20th– 4 pm at Holy Rosary Chapel (*mass time has changed)
Saturday, June 20th – 5:30 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 7:30, 9 & 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 8:30 & 10:30 am in the Parish Center gym at Sacred Heart
Sunday, June 21st – 5 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (*mass time has changed)
Sign up to attend Mass with our online reservation system, SlyReply. Click the link below:
Sacred Heart Church: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/nrp83t32cpxx/
Holy Rosary Chapel: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/1eskroknrsgr/
OLPH: http://www.slyreply.com/app/sheets/bzx1k46f9etu/
Daily Mass is Monday- Saturday at 8 am at Sacred Heart Church. No reservations required. Come as often as you like! We will now have confessions on Saturdays from 9-10 am after Adoration. Join us!
Saturday, June 20th– 4 pm at Holy Rosary Chapel (*mass time has changed)
Saturday, June 20th – 5:30 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 7:30, 9 & 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 8:30 & 10:30 am in the Parish Center gym at Sacred Heart
Sunday, June 21st – 5 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (*mass time has changed)
Sign up to attend Mass with our online reservation system, SlyReply. Click the link below:
Sacred Heart Church: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/nrp83t32cpxx/
Holy Rosary Chapel: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/1eskroknrsgr/
OLPH: http://www.slyreply.com/app/sheets/bzx1k46f9etu/
Daily Mass is Monday- Saturday at 8 am at Sacred Heart Church. No reservations required. Come as often as you like! We will now have confessions on Saturdays from 9-10 am after Adoration. Join us!
Series Ten
Sacred Heart Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC shares some good news with our parish! Masses have resumed at all three of our churches and more people can attend. We hope you can join us!Masses have resumed at Sacred Heart Church, Holy Rosary Chapel in Cascade and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Manitou Springs! We can't wait to see you again!
This weekend's Mass schedule:
Saturday, June 20th– 4 pm at Holy Rosary Chapel (*mass time has changed)
Saturday, June 20th – 5:30 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 7:30, 9 & 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 8:30 & 10:30 am in the Parish Center gym at Sacred Heart
Sunday, June 21st – 5 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (*mass time has changed)
Sign up for Mass using our new online reservation system SlyReply! Click the link below:
Sacred Heart Church: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/nrp83t32cpxx/
Holy Rosary Chapel: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/1eskroknrsgr/
OLPH: http://www.slyreply.com/app/sheets/bzx1k46f9etu/
This weekend's Mass schedule:
Saturday, June 20th– 4 pm at Holy Rosary Chapel (*mass time has changed)
Saturday, June 20th – 5:30 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 7:30, 9 & 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday, June 21st – 8:30 & 10:30 am in the Parish Center gym at Sacred Heart
Sunday, June 21st – 5 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (*mass time has changed)
Sign up for Mass using our new online reservation system SlyReply! Click the link below:
Sacred Heart Church: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/nrp83t32cpxx/
Holy Rosary Chapel: http://slyreply.com/app/sheets/1eskroknrsgr/
OLPH: http://www.slyreply.com/app/sheets/bzx1k46f9etu/
Series Nine
In this video, Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC explains how to safely enter the church and receive communion as we resume Masses (for up to ten people with reservations) this weekend at Sacred Heart Parish.
Series Eight
In this video, Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC provides an update about public masses resuming at all three of our churches at Sacred Heart Parish on Pentecost weekend, May 30th & 31st.Click here to read this Sunday's bulletin, including a Question & Answer segment from Fr. Ron and more details about the changes when public masses resume at Sacred Heart Parish.
It is important to remember that when public masses resume, things will be different.
- The number of attendees is limited to ten people per Mass, including the priest, proclaimer and any Hospitality Minister.
- Parishioners will need to make a reservation to attend Mass the week prior by contacting the Parish Office. (We will take reservations for Pentecost weekend starting Tuesday, May 26th.)
- Since the number of people who can attend Mass is limited, we ask that you and your family attend only one Sunday or weekday Mass per month to allow other parishioners the opportunity to attend.
- There will be a check-in process for Mass. More information will be provided.
- We will follow social distancing rules, including keeping at least 6 feet between households at all times.
- Attendees will be required to bring and wear a mask, including children two years and older.
- The church will be cleaned and sanitized after each Mass.
We need your help! We need Hospitality Ministers at EACH Mass to assist with the check in process, seat attendees, direct parishioners in the communion line and at dismissal. If we do not have enough volunteers, we may not be able to gather for Mass in the future when the number of attendees is allowed to increase. The majority of our Hospitality Ministers who currently serve in this ministry are 65 years and older. We strongly suggest that they stay home at this time. We need volunteers who are between the ages of 18-64 to volunteer to help during this unique time. No previous experience necessary. Training will be provided! If you are able to volunteer, email Sue Gerlach at sgerlach@sacredheartcos.org.
It is important to remember that when public masses resume, things will be different.
- The number of attendees is limited to ten people per Mass, including the priest, proclaimer and any Hospitality Minister.
- Parishioners will need to make a reservation to attend Mass the week prior by contacting the Parish Office. (We will take reservations for Pentecost weekend starting Tuesday, May 26th.)
- Since the number of people who can attend Mass is limited, we ask that you and your family attend only one Sunday or weekday Mass per month to allow other parishioners the opportunity to attend.
- There will be a check-in process for Mass. More information will be provided.
- We will follow social distancing rules, including keeping at least 6 feet between households at all times.
- Attendees will be required to bring and wear a mask, including children two years and older.
- The church will be cleaned and sanitized after each Mass.
We need your help! We need Hospitality Ministers at EACH Mass to assist with the check in process, seat attendees, direct parishioners in the communion line and at dismissal. If we do not have enough volunteers, we may not be able to gather for Mass in the future when the number of attendees is allowed to increase. The majority of our Hospitality Ministers who currently serve in this ministry are 65 years and older. We strongly suggest that they stay home at this time. We need volunteers who are between the ages of 18-64 to volunteer to help during this unique time. No previous experience necessary. Training will be provided! If you are able to volunteer, email Sue Gerlach at sgerlach@sacredheartcos.org.
Series Seven
- Sacred Heart Parish has created a COVID-19 Task Force to discuss the innumerable details that need to be considered to allow our parish to reopen safely and resume Masses. The Task Force will report back to the parish.
Mission Statement: The Sacred Heart Parish Covid-19 Task Force will assist the Pastor in planning for the reopening of the parish for the celebration of Masses for as many parishioners as can be accommodated in a healthy and safe environment within state guidelines. It will also help articulate how Sacred Heart Parish can lead in calling all parishioners to service. The plan will outline what adjustments will be needed when Masses with a greater number of people become possible at a future time. The health and safety of all clergy, staff and parishioners will be the central element of the plan. The Task Force’s assistance will be offered for as long as necessary.
- Sacred Heart Parish will determine when and how we resume Masses based on our ability to maintain a safe environment. Keep in mind that these procedures and timeline may be different from other churches in the diocese.
- The goal is to tentatively resume Masses at Sacred Heart Church only the weekend of Pentecost, May 30 & 31.
- Initially, Masses will be offered only at Sacred Heart Church. We will open the two mission churches at a later date.
- We are pursuing the ability to live stream/ record Masses and make them available on our website.
- It is important to keep in mind that when Masses do resume, things will be different than before.
- The number of people who can attend will be limited.
- Parishioners will be asked to register in advance to attend a Mass.
- There will be a check-in process for Mass.
- We will follow social distancing rules.
- Attendees will be required to wear a mask.
- The church will be cleaned and sanitized after each Mass.
- More details coming soon
- Check the bulletin, website & Facebook for more details. We will be sending out more detailed communications in the next few weeks.
Mission Statement: The Sacred Heart Parish Covid-19 Task Force will assist the Pastor in planning for the reopening of the parish for the celebration of Masses for as many parishioners as can be accommodated in a healthy and safe environment within state guidelines. It will also help articulate how Sacred Heart Parish can lead in calling all parishioners to service. The plan will outline what adjustments will be needed when Masses with a greater number of people become possible at a future time. The health and safety of all clergy, staff and parishioners will be the central element of the plan. The Task Force’s assistance will be offered for as long as necessary.
- Sacred Heart Parish will determine when and how we resume Masses based on our ability to maintain a safe environment. Keep in mind that these procedures and timeline may be different from other churches in the diocese.
- The goal is to tentatively resume Masses at Sacred Heart Church only the weekend of Pentecost, May 30 & 31.
- Initially, Masses will be offered only at Sacred Heart Church. We will open the two mission churches at a later date.
- We are pursuing the ability to live stream/ record Masses and make them available on our website.
- It is important to keep in mind that when Masses do resume, things will be different than before.
- The number of people who can attend will be limited.
- Parishioners will be asked to register in advance to attend a Mass.
- There will be a check-in process for Mass.
- We will follow social distancing rules.
- Attendees will be required to wear a mask.
- The church will be cleaned and sanitized after each Mass.
- More details coming soon
- Check the bulletin, website & Facebook for more details. We will be sending out more detailed communications in the next few weeks.
Series Six
In this sixth series, Fr. Ron Raab, CSC offers some parish updates, including changes that will happen when Masses potentially resume after June 1st.
So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep."1. How does the “Good Shepherd” image of Jesus speak to you? How do you find it consoling? How is it challenging?
2. How do you see your role as parent or caretaker in light of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
3. What do you think this image of Jesus says about our pastoral role as a parish to feed, shelter, comfort, and love people?
4. What is the role of suffering in light of the Good Shepherd? How do you help console people’s suffering and uncertainty at this time of the virus?
So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep."1. How does the “Good Shepherd” image of Jesus speak to you? How do you find it consoling? How is it challenging?
2. How do you see your role as parent or caretaker in light of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
3. What do you think this image of Jesus says about our pastoral role as a parish to feed, shelter, comfort, and love people?
4. What is the role of suffering in light of the Good Shepherd? How do you help console people’s suffering and uncertainty at this time of the virus?
Series Five
Reflections on Luke 24:13-24:
1. Jesus asks his disciples, “What are you discussing along the way?” He also asks us that question in our homes during this Easter season. Are you lifting up people in conversation? Are you providing hope for other family members? Are your words destructive or hope filled?
2. Jesus asks his disciples, “What sort of things?” He wants to know if we know the real events that have taken place during Triduum and Easter. How do you interpret or pass on the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection to your family? And others you know who need God’s mercy?
3. The disciples asked, “ Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” How are you recognizing the gift of God’s presence in your isolation? How are you interpreting hope and mercy in this time of being separated?
My dear followers of Jesus, I pray that you may experience peace during our Easter days of isolation.
Please know of my prayer for all of you.
Fr. Ron
Update to Fr. Ron's video: On Friday (4/24/20) we received a Coronavirus Newsletter from the Diocese of Colorado Springs regarding some of the changes when Masses resume. We do not have a date when Masses will resume or how these changes will be implemented.
1. Jesus asks his disciples, “What are you discussing along the way?” He also asks us that question in our homes during this Easter season. Are you lifting up people in conversation? Are you providing hope for other family members? Are your words destructive or hope filled?
2. Jesus asks his disciples, “What sort of things?” He wants to know if we know the real events that have taken place during Triduum and Easter. How do you interpret or pass on the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection to your family? And others you know who need God’s mercy?
3. The disciples asked, “ Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” How are you recognizing the gift of God’s presence in your isolation? How are you interpreting hope and mercy in this time of being separated?
My dear followers of Jesus, I pray that you may experience peace during our Easter days of isolation.
Please know of my prayer for all of you.
Fr. Ron
Update to Fr. Ron's video: On Friday (4/24/20) we received a Coronavirus Newsletter from the Diocese of Colorado Springs regarding some of the changes when Masses resume. We do not have a date when Masses will resume or how these changes will be implemented.
Series Four
Refreshing our commitments during the Easter Season:
Find pictures and memorabilia from the baptism of your children, parents and grandparents. When you pray with your family, tell the stories of baptism and how you are connected to Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. What does baptism mean to your family and the history of your family within the Church?
This weekend, read the story of Thomas and Jesus (John 20: 19-31) during your family prayer. How are you full of worry and doubt these days of isolation and how you are freed to find the person of Christ? Be honest with your children and family.
Talk about the many moments that break through the bad news. Speak about the hope of our healthcare professionals. Speak of the hope that a food truck brings to our neighbors at Sacred Heart Church. Speak of words, actions, and responses that turn our despair into a sign and witness of encouragement and love.
Find pictures and memorabilia from the baptism of your children, parents and grandparents. When you pray with your family, tell the stories of baptism and how you are connected to Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. What does baptism mean to your family and the history of your family within the Church?
This weekend, read the story of Thomas and Jesus (John 20: 19-31) during your family prayer. How are you full of worry and doubt these days of isolation and how you are freed to find the person of Christ? Be honest with your children and family.
Talk about the many moments that break through the bad news. Speak about the hope of our healthcare professionals. Speak of the hope that a food truck brings to our neighbors at Sacred Heart Church. Speak of words, actions, and responses that turn our despair into a sign and witness of encouragement and love.
Series Three
A message from our Pastor Fr. Ron Raab, CSC in the third series of Spiritual Lifelines: Prayer & COVID-19. Happy Easter to all!
Above is the cover of Sacred Heart Parish's Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 bulletin. Click here to view the bulletin or subscribe to receive the weekly bulletin in your email. Original art by Fr. Ron Raab, CSC.
Series Two
In this week’s video, I am standing next to a painting by Don Vogl, a retired art professor from Notre Dame, now living in Fort Collins. He is still painting in his 90’s. He gave me this painting twenty years ago and it has become a deep source of reflection for me, especially in Holy Week. Here are some questions to consider for Triduum at home.
Holy Thursday: How have you witnessed to Christ this past year in his command to wash feet, to serve people in need? How are you called now at home to witness to this call?
Good Friday: How are you being challenged this year to die to self in Christ? What does it mean for you now to kiss or adore the Cross of Christ? How is his death giving you strength through these challenges with job loss, financial worries or health concerns?
Easter: How are you learning to rely more fully on the gift of God’s mercy, forgiveness and hope in Christ Jesus during this time in isolation and concern for your loved ones health? How are you realizing Christ’s love?
For more information about Sacred Heart Parish including Fr. Ron's daily homilies, visit www.sacredheartcos.org or Fr. Ron's blog, https://ronaldraab.com/.
Click here for the USCCBS Resources for Prayer and Engagement during Coronavirus.
Holy Thursday: How have you witnessed to Christ this past year in his command to wash feet, to serve people in need? How are you called now at home to witness to this call?
Good Friday: How are you being challenged this year to die to self in Christ? What does it mean for you now to kiss or adore the Cross of Christ? How is his death giving you strength through these challenges with job loss, financial worries or health concerns?
Easter: How are you learning to rely more fully on the gift of God’s mercy, forgiveness and hope in Christ Jesus during this time in isolation and concern for your loved ones health? How are you realizing Christ’s love?
For more information about Sacred Heart Parish including Fr. Ron's daily homilies, visit www.sacredheartcos.org or Fr. Ron's blog, https://ronaldraab.com/.
Click here for the USCCBS Resources for Prayer and Engagement during Coronavirus.
We ask to be heard:
Jesus, please hear the prayers of your people:
Hear the uncertainty, the pleas and the cries from nursing homes and emergency rooms.
Hear the murmurs of those who cannot breathe, the whispers of those who grieve in the nighttime.
Hear the thud of stones we cast aside as we release our desires to blame God for this virus.
Hear the hopes of the young and the surrender of those who have caved in depression.
Hear the wants of our children and the longing for touch of those isolated wearing masks and gloves.
Hear the belly laughs of our toddlers in the backyard and the fear of parents peering out the window.
Hear the pillow talk of parents deciding how to make ends meet for their large family.
Hear the young who have only lived in times of entitlement and the old who still live in the shadows of wars.
Hear the pen scrape across the paper as grandparents revise their wills before bed.
Hear the tension in the voices of our dads or the single moms who lay awake at night unable to find money for the family since they live paycheck to paycheck.
Hear the nighttime crawlers in the tent city who wonder if they will survive in the cold with little food and the thoughts that a virus will wash away their friends and their own lives.
Hear the depressed whimper in evening’s darkness who cannot find hope in their souls and who grieve the loss of their teenage friends to suicide.
Hear the sobs of the sorrowed and the tears of those who grieve the dead.
Hear the families teaching the children at home while working on their computers to keep their jobs.
Hear the quiet computers in early morning and late at night, the miraculous machines that keep us all surviving.
Hear the hopes for tomorrow that a new day will heal the sick and give hope and rest to nurses and physicians.
Hear the love that circulates in our small homes.
Hear the tiny footprints of our children who creep into the bedrooms of their parents at nighttime because they know that something is scary.
Hear the music of symphonies on Zoom to squelch fear and hear the tours we take of art museums and national parks on our computers to pass the time.
Hear the, “Hail Mary’s” as our fingers fidget across beads and hear the, “Our Father’s” from the lips of the despairing, and hear the tiny cries our hearts make when we are afraid of what morning will bring.
Hear our cries as we wait for your healing love.
Amen
Series One
1. Be still: Many people face sleepless nights in this uncertain time. There is much hand wringing and emotional anxiety about our children, our elderly, our jobs and our physical health. In order to be spiritually well, we are all being called to begin our days with quiet in God. If you are at home with other family members, try to carve out personal space and personal time. Family timeouts are essential. Each person can pray on his or her own, keep a journal, and even come back to the family table and pray together. Families need space in order to find a rich personal practice of prayer. When we are quiet, we learn to live in the moment and not in the past or fear about the future.
2. Surrender to life as it unfolds. We all desire to hold on to our dreams, how we expect life will turn out. We are not in control of life. We desperately want to control its outcomes, from our children’s futures to how we will survive financially. Our society’s time-out becomes an opportunity for us to let go of the many things that keep us resentful and angry. Surrender is key to living a spiritual life. In prayer, we experience letting go, we learn to make room for others and to the flow of life that is our reality today.
3. Let go and receive something new. We are all negotiating our isolation. As families, each person is grieving his or her own personal loss. Some high school seniors grieve the loss of friends, support, and group activities such as the prom or graduation. The absence of sports for many families will be a loss of identity and sheer fun. Bodies of athletes will suffer from not practicing. Our elderly deal with depression and fear. We are called into a spiritual practice of letting go. What we will receive in the future remains a mystery. Talk with your family about letting go and the issues that are on their minds. Discover new spiritual solutions to loss, grief, and even illness and death of a loved one. What are you letting go of? What are you embracing these days? Help each other grieve and to embrace the beauty of new life. After all, this is essentially the Lenten season.
4. Be mindful about how you use your time and energy. I have spoken with friends across the country about how they are dealing with these uncertain days. Some limit television to once a day for a short period of time. Others make sure that family conversations are honest and true. Some are worried about the mental health of family members. However, if we are to thrive in our spiritual lives, we need to learn how to live life grounded on love, on hope, and wisdom. This means turning off video screens and guarding our minds and thought patterns. We need to learn from our feelings and our conversations. We need to claim again that God is at the heart of who we are and what we do. Guard your life from too much chaos. Frenzy only feeds anxiety and hopelessness. Fear does not heal anything or anyone. Only love heals and only you can discover this for your own life.
5. Put away temptations to blame others for your fear. Throughout history, people have blamed others for their own fear. We see examples of this every day. Even at the beginning of this disease, there were articles blaming one nation or the other for this sickness for all a variety of reasons. Some people believe God has sent this disease as punishment because of openly gay and lesbian people. Some youth blame the old and some old blame the youth. If we are going to learn from in the aftermath of this disease, we need to quit blaming other people and even God for our own fear. This is not easy to do. We are so programmed as people to live in fear and to cultivate fear among communities, especially against the “other.” The other is whoever is not like us. Blame is spiritual blowout. It literally stops our spiritual growth in its tracks. Blame is personal poison. It has a long shelf life within our hearts and souls. In this season of surrender, we are being called to fully acknowledge our fear, and to learn from hardship, and to simply trust God once again. Let us learn to love in this time of unrest.
6. Lent means, “springtime.” Even during our family chaos and international fear, the earth is sprouting new life. Our spiritual lives can do the same. We need to learn from our isolation. This virus is a prolonged spiritual winter. I notice buds opening on trees and birds building nests on the patio. Within our human hearts, we have an opportunity to grown into wisdom instead of fear, into hope rather than restlessness, into love rather than blame and hatred. In Lent, we come to the conclusion that death gives way to life. After all, this is the beauty and mercy of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Easter is real spring for us all.
Jesus, please hear the prayers of your people:
Hear the uncertainty, the pleas and the cries from nursing homes and emergency rooms.
Hear the murmurs of those who cannot breathe, the whispers of those who grieve in the nighttime.
Hear the thud of stones we cast aside as we release our desires to blame God for this virus.
Hear the hopes of the young and the surrender of those who have caved in depression.
Hear the wants of our children and the longing for touch of those isolated wearing masks and gloves.
Hear the belly laughs of our toddlers in the backyard and the fear of parents peering out the window.
Hear the pillow talk of parents deciding how to make ends meet for their large family.
Hear the young who have only lived in times of entitlement and the old who still live in the shadows of wars.
Hear the pen scrape across the paper as grandparents revise their wills before bed.
Hear the tension in the voices of our dads or the single moms who lay awake at night unable to find money for the family since they live paycheck to paycheck.
Hear the nighttime crawlers in the tent city who wonder if they will survive in the cold with little food and the thoughts that a virus will wash away their friends and their own lives.
Hear the depressed whimper in evening’s darkness who cannot find hope in their souls and who grieve the loss of their teenage friends to suicide.
Hear the sobs of the sorrowed and the tears of those who grieve the dead.
Hear the families teaching the children at home while working on their computers to keep their jobs.
Hear the quiet computers in early morning and late at night, the miraculous machines that keep us all surviving.
Hear the hopes for tomorrow that a new day will heal the sick and give hope and rest to nurses and physicians.
Hear the love that circulates in our small homes.
Hear the tiny footprints of our children who creep into the bedrooms of their parents at nighttime because they know that something is scary.
Hear the music of symphonies on Zoom to squelch fear and hear the tours we take of art museums and national parks on our computers to pass the time.
Hear the, “Hail Mary’s” as our fingers fidget across beads and hear the, “Our Father’s” from the lips of the despairing, and hear the tiny cries our hearts make when we are afraid of what morning will bring.
Hear our cries as we wait for your healing love.
Amen
Series One
1. Be still: Many people face sleepless nights in this uncertain time. There is much hand wringing and emotional anxiety about our children, our elderly, our jobs and our physical health. In order to be spiritually well, we are all being called to begin our days with quiet in God. If you are at home with other family members, try to carve out personal space and personal time. Family timeouts are essential. Each person can pray on his or her own, keep a journal, and even come back to the family table and pray together. Families need space in order to find a rich personal practice of prayer. When we are quiet, we learn to live in the moment and not in the past or fear about the future.
2. Surrender to life as it unfolds. We all desire to hold on to our dreams, how we expect life will turn out. We are not in control of life. We desperately want to control its outcomes, from our children’s futures to how we will survive financially. Our society’s time-out becomes an opportunity for us to let go of the many things that keep us resentful and angry. Surrender is key to living a spiritual life. In prayer, we experience letting go, we learn to make room for others and to the flow of life that is our reality today.
3. Let go and receive something new. We are all negotiating our isolation. As families, each person is grieving his or her own personal loss. Some high school seniors grieve the loss of friends, support, and group activities such as the prom or graduation. The absence of sports for many families will be a loss of identity and sheer fun. Bodies of athletes will suffer from not practicing. Our elderly deal with depression and fear. We are called into a spiritual practice of letting go. What we will receive in the future remains a mystery. Talk with your family about letting go and the issues that are on their minds. Discover new spiritual solutions to loss, grief, and even illness and death of a loved one. What are you letting go of? What are you embracing these days? Help each other grieve and to embrace the beauty of new life. After all, this is essentially the Lenten season.
4. Be mindful about how you use your time and energy. I have spoken with friends across the country about how they are dealing with these uncertain days. Some limit television to once a day for a short period of time. Others make sure that family conversations are honest and true. Some are worried about the mental health of family members. However, if we are to thrive in our spiritual lives, we need to learn how to live life grounded on love, on hope, and wisdom. This means turning off video screens and guarding our minds and thought patterns. We need to learn from our feelings and our conversations. We need to claim again that God is at the heart of who we are and what we do. Guard your life from too much chaos. Frenzy only feeds anxiety and hopelessness. Fear does not heal anything or anyone. Only love heals and only you can discover this for your own life.
5. Put away temptations to blame others for your fear. Throughout history, people have blamed others for their own fear. We see examples of this every day. Even at the beginning of this disease, there were articles blaming one nation or the other for this sickness for all a variety of reasons. Some people believe God has sent this disease as punishment because of openly gay and lesbian people. Some youth blame the old and some old blame the youth. If we are going to learn from in the aftermath of this disease, we need to quit blaming other people and even God for our own fear. This is not easy to do. We are so programmed as people to live in fear and to cultivate fear among communities, especially against the “other.” The other is whoever is not like us. Blame is spiritual blowout. It literally stops our spiritual growth in its tracks. Blame is personal poison. It has a long shelf life within our hearts and souls. In this season of surrender, we are being called to fully acknowledge our fear, and to learn from hardship, and to simply trust God once again. Let us learn to love in this time of unrest.
6. Lent means, “springtime.” Even during our family chaos and international fear, the earth is sprouting new life. Our spiritual lives can do the same. We need to learn from our isolation. This virus is a prolonged spiritual winter. I notice buds opening on trees and birds building nests on the patio. Within our human hearts, we have an opportunity to grown into wisdom instead of fear, into hope rather than restlessness, into love rather than blame and hatred. In Lent, we come to the conclusion that death gives way to life. After all, this is the beauty and mercy of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Easter is real spring for us all.
