Fr. Todd 3/1/26

Dear St. Mary on the Lake and Sacred Heart,

                 We now have Votive Candles at both Sacred Heart and St. Mary on the Lake.  What is the meaning of Votive Candles?  “Votive comes from the Latin votum, meaning promise, dedication or simply ‘prayer.’ It reinforces the idea that the candles represent our prayers before God.  As humans, we are body and soul and our prayers often need to be expressed in a physical, tangible way. … Similar to incense, the light of the candles is a physical reminder that points our souls to God. We light them not because we believe our prayers will be better heard by God, but because we need something visual to connect our body and soul.” (https://stcatharine.com/votive)

We all have people who weigh heavy on our hearts for any number of reasons.  From that place of concern and worry we pray for them.  Indeed, when we are really worried for someone, we wish we could just live in the Church interceding for them.  Lighting a votive candle is a physical way of both showing our prayer along with extending them.  While I can’t remain here in the Church with the Lord in prayer a part of my heart can remain there.  In those flickering lights you can see the faint shadow of people still kneeling in prayer long after they have left the Church.

 A few reminders this weekend:

Lenten Mission: Next week March 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th at 6:30pm at Sacred Heart.  Bonus Mass and Breakfast at St. Mary on the Lake on Monday, March 9^th at 9:30am.  Confessions will be available on Monday, March 9^th at the evening Mission service. 

Jesus tells us in Mark 12:20-31: “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  This Mission will help each of us live all three of those commandments- loving God, our neighbor, and ourselves more fully.

DMI survey: Our parish is on a journey to know, love, and serve Christ as a parish community. Together we must embrace Christ’s vision for missionary discipleship so our parish can thrive and be a place for others to grow together in faith.

The very first step in this process involves assessing our greatest strengths and opportunities, and that is where the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) comes in! The DMI is an important survey tool that invites you to reflect on your discipleship journey here at Sacred Heart and St. Mary on the Lake.  It is very easy to take online using the links in the emailed Newsblasts.  We also have paper copies available at both parishes.

DSA: Thank you in advance for your generous support of the Diocesan Service Appeal (DSA).  Both of our parishes have a generous history of supporting the good work of the Diocese.  For all those who will be helped that you will never meet—thank you.

God Bless, Fr. Todd