Monica’s Praise Report 1/18/23

Post Date: January 18, 2023
Author: Monica Hebert

How good and all-knowing our God is! Some months, I ask Him, “What is going on?” Some months, I say, “Ohhhh, I see what You may have been doing there”.  His ways are not our ways! We do not always understand the whys and whens and hows, but every now and then, we have an “ah-ha moment” of how vital the crosses we carry and all our other prayers and good works are to the Body of Christ and His glorious Kingdom – that begins HERE AND NOW.

During an out of state trip in the fall of 2019, I became aware of a public black mass held in Houston. It was being held on the feast of Christ the King.  Could not a battle so great and so public need many of its prayer warriors to carry such heavy crosses and offer them up for the upcoming and ongoing battle?

Now, we all KNOW there is a battle, but we do not always grasp it- at least I do not. My human mind cannot always wrap itself around the reality of it. But God…is God. He has His ways of reminding us of His reality.

I found out about the horrendous event as I was traveling out of state. For a brief moment, I felt helpless, a sure sign of the enemy. I was among a few Catholics on our get away, and we just could not seem to organize something to battle this together. But, BUT, BUT…God has His ways. My family and another were able to attend a vigil Mass. Our family had the chance to get to the church early enough to participate in the Rosary before Mass. I offered it up. Then Mass began…and I came to the realization of what feast day it was. But then…God shook my socks off. This priest’s homily was incredibly timely. Now remember, we are states away. This priest had no idea what was going on in Houston. His homily was all about choosing between the two kingdoms! Every choice we make is a choice made for or against one of the kingdoms. He urged all to participate fully in the Kingdom of God and reminded us that it begins NOW.

We are NOT guaranteed a life of ease. We are told repeatedly that we must pick up our crosses DAILY. But that is our part of the battle. We must OFFER IT UP!  We must fully participate in the Kingdom of God. We are the Church Militant. We are  expected to fight; we know how the war ends. Keep on keeping on…we are not in this alone.

Photo by Romain Dancre on Unsplash

Recent Posts

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading 1: Ez 33:7-9 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Reading 2: Rom 13:8-10 Gospel: Mt 18:15-20 Ezekiel is unique among the prophets of Israel as he was the only one called to the prophetic office outside of the Holy Land;...

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading 1: Jer 20:7-9 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Reading 2: Rom 12:1-2 Gospel: Mt 16:21-27 Jeremiah’s prophetic mission began in 628 B.C. and therefore occurred about 100 years after that of Isaiah in 742. Whereas...

Monica’s Praise Report 8-24-26

Monica’s Praise Report 8-24-26

Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever! Praise be His most holy Name. He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God. He is, was, and ever shall be. He sanctifies and blesses! Thank You, God, for all thy benefits. Thank You for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Thank You for older...

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading 1: Is 22:19-23 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 Reading 2: Rom 11:33-36 Gospel: Mt 16:13-20 Our first reading comes from a section of Isaiah often referred to as 1st Isaiah (chapters 1 – 39) and reflects the...

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Reading 1: Is 56:1, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Reading 2: Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 Gospel: Mt 15:21-28 The Book of the Prophet Isaiah is the second longest book in the bible, exceeded in length only by the Book of Psalms. Chronologically, it covers about...

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading 1: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 Reading 2: Rom 9:1-5 Gospel: Mt 14:22-33 Our first reading from 1st Kings is the story of the prophet Elijah on Mt. Horeb and it is a fascinating story if...

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Reading 1: IS 55:1-3 Responsorial Psalm: PS 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18 Reading 2: ROM 8:35, 37-39 Gospel: MT 14:13-21 Our first reading from chapter 55 of the Book of Isaiah is entitled “An Invitation to Grace,” and the message of the...

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading 1: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 Reading 2: Rom 8:28-30 Gospel: Mt 13:44-52 Let me start this reflection with a little biblical history some may or may not be familiar with. The...

Monica’s Praise Report 9-22-26

Monica’s Praise Report 9-22-26

Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever! How wonderful He is. He is faithful and His mercy and grace abound. He is relentless in His pursuit of us, never giving up on us or leaving us when we but just turn toward Him. Thank You, God, for Your steadfastness and...

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading 1: Wis 12:13, 16-19 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 Reading 2: Rom 8:26-27 Gospel: Mt 13:24-43 Once again, this week we have a shorter form of the gospel that may be proclaimed at Sunday Mass, but I eliminated it...

Para el segundo año de preparación sacramental, los padres siguen siendo los primeros maestros de la fe (CCC n.º 2226). Este es un rol continuo tanto para los padres como para la vida de los estudiantes.

La preparación sacramental se llevará a cabo una vez al mes. Se pide a las familias que asistan semanalmente a la misa dominical, compartan el Evangelio en casa, participen en un retiro, recen el Rosario y que los padres asistan a una charla mensual con nuestro querido sacerdote.

Se ponen recursos a disposición de los padres, especialmente en lo relativo a la misa. Se pide a los estudiantes que traigan un misal para que lo firmen al finalizar la misa de su elección (sábado o domingo).

A continuación, se presentan las fechas de las charlas dirigidas a los padres. Los estudiantes asistirán a clases en un aula en la misma fecha y horario: de 6:30 p. m. a 8:00 p. m.

Se realizarán evaluaciones a los estudiantes; por favor, consulten las Pautas Sacramentales.

La preparación para la Primera Reconciliación y la Primera Comunión está abierta a todos los jóvenes bautizados - a partir del segundo grado escolar - que cumplan con los siguientes requisitos del programa:

  • La familia debe ser miembro registrado de la Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón. Si no son miembros registrados del Sagrado Corazón, los padres deben presentar una carta del párroco de la parroquia en la que estén registrados, otorgando permiso para que el niño se prepare y celebre los sacramentos en el Sagrado Corazón. También se requiere el permiso del párroco si la familia está registrada en el Sagrado Corazón, pero solicita que la celebración se realice en otra iglesia católica.
  • Los padres deben presentar una copia original del certificado de bautismo del niño antes de la fecha límite establecida. Si el niño no ha sido bautizado en la fe católica, realizará una "Profesión de Fe".
  • El niño debe contar con un mínimo de un año de educación religiosa previa, cursada en el programa de formación en la fe de la parroquia (FE EN EL HOGAR) o en una escuela católica.
  • El niño debe estar inscrito y participando activamente en el año actual del programa de educación religiosa de la parroquia (Preparación Sacramental) o en una escuela católica.
  • La familia debe asistir a la Misa dominical con regularidad.
  • El niño y sus padres deben asistir a TODAS las sesiones de preparación sacramental.
  • Una vez completadas todas las sesiones de preparación requeridas, el niño participará en una entrevista para evaluar su disposición para recibir los sacramentos.

El Párroco, el Coordinador de Preparación Sacramental y los padres determinarán conjuntamente la disposición del niño - tanto catequética como espiritual - para recibir los sacramentos.

El año pasado, las familias de primer año siguieron el nuevo plan de estudios «Fe en el hogar». Aunque todavía tenemos mucho en lo que podemos crecer, nos alegra enormemente que nuestras familias hayan completado el año y que ahora estén practicando su fe y siguiendo un nuevo estilo de vida. «Fe en el hogar» es un programa novedoso en el que nuestras familias no tienen que asistir en persona ni semanalmente, sino solo una vez al mes. Se pide a las familias que asistan a la misa dominical cada semana, compartan el Evangelio en casa, participen en un retiro, recen el Rosario y que los padres asistan a una charla mensual con nuestro querido sacerdote. Hay recursos disponibles para los padres, especialmente para la Misa. Se pide a los estudiantes que traigan un libro de misa para que lo firmen al finalizar la misa que elijan (sábado o domingo). A continuación, se presentan las fechas de las charlas para padres; los estudiantes estarán en clase el mismo día y horario: 6:30 PM a 8:00 PM.

For year 2, sacramental preparation, parents are still the first teachers of faith CCC#2226. This is an ongoing role for the parents and for the students' lives.

Sacramental preparation would be once a month. Families are asked to attend weekly Sunday mass, share the Gospel at home, participate in a retreat, pray the Rosary, and have parents attend a monthly talk with our beloved priest.

Resources are available to parents, especially for Mass. Students are asked to bring a Mass book to be signed by the end of the Mass of their choice (Saturday or Sunday).

Here are the dates for parent talks. The students will be in a classroom setting on the same date and time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Evaluations will be held for students, please refer to the Sacrament Guidelines.

First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation is open to all baptized youth, second grade or older, who meet the following program requirements:

  • Family must be registered members of Sacred Heart Parish. If not registered members of Sacred Heart, the parents must provide a letter from the pastor of the parish in which they are registered, granting permission for the child to prepare and to celebrate the sacraments at Sacred Heart.  Permission must also be granted by the pastor if registering at Sacred Heart, but requesting the celebration at another Catholic Church.
  • The parents must provide an original copy of the child’s Baptism Certificate by the declared deadline. If not baptized catholic, the child will make a “Profession of Faith”.
  • The child must have a minimum of one year of previous religious education in the parish faith formation program (FAITH AT HOME) or catholic school.
  • The child must be enrolled and actively participating in the current year of religious education in the parish religious Sacramental Preparation or catholic school.
  • The family must attend Sunday Mass regularly.
  • The child and their parents must attend ALL sacrament preparation sessions.
  • Upon completion of all required preparation sessions, the child will participate in an interview to evaluate the child’s readiness to receive the sacraments.

The Pastor, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator, and the parents together determine the child’s readiness, both catechetical and spiritual, to receive the sacraments.

Last year, first-year families followed the new Faith at Home curriculum. Even though we have a lot to grow in, we are very happy that our families have completed the year and are now practicing their faith and following a new way of life.  

Faith at Home is a new program where our families do not have to come in person weekly, but once a month. Families are asked to attend weekly Sunday mass, share the Gospel at home, participate in a retreat, pray the Rosary, and have parents attend a monthly talk with our beloved priest.  

Resources are available to parents, especially for Mass. Students are asked to bring a Mass book with them to be signed by the end of any Mass of their choice (Saturday or Sunday).  

Here are the dates for parent talks. The students will be in a classroom setting on the same date and time:

April 20th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Hi!