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March 2, 2026“Lord, it is good that we are here.” Peter’s words spoken to Jesus at the moment of the Transfiguration, speaks of the visible presence that overwhelms his faith.
However, the disciples are reminded that His presence is no less radiant in the ordinary moments of life, especially when Jesus encounters individuals from all walks of life.Novelist William Martin alludes to those ordinary moments in life that encapsulated Jesus’ ministry within the many miles he walked, the faces he encountered, the conversations shared.His humanity offered us the vision of the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life.
“Do not ask your childrento strive for extraordinary lives.Such striving may seem admirable,but it is the way of foolishness.Help them instead to find the wonderand the marvel of an ordinary life.Show them the joy of tastingtomatoes, apples and pears.Show them how to crywhen pets and people die.Show them the infinite pleasurein the touch of a hand.And make the ordinary come alive for them.The extraordinary will take care of itself.”May our ordinary Lenten days bring forth the radiance of grace through our conscious efforts of charity, sacrifice (fasting & abstinence), prayer and reflection. What is often overlooked in the Transfiguration of Jesus is the descent from the mountain, to the plains, to the ordinary path the four will continue to take.
K Here in the ordinary he is teaching the apostles by example within his unexpected encounters, the patience, wisdom and understanding shared; extraordinary moments of grace that is often overlooked.Dominic Savio, born in 1852, was studying to become a priest when he was stricken with pleurisy and died at the age of 14.Canonized in 1954, he is remembered for his simple manners and humility.“I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things,for the greater glory of God.” St. Dominic Savio’s brief life serves as an inspiration for Catholics that even the smallest positive action can illuminate God’s grace. Even the most ordinary act for God can significantly impact another’s life—and hopefully our own. Quite possibly, our Lenten journey of fasting, generous sacrifices, and prayer will find us in a moment of God’s extraordinary grace within the‘ordinary.’Through the generosity of an anonymous donor the newly crafted church furniture and furnishings for St. Malachy’s sanctuary brings forth a renewed presence of dignity to our liturgies. And through the generosity of memorials offered to our church over the years, the resurfacing of the middle aisle and sanctuary has been possible. Highlighting and drawing our attention toward the sanctuary, holding our focus on the Word of God, and the real presence within the Eucharist we share. Though the church carpet throughout the church is original to the building (1985) and has held up well, at some point in the future it will need to be replaced with new carpet.
At Sacred Heart, through the continued contributions to the Improvement Fund and a significant donation, a new Air Conditioning Unit will be installed replacing the present system that is several years beyond its warranty.Buildings and grounds will always be in need of repairs and improvements reflecting in no small way the ongoing relevance of our Catholic faith.Just a note:Since the restrictions imposed at the time of COVID, and HIPPA, hospitals and care centers can not always share information of parishioners who are receiving care in their respective facilities. I am always willing to visit and offer the Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing) along with Communion to individuals receiving such care if families contact our parish office. If a family member is struggling with an illness or an injury at home, I am always willing to likewise come to the house, visit and share the Sacraments. If you or the individual wishes confidentiality, we respect such wishes. During the annual“Chrism Mass”celebrated by the Bishop during Holy Week, the three oils are prayed over, blessed and in turn offered to all the parishes in the diocese.Thank you for your consideration.God Bless, Fr. TimFYI:“Dear Old Man Winter, we have had enough!”(Anonymous)