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Grace and Peace to you, brothers and sisters:
In the Gospel, Jesus proposes a parable: the vine and the branches. Using this parable, Jesus conveys the message of connectivity as an essential part of our relationship with him and the fruitful outcome of that relationship. By using this image, Jesus invites us to remain connected to him so that we can be fruitful people, and if we are not connected to him, nothing can be achieved. Jesus, in the Gospel of John, uses very few parables, but the ones he uses convey a solid invitation to know him and be connected to him.
This Easter season is moving along fast, and we are already in the fifth Sunday; I invite you to take some time to meditate on today’s parable and evaluate your level of connectedness to Christ. We can ask how my prayer life is. How is my commitment to seeing Christ in others? How do I connect with Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels? Do I spend time reading the Words of Christ in the Gospel? These questions may help us be mindful of the importance of being connected to Jesus in prayer, in our brothers and sisters, and in his Word.
Last weekend, we returned from our 10-day pilgrimage in the Steps of Saint Paul. The graces received on the pilgrimage are immense. In our pilgrimage, we prayed for all of you. I remember one particular moment of prayer for you and the soon-to-be family of eight parishes; it was in Corinth. I celebrated Mass on the grounds of the ruins of the ancient city of Corinth. There, amid this ancient city, the first Christian community gathered and debated about their gifts, talents, and members. It is in his words to this community that Paul invites us to meditate on being one in Christ. He recognizes the community’s diversity and invites them to be united in Christ. Christ unites us all. I prayed that we all reclaim our connection to Christ as the Gospel invites us today, to build this new community of eight parishes in Racine.
I want to THANK YOU ALL for being so generous with our Lent Project: Adopt a Llama. I am overwhelmed by the immense generosity of each one of the members of the Family of Four Parishes. This year, our collaboration project with the Community of Saint Paul led us to the precious mountains of Bolivia in the Andean range. I am excited to announce that we were able to help 142 FAMILIES with a pair of Llamas in Vacas, Bolivia. This is wonderful news for the people of Bolivia. This is also a great testimony to our generosity, love, care, and commitment to our needy brothers and sisters. May the Lord continue to bless you and pour abundance into your generous hearts and lives.
I am also overjoyed to announce that 55 young people were confirmed on Saturday. They received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their confirmation. I invite you to pray for them and to be a true witness of Christ to them with your lives, so that they find in us the image of Christ and may wish to follow the Lord more dearly and deeply in their lives. Congratulations to the confirmands, their parents, and sponsors.
Blessings,
Fr. Juan Manuel Camacho
Catholic Community in Central Racine -Family of Four Parishes-
Weekend Preview
This weekend’s Gospel passage is from the Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John. During this discourse, Jesus provides his disciples with great teachings. Today’s passage portrays Jesus’ relationship with his disciples—their strong union. Anyone who believes and follows him is firmly united to the Lord and may accomplish significant tasks, just as the branches are united to the vine and produce great fruit. Of course, Jesus’ invitation for his disciples is to continue his mission to make God’s Kingdom a reality for all. That’s the work at hand for all of us. Jesus assures us that we can do it if we keep connected with him. This weekend, we will celebrate 19 first communions in Sacred Heart. These young Catholics will partake of the Lord’s Table and be united into the community. By partaking in the Body and Blood of Christ, they are united uniquely to the Lord and the community of believers that witness this Sacrament. Please pray for our children doing the first communion on Sunday at 10 AM. See you at Mass so that we can all support them. —Fr. Juan
Catholic Community in Central Racine - Family of Four Parishes
Click here to view the bulletin for the other parishes in our community. Weekend Mass times are here.
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Adopt a Llama
We want to THANK YOU ALL for being so generous with our Lent Project: Adopt a Llama. Sacred Heart collected $32,680!
Renewing Faith: Creating Vibrant Communities
Curious about the updates regarding the parishes in Racine? We have created a section on the website to keep you in the loop. Click here to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE! Fr. Richard Molter Celebration
All members of the Catholic Community of Racine are invited to join in the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Ordination of the Rev. Richard Molter. Concelebrated Mass is on Sunday, June 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1425 Grove Avenue Racine, Wisconsin 53405. A luncheon will follow in Schaefer Hall / lower level of the church.
Further information and sign-up sheets will be forthcoming in May.
Belle City Catholic
Belle City Catholic focuses on helping Catholics in the city of Racine build a stronger relationship with Christ and their community.
In person events:
- Food for the Journey - Mass and Adoration worship events
- Belle City Catholic Talks - A casual speaker series
- And More! - Stay tuned for more events throughout the year.
Online video series:
- Spiritual Homework - Every Monday BCC releases a short clip from Fr. Juan’s homily as your “Spiritual Homework for the Week.”
- Belle City Practicing Catholic - A space to ENGAGE our community, to LEARN about the Lord, and to GROW deeper in our Spiritual Journey together. Every Wednesday, Fr. Juan spends 90 seconds explaining our Catholic Faith. Currently B.C.P.C. is breaking down the Mass. If there is anything you want to learn about Catholicism, let us know!
If you have any questions you can email us here.
Follow us on Social Media!
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Food for the Journey
FFTJ is a program to celebrate the glory of God and the joy of the Gospel through vibrant and uplifting worship, adoration, and community building moments. We want to offer Catholics in the City of Racine an opportunity to draw closer to God through prayer and community-building events.
Our next event:
Upcoming events, locations TBD:
- Tuesday, August 6 - The Transfiguration of the Lord
- Tuesday, October 22 - Theme TBD
- Monday, December 9 - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Food for the Journey: Journeying with Christ
Click here for the procession route.
Family Faith Formation
Please join us on May 5th as we welcome back Al McCauley! Al previously served as the Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart before going on to teach theology and history at Pious XI and religious studies adjunct at Cardinal Stritch University. He is the co-host (along with Fr. Tony) of the Milwaukee Archdiocese’s video podcast series, “Guided By Saints,” and a frequent speaker at parishes throughout the Archdiocese. He’ll be speaking on the artistic themes of the Eucharist! Be sure you don’t miss this captivating speaker!
Mother’s Day Rose Sale - “Roses for Life”-
Fresh, long stem roses will be available for a suggested donation of $3 after all Masses on Mother's Day weekend.
Our Human Concerns/Respect Life Committee will be at tables located just inside Haban Hall. Get a beautiful rose for your mom, grandma, wife, or daughter. As in past years, vases will be available in front of the Virgin Mary statue for parishioners who wish to place roses in memory or honor of their mothers, grandmothers, etc. All proceeds will be donated to the Wisconsin Right to Life Kenosha chapter.
Please give your support for the “Right to Life” of the most vulnerable members of our human family.
Vacation Bible School
Sacred Heart will be hosting Vacation Bible School in coordination with St. Patrick's this year.
Our Session will run from July 29th - August 2nd from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. If that timing doesn't work for your family, other sessions are open to parishioners at St. Rita's, St. Lucy's and St. Mary by the Lake. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to register click here.
Scammers and Impersonators
There are many emails, texts, and posts going around from people claiming to be our clergy. These scammers are asking for money, either by “selling” items or as a personal request. If you see someone pretending to be our priests or deacon, please, do not send any money and report the message or post if possible.
Distributing Communion Outside of the Parish
Have you been asked to bring Communion to the sick and homebound and are not sure where to start?
Click here for the Guidelines for Distributing Communion Outside of a Parish.
Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The SVdP Food Pantry collection is the second weekend of the month. The needs for the food pantry are now located on the bulletin board or you can click here.
Updates in a Sentence (or Two!)
- Chat with Father returns at 6:30 tonight! You can watch the last one here.
- First Communions will take place at the 10AM Mass this Sunday.
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is on Fridays from the end of Mass until 5PM.
- Confessions are on Saturday from 3:30 to 4 PM in the crying room on the right side of church.
- The next Sacred Heart book club meeting is on Thursday, May 16, at 10:00 AM In Haban Hall. For that meeting we are reading the book “A Tender Victory” by Taylor Caldwell.
- Live-streamed Masses are now on the CCCR Facebook and YouTube. This Sunday's livestream will be at 9AM.
