Watch us on Facebook 

Dear Sacred Heart Family,

This Sunday’s readings speak about Ecclesiology, or how we are church. It is timely because on the succeeding Sundays we will be celebrating the Ascension and Pentecost respectively. These themes connect in such a way that will make us understand and appreciate more how we are One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The first reading narrates to us how the growing early church have resolved issues arising from the very fact that they are growing, and there’s a grave need for them to be resolved. It is not by one man’s decision that they get resolved, but by the body – the Apostles and church representatives get together in Jerusalem. This is the very first Church Council ever – The Council of Jerusalem. Throughout the centuries councils have been convened to consider and rule on questions of doctrine, administration, discipline, and other matters. – like the Council of Nicaea, the Council of Constantinople, the Council of Ephesus, The Vatican Councils I and II, to name a few. These Councils ensure that decisions are truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by Our Lord Jesus Christ’s Peace, which is what He had left to us before He Ascends to His Father, to teach and guide us, as mentioned in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. This is also how we are on Apostolic foundation mentioned in John’s vision in our second reading from the book of Revelation.

As a Diocese we are also practicing these characteristics of the Church. Recent examples are during the heat of the Covid-19 crisis, the protocols were decided by the Bishop and the Presbyteral council. Then, the recent Synod on Synodality listened to all the concerns of the faithful to truly address the needs of our local churches.

As a Parish we also act as a body in our Parish councils and different ministries. So, your participation in these contributes to the building up of the body of Christ here in our community.

The Lord said in the gospel “I am going away, and I will come back to you”. As a church awaiting His return, let us continue to invoke the Holy Spirit to inspire us and His Peace to guide us.

God bless us all!

Reverend Alex Carandang

Faith Direct enables parishioners to make your Church contributions through either direct debit from your checking/savings account or through your credit/debit card. Please join me in enrolling by visiting www.faithdirect.net to enroll securely online. Our parish code is FL766.