Next Sunday, October 21, 2012 Pope Benedict  calls every Catholic in the world to celebrate our vocation to be missionary.  It’s World Mission Sunday!  As Catholics around the world – here at home and in the Missions – gather at the Eucharist around the table of the Lord, we are to pray for the Church’s worldwide missionary work.  Please give generously to this collection.

Marriage today is a very fragile institution and society is probably much to blame.  Our culture is mainly one of me, me, me, and with that attitude marriage can never succeed.

The positive ideal is that in marriage the union between a man and a woman is so close that they can and do become “one flesh.”  Both must learn to love as God loves: total unselfishness, in complete gift of self.  Is this easy?  No!  Is it possible?  Yes!

In our gospel reading Jesus makes it clear that this is still God’s plan.  One man, one woman, together and faithful forever!

Mark your calendars! In June 2013, Sacred Heart Parish is commemorating 100 years since being established as a parish in the Troy, NY area. Check out our Face Book Page at  (http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/471416239546747/?fref=ts) or click on the Facebook link at right for more info.!)

This is a tremendous accomplishment and could only have been possible with the help of all that have been effected in some way by the parish or school. We are asking all parishioners, students, alumni, and others in the community to come and celebrate such a marvelous feat. It is the community and members of Sacred Heart (past and present) that have made this celebration possible.

Last Chance for CYO basketball registration!

Blank registration forms are available on bulletin board  in back of church.  Please, get them in as soon as possible if your son or daughter (2nd to 8th grade) is interested in playing.  Forms can be dropped off in the school or rectory office with registration fee.  Any questions, contact Sarah Ragone at sarahtodd1094@yahoo.com

Update on Baptismal Blankets: We’ve had a busy Summer.  Lots of infants and toddlers were baptized at Sacred Heart…6 just this past weekend.  Please consider helping to replenish our supply by making a white baby blanket or purchasing one.  They are so appreciated by the families.  Thank you in advance.   For more information contact the Rectory or Barbara O’Brien.

Mark your calendars! In June 2013, Sacred Heart Parish is commemorating 100 years since being established as a parish in the Troy, NY area. Check out our Face Book Page at  (http://www.facebook.com/events/471416239546747) or click on the Facebook link at right for more info.!)

This is a tremendous accomplishment and could only have been possible with the help of all that have been effected in some way by the parish or school. We are asking all parishioners, students, alumni, and others in the community to come and celebrate such a marvelous feat. It is the community and members of Sacred Heart (past and present) that have made this celebration possible.

The 6^th grade class and Social Justice Committee will be holding a “Shoes for the Shoeless” collection.  Your donations may be placed in the gray bin located at the back of church. Please tie or rubber band each pair together if possible.  No sandals or high-heeled shoes, please.

The annual Sacred Heart School APPLEBEES Flapjack Breakfast is Saturday, September 29^th from 8–10 a.m. on Route 4 in East Greenbush. Tickets are $5 per person and are available in the school office. We will be raffling off four tickets to “Mary Poppins” opening night at Proctors Theater.

Couples celebrating their 25^th, 40^th, 50^th or other special wedding anniversaries are invited to attend the 40^th Annual Marriage Jubilee Celebration sponsored by the Office of Evangelization, Catehesis and Family Life held on Saturday, October 13^that 2PM at the Cathedral in Albany.  Bishop Hubbard will celebrate the Liturgy at 2PM and greet couples and their guests at a reception in the gathering area at the Cathedral immediately following Mass.  Please call Barbara at the parish office (274-1363) to register.

Scott Peck in his book “the Road Less Traveled” felt most people were just spiritually lazy.  And when we are lazy, we stay on the path we are already on, even if it is going nowhere.  Compare this to Mark’s gospel today: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”  It is very clear that staying on that “lazy path” is downright dangerous.  Wake Up!