The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 11, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

Some friends invited me to one of the most famous and expensive restaurants in the country. I was grateful and eager to go. One invited friend even flew from another state for the experience. Every bite and sip were truly memorable and delicious. But my friends’ teenage children spent much of the time on their phones, complained about the food, and generally ignored the once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wanted to yell, “C’mon, you guys! Look what you’re missing!”

In today’s parable, Jesus describes people invited to an amazing wedding feast who respond with inexplicable indifference. He says, “Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business” (Matthew 22:5). The problem is not that they choose evil but that they allow other desires to distract them from an amazing opportunity. The feast is prepared, but their hearts are elsewhere. In Christ Jesus, God offers each of us a wildly extravagant offer: a place at the wedding banquet between heaven and earth.

What are your current excuses for the delay in engaging with Jesus? How are you postponing a deepening of your relationship with him under the guise of responsibility? The good news is that the feast is ready. His invitation remains. Hear the Lord say to us, “C’mon, guys! Look what you’re missing!” Then respond with concrete action.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

“[One Woman] was beyond the age for bearing children. She announced to her doctor that her husband was an alcoholic with a syphilitic infection. One of her children had been born dead; another child was blind; another had tuberculosis. Her family had a history of deafness. Finally, she confessed that she was living in abject poverty. The child born from that pregnancy became the renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven.” Every life is precious.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Have you ever considered exploring the Vocation/Ministry of serving in your parish as a Catechist? It is a unique opportunity to grow in faith and in your relationship with the Lord. Sacred Heart is currently looking for people with strength of character, generosity of spirit and a healthy faith which they are willing to share with others. This is a volunteer position working with youth of the parish, and persons would be required to participate in Virtus/Protecting God's Children Training. For more information, please contact Judy Wahl, DRE at 814-215-5113 or 814-944-3922 or email jwahl@dioceseaj.org Thank You.

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

How easy it is, especially in these times, to be consumed by the cares and distractions of the “here and now”, forgetting about what matters most – living for the Kingdom of Heaven. The stewardship way of life, with its emphasis on the virtuous use of our Time, Talent and Treasure, allows us to embrace daily life and all its demands – with eternity in mind.

In our First Reading, the prophet Isaiah paints a beautiful and compelling picture of what we can hope for in Heaven. “The Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines - juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” And not only that, our loving Father will personally heal us of each and every suffering we endured during our lives. “The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face.”

So let us embrace the stewardship way of life today! Let us put God first with our Time, our Talents and our Treasure, knowing that we can do all of this through Christ Who gives us strength. God is calling to us today to live with eternity in mind. If we do this, we will be feasting now and forever.

TO SCHEDULE A MASS INTENTION

Please contact the parish office. The suggested donation for a Mass intention is $10. We will Schedule on or as close as possible to the date(s) you request.

Prayer Requests

Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Joe DeGennaro Jr., Colette DiMemmo, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Roberta Farabaugh, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Russell Keith, John Kleine, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, Mary Ann Larson, Donna Laughlin, Beth Lloyd, Joel McElhinney, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Sarah Rihnovich, Nancy Servello, Elizabeth Siglow, Laura Snyder, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Scotty Wavrek, Joan Weston, Renee Williams, Pat Zeak.

If you would like to add a sick or hospitalized person to our prayer list or readd a person, please call the rectory office, at 943-8553. Parishioners of Saint Mary are encouraged and welcome to participate. Remember, you must have the permission of the ill person/family to publish their name.

Sacred Heart Church