Third Sunday of Easter

May 4, 2025

GOSPEL MEDITATION

I eat breakfast. If I don’t have something substantial, I’m fading by midmorning. Breakfast is my key meal because it sets up my physical wellbeing for the rest of the day.

Spiritually speaking, we need sustenance to get us going. This is true for the Apostles in this Sunday’s remarkable Gospel reading. The risen Jesus makes his third appearance to them in the early morning light and calls, “Come, have breakfast” (John 21:12). The exhausted and cold fishermen sit, and he feeds them bread and fish as the dawn breaks. They are overwhelmed by his presence to the point of awestruck silence. As they eat, their bodies and their hearts come alive. Once refreshed by their morning meal, they will be ready to feed others — indeed, the whole world — with the love of the risen Jesus. But first, they need breakfast from him.

Do you realize how essential early morning prayer is? Jesus desires to refresh us every morning with his word of love, with his grace-filled presence. This week, hear Jesus calling to you: “Come, have breakfast!” Embrace some form of spiritual, meditative practice each morning for spiritual strength to get you going
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

Pregnancy is not a disease. It is a power, a glory, and a privilege beyond measure. More importantly, it is a gift from God. Do not abort God’s gift.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

In today’s gospel the disciples were returning home so “downcast” they did not recognize Jesus walking with them. In our homes we can be so overwhelmed with responsibilities we don’t see God with us. Today’s gospel tells us to stop and open our eyes to the blessings we are to one another.
- Bud Ozar

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

Throughout the Easter season, our readings have given us glimpses into the life of the newborn Church and the bold witness of the early disciples in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. These disciples were the first to live a stewardship way of life. Their example is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago to inspire and guide us modernday disciples.

A spirit-filled and joy-filled life can be available to all of us, all these years later. It can be achieved when we recognize, as Paul and Barnabas did in our First Reading, that all we have and all we are is a gift from God, meant to be shared with others for His glory. Living as stewards isn’t always easy, and sometimes involves great challenges, but in the end there is simply no more satisfying way to live
- Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

NEEDED! EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION

Sacred Heart Church is seeking dedicated parishioners to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Current Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion and those interested in becoming new EOMs are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents. For more information contact the church office at 814-943-8553.

Prayer Requests

Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Damian Branas, Vince Bumann, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Bob Decker, Colette DiMemmo, Margaret Dodson, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Sam Dunio, Paul Dunmire, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Dolly Holzer, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Carol Keagy, Kenny Anthony Keagy, Russell Keith John Kleine, Sue Koehle, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, John Leshene, Beth Lloyd, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Kevin O'Rourke, Mark Pacifico, Sarah Rihnovich, Gary Rupert Jr, Nancy Servello, Laura Snyder, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Alan Watson, Joan Weston, Hank Williams, Renee Williams, Mikayla Yanchik.

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