The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 12, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

Sometimes I feel capable of absorbing almost anything except God’s Word. My mind soaks up song lyrics, sports trivia, and endless online content. But what was the reading at Mass this morning? I struggle to recall. That realization discourages me, and it leads to an uncomfortable question. What is my heart really for? Is it shaped for constant information and distraction, or is it truly designed for God? Am I capable of deeply receiving His Word?

Jesus speaks directly to this today with a simple image. “The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it.” By comparing the Word of the Kingdom to a seed, Jesus reveals something hopeful about us. The human heart is made for that seed. Soil and seed belong together. No matter how compacted, rocky, or overgrown the ground has become, the Sower never stops sowing.

God loves our hearts. He sees them as a farmer sees his fields, full of potential. Human hearts can indeed “understand the Word.” Understanding does not mean mastering information. It means letting the Word sink in, interacting with it, and giving it a home. It means trusting that, beneath the surface, God is at work in quiet and hidden ways.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to loosen the soil of our hearts through prayer, repentance, and simplicity, the same Word that created the universe begins to bear fruit in us, 30, 60, even a hundredfold.

Lord Jesus, Sower of life, soften the soil of my heart. Let Your Word take root in me again, and bring forth the fruit You desire. Amen.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

There is no greater injustice in the world today than the shedding of the innocent blood of unborn children…We will never be able to build a culture of life if we do not respect the dignity of the human person. We must build our society as it once was founded, upon respect for life and right to life.

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

Today’s readings are filled with analogies for the stewardship way of life, demonstrating the slow and steady, yet powerful effect this lifestyle will have on those who fully embrace it.

In our first reading, from Isaiah, the Father speaks to us of the gentle but unstoppable power of His Word, using the analogy of the Word as “rain and snow” that water the earth, “making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats.” He tells us that His word always serves a purpose – it gives us life, sustains our very being. Christian stewards must fill themselves with this nourishment every day. When we commit to regular prayer time with God’s Word, we can absolutely count on it to take root in us and transform our lives.

Let us deepen our commitment to this way of life, allowing the Sower to do His work in our lives. The Master Gardener will surely produce miraculous fruits through us.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Jesus tells us in the gospel: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me!” The point is: God is in each one of us, in our relationships and in our homes. The vocation of the Christian family is to live the divine gift which is already in and around us.
- Bud Ozar

2026/2027 ANGEL FUND GRANT

Applications are now available at the main entrance of the church. Grants are based on need, and on participation with in the Sacred Heart Community, volunteering your time, talent and treasure. Applications must be returned to the church office no later than August 15, 2026

PROCLAIM! NIGHT WITH THE ALTOONA CURVE

In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Proclaim! is sponsoring a night with the Altoona Curve on August 14 at PNG Field in Altoona. The game starts at 6:00 p.m., but before the game, Proclaim! is hosting a picnic supper at 5:00 p.m. Game tickets are $9 for adults; $7 dollars for children ages 3-12. The picnic supper is free with the purchase of a game ticket. To purchase tickets, contact Cory Homan at the Altoona Curve at 814-28 3-3128 or choman@altoonacurve.com. As part of the celebration, the Very Rev. Frank Sconaienchi, TOR, the Very Reverend Matthew Baum, and Father Michael Pleva will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

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.

MASS INTENTIONS

If we are unable to offer a Mass Intention on a date you are hoping for, Father Bonaventure is available to celebrate Mass at the abbey in Latrobe. He would welcome any Mass intentions you would like to send him. At: Fr. Bonaventure OSB, St. Vincent Archabbey 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650

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