The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 2, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

In his song, “Lose Yourself,” the artist Eminem raps, “the mood all changed.”

We all know that moment when the mood changes, when life turns from lighthearted to deadly serious. That happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus has just heard that John the Baptist, his cousin, forerunner, and friend, has been murdered. As Matthew tells us, “When Jesus heard of it, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” Until now, he had been teaching in parables and healing quietly. But John’s death signals a new phase. The shadow of the Cross begins to fall. Evil shows its teeth.

And how does Jesus respond? Not with rage or despair. He goes to a lonely place to go into deep communion with his Father. From that silence comes action. He feeds the multitude. Out of grief comes generosity. Out of sorrow, life. This is the rhythm of every disciple’s life. When tragedy or violence breaks our hearts, we face a choice. We can react, or we can retreat into prayer — like and with Christ. This is the hidden place where pain becomes compassion and compassion becomes self-gift.

Lord Jesus, when life intensifies, draw me into Your quiet strength. In that hidden place with You and the Father, turn my heartbreak into the bread of love for the world. Amen.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

The heartbeat of a child is a reminder of the miracle of life. To love and protect life is the greatest calling we have

END OF SUMMER SOCIAL

All Sacred Heart Parishioners are invited to join in fellowship at our annual end of summer social! Donuts and coffee will be served by the parish Social Committee at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 30,2026 in the courtyard.

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

I remember seeing a story on a morning news program about a little girl who wanted to give an elderly man in a grocery store a hug. She had no way of knowing that this man had just lost his wife of many years and now felt so very alone and depressed. Her reaching out to the man seemed odd to her mom at first, but the girl was so insistent about giving a hug she moved the shopping carts close together so the exchange could take place. No one knew that from that moment on the little girl would ask to visit her new friend at least once a week for the next four years until he passed away. In an interview soon after the initial encounter, the man said, “I haven’t been this happy in some time.” Imagine the joy that relationship brought to them both over the years!

It was just a moment. It was a simple gesture. Yet, it had a large impact that no one could have predicted. You never know what will result when we give just a little of ourselves. That uncertainty too often leads us to hold back or refrain from the simple actions of love or gestures of generosity that could come so easily for us if we wanted. We should never doubt the power of a simple random act of kindness. Generosity does not need to be grand to make a big difference. The time is now, and the opportunity presents itself often to plant a small seed that God can water and nourish so that something beautiful can grow.

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