The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 30, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

Do you know what it is like to be thrilled by the power of Christian faith one moment and then utterly fail in it the next? I do. That is Peter in today’s Gospel. After last week’s bold confession, he now hears Jesus speak of suffering and death, and something in him recoils. He takes Jesus aside and tries to correct him. Jesus responds with the shocking rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan.”

Peter is the mirror of every disciple. We love Jesus until he contradicts the script we have written for our lives. Peter does not reject Jesus. He rejects a suffering Jesus. So do we, whenever we avoid a hard responsibility, resist a demanding relationship, or cling to comfort instead of choosing love. We want a Lord who supports our plans, not one who overturns them.

Yet Jesus does not discard Peter. He redirects him. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” In effect, Jesus says, stop trying to lead me. Let me lead you. Discipleship does not begin with heroism or clarity but with surrender. It means trusting that God’s path to life often passes through places we would never choose.

Peter is all of us. We move from insight to confusion, from confidence to correction. That is why we should have hope. Jesus patiently teaches us again and again. Trust me. Get behind me. Follow me. When we stop fighting the crosses that come and start carrying them with him, we discover a freedom deeper than comfort and a love stronger than fear.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

“Life is a civil right. Abortion is a civil wrong.”
- Alveda C. King

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.

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.

CEREAL DONATIONS

Sacred Heart Parish will be collecting breakfast cereal August 9, 2026, through September 6, 2026. This cereal collection directly benefits the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in their effort to help fellow parishioners and families in our surrounding area. Parishioners are invited to place the cereal in bins at the main entrance of the Church.

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

If we are striving to live the stewardship way of life, we must be honest with ourselves and admit it’s not going to be easy. Dying to self and living for Christ and others is tough. It’s the work of a lifetime. But in the end, it’s the only work that really matters and the only life that truly satisfies. Our readings today reflect this challenging reality.

It’s all about love. Jesus loved us totally, giving us all of Himself on the Cross, in His word, and in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. And so we must choose: love of self, or love of God and others – which is tough but fulfilling and leads to the eternal reward of heaven. Jesus promises that He “will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then He will repay all according to his conduct.”

Let us make the tough choice to lose our life for Christ’s sake, in grateful response to His love. Honestly, what better life could there be?

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