The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 5, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

This weekend, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unlike most nations, the United States was not founded primarily on a shared ethnicity, language, or culture. Instead, our founders built a political community out of diverse peoples united by a shared vision of liberty. That vision echoes something deep in the Christian mystery revealed in today’s Gospel.

Jesus returns to his hometown. The people see only what is familiar: the carpenter, the son of Mary, one of their own. As Mark tells us, “They took offense at him. Jesus said, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.’” Their narrow vision blinds them. Jesus has come to inaugurate a new communion that transcends geography, bloodlines, and culture. He has come to unite all people in himself.

At its best, America’s national unity reflects this possibility, which fully subsists only in the Catholic Church. Our unity is not based on ancestry or tribe, but on a shared commitment to higher ideals. For this reason, we can love our country with gratitude while situating patriotism within the broader horizon of faith.

Rooted in Christ, we are less vulnerable to the unholy tribalism that threatens civic life and faith. This weekend, let us thank God for our nation and pray that we also live as citizens of Heaven in Jesus Christ.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

"To claim the right to abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia, and to recognize that right in law, means to attribute to human freedom a perverse and evil significance…The right to life is the most basic and fundamental right that is and must be protected.”
- St. John Paul II

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

The theme of humility is central to our readings today. God Himself is a humble God, so if we wish to follow Him as Christian stewards, we too must be humble. In fact, humility is key to the stewardship way of life, and to a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Our first reading from Zechariah foretells the unexpected way in which the Lord, the Savior of the world, will arrive. “See, your king shall come to you, a just savior is he, meek and riding on an ass… and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.” It is almost unfathomable that our almighty and all-powerful God would humble Himself to live among us as one of our own, let alone to contemplate the unassuming way in which He arrived – born as a helpless baby, growing up under the care of human parents and finally making his entrance as savior on a lowly colt. Christ has given us a clear and compelling model of humility.

Let us resolve to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, embracing the humble path of stewardship. It is the path that leads to peace here and now, and ultimately leads us to heaven.

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

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