This evening, at 6:30 P.M., we will have the Music Festival, featuring the many facets of our parish
music ministry. It is a celebration of the gift of music for our Parish Sesquicentennial. It is not a
Mass, but a presentation of the many talents that we have. Come and enjoy the time and talent.

Early Monday morning, tomorrow, I will be boarding a plane to go to California to spend a week of
relaxation and prayer. Fr. Bill Hitpas and I have been planning this for some time as a break for
both of us. We will return the following Monday. Fr. James Thomas will be saying Mass a couple
of times this week for the benefit of the children and parishioners. Check the bulletin to see what
days are scheduled for Masses.

The fishing trip of last Monday and Tuesday was a very enjoyable time. We caught fish and
brought some home with us. Tuesday was cold out on the river, and also windy. With the shortage
of rain throughout the Midwest, it had an effect on the amount of water being released through
the dams, and the depth of the rivers. As a result, fishing was more challenging. But we had a
good guide, and with a great group of people in the boat, or on the boat, it was relaxing and refreshing.

There is an opportunity for our Eucharistic Ministers, old and new, and new ones to be, to attend a
class on your ministry at St. Clare’s in O’Fallon. There will also be an opportunity for Lectors to
renew themselves in their ministry. All those involved in their ministries, especially Eucharistic
Ministers, should take this renewal class according to the Diocesan guidelines. More details will
be sent to all of those involved. If any would like to be become involved with being a Eucharistic
Minister or Lector or to retire from any of these ministries, please contact the rectory, and leave the
information. We would like to involve more of our young members of the parish. Age, maturity,
and ability will be factors to be considered.

Our parking lot is progressing nicely. The weather has been cooperating greatly this week, and
the work the men have been doing really looks nice. Our thanks to all who are involved in making
this challenge become a reality. Special thanks to Bruce Jung and Kenny Kilian for their ingenuity
and persistence. Thanks to Pepso Mattern and his crew for their work on the electrical piping.

Say a prayer for Fr. Bill and I on our trip, that we have good weather, a safe and enjoyable trip and
return. You will be in our prayers also, as you are remembered every day. Pray also for one another,
since we need one another to succeed in being the Body of Christ here in Mascoutah. We
depend on one another and support one another. We all have a role to play in God’s plan, and we
best do our part if we want to enter heaven.

COME CELEBRATE! The different music ministries of Holy Childhood have agreed to help make
the sesquicentennial year even more special by holding a "CELEBRATION OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC".
Come hear the various musical groups and individuals who help make our Masses so
beautiful perform music for us that may be different from what we normally hear in church, but is
still "Christ-centered". This special performance will be held September 16th, at 6:30 PM in the
church and should last about an hour. There will be a light reception following in the parish center.
Don't miss this event! Come, relax, listen, enjoy.

DINNER AUCTION The Dinner Auction has been a tremendous asset to Holy Childhood School.
Mark your calendars for October 13th. We need you! We need you to purchase tickets and invite
your friends also. We need individual donations, company donations, and volunteers to make this
a success. It can only happen if you become a part of the Dinner Auction. To volunteer, donate
items or services, or purchase tickets call Mary Moll @ 566-2300.

LIFE LINE SCREENING Holy Childhood Parish is hosting a Life Line Screening on Monday, October
1st in the parish center. Life Line Screening will be performing ultrasound tests for stroke,
abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and osteoporosis. You must
call 1-800-324-1851 to pre-register.

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS More than 19,000 religious have less than 20 percent of
the amount needed for the projected costs of living and health care as they age. PLEASE BE
GENEROUS in next weeks appeal for the Retirement Fund For Religious.

SHEPHERD SUNDAY weekend is September 22nd & 23rd. The Concerned Christians Food
Pantry needs the following items this month: sugar, fruit juice, canned peaches, fruit cocktail,
cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup and dish detergent. Thank you.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY is holding a special meeting on Tuesday, September 25th at
1:30 PM in the parish center. All members are urged to attend.

HOLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN held their bi-monthly quilt drawing and
the winner is Bridget Beck, daughter of parishioners Ronda and Danny Beck. Congratulations!!

PRINTER ITEMS We have at the rectory office several (unopened) printer items that we can no
longer use. There are: two HP Laser Jet Print cartridges 92A; two Epson Color Ink Cartridges
S020191/S020089 color cartridges; and one Black Cartridge Ink S020189/S020108. If you need
more information call the rectory and we can read lots more information off the boxes.

"We Need to go to the Lord first, continually and last. When we are sad, He is our consolation. 
When we have no joy, He brings us hope. When we are weak, He is our strength. When we
are frightened, He is our courage. He heals us when we need to be healed, and fills us with all
that we need, when we go to Him. He will not impose His will upon us. We decide, ourselves,
whether or not to be open to the Lord and to all the incredible gifts He gives." 
(Hope for the Journey, Fr. Jack Spadling).

Come to our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM,
and on Saturday from 9-10 AM. If you would like to commit to a specific hour to pray on Tuesdays,
please call Mary Ellen Mueller at 566-9529.

LECTORS
9/22 5:30 PM Joe Dressler
9/23 8:00 AM Colleen Hopp
     10:30 AM Barry Parks

COMMENTATORS
9/22 5:30 PM Ensemble
9/23 8:00 AM Vinny Pagano
     10:30 AM Carrie Schneider

ALTAR SERVERS
9/22 5:30 PM Henry Norrenberns & Collin Renth
9/23 8:00 AM Kawika Cornman & Courtney Jung
     10:30 AM Jacob Raben & Sarah Surmeier

MUSIC MINISTRY
9/22 5:30 PM Ensemble
9/23 8:00 AM Laura McGibney
     10:30 AM Choir

GREETERS
9/22 5:30 PM Agnes Maijala & Frances Wilhelm
9/23 8:00 AM Cheryl Rasch & Boys
     10:30 AM Bob & Connie Walter

BREAKING OPEN THE WORD
9/23 10:30 AM Nancy & Josh Raben

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
9/22 5:30 PM Angie Klein
                   Debbie Hulliung
                   Nancy Hawthorne
                   Dee Bechtoldt
9/23 8:00 AM Gregg Moll
                   Nancy Austin
                   Tom Schneider
                   Kathy Rudy
                   Bill Paradis
     10:30 AM (H) Marilyn Hund
                  (C) Jodee Norrenberns
                       Tim Moll
                       Ruth Klingelhoefer
                       T.J. Norrenberns
                       Nancy Raben

NURSING HOME MINISTRY
9/18 Grange: Martha Fellin
9/19 Marka:  Ruth Forsyth

TRAVELING CHALICE
9/23-10/05 George & Debbie Harne

MEALS-ON-WHEELS
9/19 Bob & Edith Mueth
       Jerry & Theresa Cohen

NURSING HOME VISITORS
Week of 9/23:
Grange: Lillian Holdener & Marie Turcotte
MarKa:  Joanna Lewis & Betty Hurlahe

Tuesday, September 18
8:00 AM Louis & Marie Rolves

Wednesday, September 19
NO MASS

Thursday, September 20
NO MASS

Friday, September 21
8:00 AM 1. LeRoy Schulte
          2. Agnes Muren
                                            3. L/D members of Stephen Trautt Family

Saturday, September 22
5:30 PM L/D members of Frank & Laurinda Karpel Family

Sunday, September 23
8:00 AM Mike Hopfinger
     10:30 AM People of the parish

MONDAY, September 17

TUESDAY, September 18
                                   8:00 AM Mass (celebrant Fr. Jim Thomas) followed by
                                                                  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 7:00 PM
9:00 AM & 6:30 PM Quilting
         7:00 PM Sesquicentennial Mtg.-pc

WEDNESDAY, September 19
NO Mass
7:00 PM CYO-yr
         7:30 PM Choir Practice

THURSDAY, September 20
NO Mass
9:00 AM Quilting
                        7:00 PM HC School Board mtg-hcs

FRIDAY, September 21
                       8:00 AM Mass (celebrant Fr. Jim Thomas)

SATURDAY, September 22
9:00 AM Adoration
   4:30 PM Confessions
                             5:30 PM Mass (celebrant Fr. Jim Blazine)

SUNDAY, September 23, Shepherd Sunday
                       8:00 AM Mass (celebrant Fr. Jim Thomas)
9:00-10:15 AM PSR-hcs
                      10:30 AM Mass (celebrant Fr. Jim Thomas)

Two different events happened this week. On Monday, I and other area principals attended an
informational day at Scott AFB. It was both informative and brought to mind that freedom in our
country is very precious and that we have very dedicated armed forces that do their job to protect
our freedoms. As with all things, military life brings its own stress and challenges. The challenge
of moving every 3-4 years and the challenge of getting deployed overseas are just a few.
To all our families in the military, thank you and God bless you in preserving our freedoms.

Tuesday, 9-11-07, we prayed for all those who lost their lives in the tragedy of 9-11. We are reminded
that the world is not peaceful--that there are many who do not respect life. War is terrible!
Terrorism is wrong! We must continue to be people of peace in a world of turmoil. We begin
peace one person at a time; and like a stone thrown into a pond, it will radiate out to others.

Deacon Ron Karcher

CONGRATULATIONS to Stacie Cornman and her crew for a perfect score when the St. Clair County 
Health Department mad their unannounced health check. Great people make a great school!

DID YOU KNOW: we have paper and aluminum recycling bins by the shed? we collect Campbell
Soup labels? we have collection containers by the school office for ink cartridges and cell
phones? we need a volunteer to help sort through the ink cartridges and prepare for shipping.

WEB SITE: Check out our new website. It has been redone and looks great. Check it out!

PARENTS, a reminder to pick up your parent copy of the series "Growing In Love".
You may pick them up at the PSR office at HCS before and after Sunday classes
on the 23rd and the 30th of September.

Parents are invited to the school meeting room for coffee 
and refreshments during class time between 9 & 10:15 AM.

9/19 7-8:30 PM Meeting-yr
                       9/23 World Youth Day High School. Meet at
                            Holy Childhood at 10 AM. We will be
       back around 9:15 PM.
        (Adult drivers needed)

MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST on Tuesday, October 9th, 7:30 to 9 AM at the New Agriculture
Building Center in Scheve Park. For tickets or information call Tom Norrenberns at 566-8531.

FOR WOMEN, by WOMEN - a FREE Health Awareness Event at St. Elizabeth's Hospital
on Saturday, October 6th, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The public is invited to attend this special
event focusing on women and the health issues affecting them. Activities for the day include
presentations by female physicians; Health Screenings from 7:30-9 AM; FREE Breakfast
and Lunch; Booth exhibits, Attendance Prizes, and Giveaways. An optional 1-mile Walk
through downtown Belleville will end the event. Space is limited. Please call 618-234-2120,
ext. 2020 to make a reservation. Parking available at the Southern Illinois Heart Institute Building
(behind hospital).

SCHLACHTFEST St. James Parish, Millstadt, IL., will hold it's Annual Schlachtfest (Pork
Sausage Dinner and Fall Festival) on Saturday, October 6th, from 3 PM to Midnight on the St.
James Church grounds. This year's Schlachtfest features an all-you-can-eat Pork Sausage Dinner
served cafeteria style from 3-7 PM, a Quilt and Cash Bingo from 4-9 PM., and music beginning
at 7 PM. In addition there is homemade apple butter, a raffle, attendance prizes, booths
and attractions for adults and children. Mass will be celebrated at 4 PM the day of Schlachtfest.

HEARTS 'N' HANDS QUILT GUILD PRESENTS QUILTS IN THE PARK 2007 on Friday, October
5th from 11 AM to 7 PM and Saturday, October 6th from 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $4.
Featuring Judi Simmons, Long Arm Quilter, Over 200 quilts on display, Antique quilt bed
turning, Demonstrations, Silent auction, Vendors, Raffle quilt drawing, Appraisals, Scissor
Sharpening. Katy Cavins Community Center, 308 E 5th Street, O'Fallon, Illinois. For more
information contact Rose Park at rosepark62269@yahoo.com or visit our website at
www.heartsnhandsquilt.com