Oct 7, 2007

Today is Pro-Life Sunday in our Diocese and throughout the U.S. Normally, we stand witness in Fairview Heights, in opposition to abortion and for the sanctity of life. This year, our parish is going to stand witness at the intersection of Routes 4 & 177. We hope that more of our parish will join us in this witness of our faith, and in God’s gift of life for the unborn. We meet at 2 P.M., and stand witness, silently, for one hour. Meet on the parking lot at H.C., or across from Dominoes. Wear your faith!

On Sunday, the 14^th, there will be a class on Baptism for those who need to have a child baptized. The child does not have to be born yet to take the class. It will be in the parish center and will begin at 2 P.M. It should last only an hour and a half, and both parents should attend.

This coming Saturday, October 13, will be our Annual School Dinner Auction. MASS ON SATURDAY WILL BE AT 4:30 P.M. instead of the usual 5:30 P.M. We thank the Auction Committee who has worked so hard to make this a special event this year and every year in the past. They have raised a tremendous amount of money to support our school, and to buy many items that were needed. We thank also all of those who bought tickets to attend, who give gifts to be auctioned, and those who spend money to buy these gifts. It is all for our school, and helps the parish by lessening the parish support.

A problem has been surfacing among our various liturgical ministries—those involved with Saturday and Sunday masses. If you cannot be present as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, or Commentator, please get a substitute, or inform the rectory ahead of time, so that we can make preparations. If your ministry covers for another ministry, it is not sufficient for you to take care of your own—you need to let us know so that we can cover for the other ministries. We are not merely ministering. We are also witnessing to the sacredness of our calling to give honor and worship to Christ, who is the High Priest of the Eucharistic sacrifice.

The Mass is to give honor and glory to God, and to no one else. We come to praise Him in word and action. Hence, our dress should reflect our own awareness of the sacredness of our duty. Our actions and our demeanor should be an example of respect for God, and not merely performing a function. In so many ways, we have all been guilty of being comfortable and self centered, rather than an awareness of entering into the holy presence of God in His Church. As much as we say the people are the church, much of what we talk about before and after church in church, is not about the sacred. Our church is not an auditorium, or an assembly hall. It is God’s House—a place of worship. When we come to church, we come into God’s presence.

Don’t forget to make plans to attend the parish mission on October 17^th & 18^th. It is a great opportunity to grow in our awareness of God in our lives, and how we can use our lives to be happier and make the world happier. The sessions begin at 6:47 P.M. each night, and will be very enlightening and enriching.

It's Almost Here!

Kids, Teens, Young Adults,

Adults, Senior Citizens

LIGHTEN UP! CELEBRATION

IS FOR EVERYONE!

October 17th and 18th at

Holy Childhood Church

We need people who are able to assist with the baking and preparation of a variety of refreshment "goodies" to be served after the Parish Mission; Lighten Up! on Wednesday, October 17th and Thursday, October 18th.

Last modified: 10/30/08