Nov 25, 2007

Last Sunday, we had the final events of our Sesquicentennial Year Celebration. I wish to thank everyone who worked so hard to make it a success. At the banquet, our Bishop mentioned how nice everything was going, and how well organized it was. He said it was one of the best he had attended recently. He seemed to be happy, and did a good job mixing with the people. Thanks to all who had a part in the church preparation, the Mass, the banquet, the DVD presentation, the talks, and the set–up and clean-up. You did a great job. Now we move on into the future “growing in wisdom and knowledge” and being Christ present for all around us. AMEN!

This past week, we celebrated Thanksgiving Day, and we thanked God for all of His blessings. Thanks to all who came to the Community Service on Tuesday evening, and to all who came to Thursday’s Mass to celebrate God’s great gift to us—HIS SON, IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST. All that we have comes from God! To neglect this reality in our own lives and to feel that we do not need to take time out to thank God for these blessings is tantamount to our own eternal separation from God in heaven. That is what the Mass is all about—to thank God, as Jesus did at the Last Supper.

Thanksgiving means sharing our blessing with others less fortunate. Might I suggest that we do this through our Diocesan Services and Ministry Appeal? I believe most of you received a card this past week, requesting a thanksgiving gift to help the many ministries and services of the diocese that help in various ways, the needs of our diocesan family. I am sending in a special gift because God has blessed me in so many ways, and has blessed our parish in so many ways this past year. Could, and would, you consider a gift to help others through this special appeal? It would make a big difference in the lives of many people in our diocesan family.

Last week, I went to Sr. Thea Bowman School in E. St. Louis, for an inspection and interview with the principal and faculty. This school works with some 100 children from broken families (majority) single parents, and families of multiple problems. It was amazing to see what our Catholic Church is doing for these students, and the positive values it is giving them. From third grade on, all of the students learn the violin, the hardest of instruments, to teach them to “hang in there”. They learn Ball Room Dancing to learn to work together, to share and respect one another. They speak only in positive terms of one another—I was Fr. Jolly Jerry. Sister was Sister Exceptional Jan. Sister said that they could not change the whole city, but they can change some, and that is a beginning. I really believe it! Our Catholic Services and Ministry Appeal helps this school do its job.

This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King—a special honor and recognition of Christ as the guardian and giver to all of us. It is interesting to think of our parish honoring His given name — Holy Childhood of Jesus -- and today, His success as Christ the King. As He began His earthly existence as a babe like we have, so we look forward to the glory that He has in store for all of us who rely on Him, and are faithful to Him. Christ the King is a pledge to all of us, that if we are loyal all the way, we will find His loyalty to us in eternal life.

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION

NO PSR today, November 25th; classes will resume on December 2nd.

ATTENTION PARENTS Pick up your copy of the series "Growing In Love" in the PSR office.

Parents are invited to the school meeting room for coffee and refreshments

during class time between 9 & 10:15 AM.

"Thank You God"

Last modified: 04/06/10