December 30, 2007
FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH
I hope that all of you had a very blessed, happy and a merry Christmas. Mine was very enjoyable, especially the celebrations of the Eucharist with all those present. I admit that when the last mass was over on Christmas day I was tired, and sitting in the chair and unwinding for a bit was most relaxing. I thought of all of the people who came to mass—families gathered for the holiday, persons who we have not seen in a long time, parishioners who came back to their home parish, visitors, strangers, people not of our faith, all gathered to thank God for the blessings received and to celebrate Christmas. I wanted in the homilies to stress what a blessing we have in Christ, our faith, and our church, and how we bring God’s blessings to others. I hope a little of it brought some change into our lives. It did for me. After resting, saying my breviary, I was off to the family gathering. I am the “Turkey Carver” for the family—since before 1980. I also ended up slicing, or carving, a whole bone in ham. I earn my meals Christmas! But it was fun and satisfying. I hope your day was one full of blessings and happiness!
Again, thanks for all of the nice cards and remembrances—cookies, gifts, etc.! I can really go to pot now, or at least, for a while.
As I write this, it is Thursday, and we have our Red Cross Blood Drive this afternoon. I am not able to give any statistics on its success. I can only hope and pray that it is successful, and want to thank all who helped make it a success. I can tell you the final results at mass. HOWEVER, WE HAVE OUR MAKE-UP BLOOD DRIVE THIS COMING SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA. If perchance you could not make this past Thursday, please come Saturday and give blood. When we give blood, we give life, and we save a life, or help save a life of someone who is seriously ill—much worse than we would want to be at any time. The doctors, the sick, the hospitals, all are asking you to give blood so that they can do their lifesaving work.
Tuesday is NEW YEARS DAY—JANUARY 1st. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will be having mass on Monday evening (New Years Eve) at 5:30 P.M. and on New Year's Day at 9:00 A.M. Start your year off with Christ! We do not know what the new year holds for us. We can anticipate some events, such as anniversaries, weddings, births, etc. However, all of this depends on how life unfolds for all of us, be it illness, deaths, transfers, employment, accidents, etc. We need and want God’s blessings, and good fortune in our lives. However, we have to give of ourselves, do our share, to allow them to happen. Make the New Year resolution: TO GROW IN THE LOVE OF GOD, TO APPRECIATE OUR BLESSINGS FROM GOD, AND TO LIVE OUR FAITH BETTER. Ask God to show you His way, His plan for you, and then try to do it. May God bless you!
2007 went fast. Much happened with the Sesquicentennial events, and also brought new faces and hands to see them through. I thank all the persons who gave so generously of their time, talent, and treasure this past year for the Sesquicentennial, and also for all of the parish events and activities. If we all work together, do our share, great things will happen because God will be with us and help us. Praise God! Praise all His Saints!
Christmas & New Year Break
We will not have classes on December 30th.
Classes will resume on January 6th.
Have a blessed and peace filled Christmas and a Happy and healthy New year.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
News IN OUR PARISH
PLEASE NOTE we will be closing our 2007 year out on January 11th, so please have your 2007 contributions in by then. (Thank you!) Also, a reminder that this is the last weekend you may pick up the 2008 contribution envelopes in the breezeway. Any envelopes not picked up will be canceled. If you would like to receive contribution envelopes contact the rectory.
ATTENTION FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES coming up January 26-27, there will be a Quest experience held at St. Theresa Parish in Belleville, IL. For more information or an application contact Ron Hulliung or Kathy Renth.
PARISH BOOK CLUB Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 3rd at 7:00 PM at the home of Linda Zacharski (717 Knipp Ave., Mascoutah). We will be discussing the classic book Death Comes For the Archbishop by Willa Cather. Copies of the book are available from Susan Anderson (746-4775) or through the Mascoutah Library.
VOCATIONS! How can we plant the seeds for vocations in our parish? If you would like to be a part of this process through prayer and planning, please contact George Harne at gaharne@gmail.com.
Faith is both caught and taught! Are you looking for resources to help you pass your faith on to your children? Would you like to learn more about how other families in the parish are doing this? Then visit the new website designed for the families of our parish, by families of our parish, "Domestic Church" (http://domesticchurch.wordpress.com). On this new site you will find resources and encouragement to help us live out our faith in our families and help our children to grow-up in their faith and make it their own. The site includes resources for children and teens as well as parents. Please visit, let us know what you think (gaharne@gmail.com) and share the resources that you are using in your own families.
AN INVITATION I would like to invite and welcome any high school students to attend the "Destination Jesus XIII" retreat (www.Destination Jesus.com) which will take place at St. Theodore Guerin High School in Noblesville, IN on February 15-17, 2008. This year's keynote speakers are Fr. Stan Fortuna (www.francescoproductions.com) and Immaculee Ilibagiza (www.lefttotell.com). For more information contact John Pettinger at 618-677-2724 or johnpettinger@yahoo.com. This is a life changing retreat!
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
"Could you not then watch one hour with me?"
"Christmas, then, is the solemn day when God becomes a child,
when we become children and where we all meet at the crib.
The aging old world is already jaded with its memory, for it believes life begins at forty.
But we who will see Bethlehem again every Christmas morn,
and receive the babe not in our arms, but in our hearts,
know the world is wrong. Life begins at birth!"
(The Fullness of Time by Fulton J. Sheen.)
Reminder: There will be no Adoration January 1st. A Blessed New Year to all!
Contact Mary Ellen Mueller at 566-9529 if you can commit to a specific hour.
|
Lectors 12/31 5:30 PM Bill Huff 01/01 9:00 AM Pat Steinberg 01/05 5:30 PM Mike Klein 01/06 8:00 AM Mary Kellerman 10:30 AM Barry Parks
Commentators 01/05 5:30 PM Joe Flannery 01/06 8:00 AM Jamie Norrenberns 10:30 AM Jim Holdener
Music Ministry 12/31 5:30 PM Mary K. Pritchett 01/01 9:00 AM JoDee Norrenberns 01/05 5:30 PM Mary K Pritchett 01/06 8:00 AM Laura McGibney 10:30 AM Ann Pace
Breaking Open the Word 01/06 10:30 AM Kathy Rensing & Megan Rensing
Greeters 01/01 9:00 AM Al & Mary Lou Schlueter 01/05 5:30 PM John & Paula Proffitt 01/06 8:00 AM Fran Graul & Mary Ellen Mueller 10:30 AM Mike & Shelby Brennan
Traveling Chalice 12/30-01/11 Don & JoDee Norrenberns 01/13-01/25 Chris & Cathy Ostrander
Nursing Home Visitors Week of 12/30: Grange: Rose Cooper & Friends MarKa: Sally Mueller & Mary Ellen Mueller
|
Eucharistic Ministers 12/31 5:30 PM Jan Parker, Mary Schroeder, Dean Wombacher, Tammy Anstedt, Bill Ray 01/01 9:00 AM Linda Cusick Becky Pettinger John Pettinger Dee Bechtoldt Susan Haas 01/05 5:30 PM (H) Joanna Lewis Cathy Petz Freda Moll Dee Bechtoldt 01/06 8:00 AM James Cornman Kathy Hopfinger Jane Veith Alethea Paradis Colleen Hopp 10:30 AM (H) Bob Walter (C) T.J Norrenberns Marilyn Hund Pat Hund Tim Moll Katie Renth
Altar Servers 12/31 5:30 PM Amanda & Josh Elmore 01/01 9:00 AM Henry Norrenberns & Kelsey Abington 01/05 5:30 PM Noah Kraljev & Caleb Kraljev 01/06 8:00 AM Brendan Surmeier & Kawika Cornman 10:30 AM Jacob & Jordan Raben
Meals-On-Wheels 01/02 Laura Stookey & Mary Williams Lolly Mueth & Thiry Cameron
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mass Intentions
Monday, December 31,
5:30 PM People of the parish
Tuesday, January 1,
9:00 AM Kelli Uhl
Wednesday, January 2,
8:00 AM Larry Moll
Thursday, January 3,
8:00 AM Norbert Friederich
Friday, January 4,
8:00 AM People of the parish
Saturday, January 5,
9:00 AM Mass of Anointing
5:30 PM Sophie Ferk
Sunday, January 6,
8:00 AM 1. Dan & Rose Mueth
2. Leonard Hartlein
10:30 AM People of the parish
TITHE FOR DECEMBER 23 & 25, 2007
|
Parish |
$9,069.50 |
|
Youth |
153.38 |
|
St. Brother Peter |
120.00 |
|
Diocese |
3,268.00 |
|
Christmas |
13,155.00 |
|
TOTAL |
$25,765.88 |
THIS COMING WEEK
MONDAY, December 31,
No School/Rectory office closed at noon
5:30 PM Mass
Tuesday, January 1,
No School Office Closed
9:00 AM Mass
Wednesday, January 2,
No School
8:00 AM Mass
7:30 PM Choir practice
THURSDAY, January 3,
8:00 AM Mass
NO Quilting
FRIDAY, January 4,
8:00 AM Mass
First Friday Communion calls
SATURDAY, January 5,
9:00 AM Mass of Anointing
9:00 AM-2:00 PM Blood Drive-hcs
4:30 PM Confessions
5:30 PM Mass
SUNDAY, January 6, Welcome Sunday
8:00 AM Mass
9:00 AM PSR-hcs
10:30 AM Mass
HOLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL
WEB SITE:
holychildhoodschool.com
Email: hcs@holychildhoodschool.com
Principal: Mr. Ron Karcher: 476-3505
School Office: 566-2922
When Jesus our God became human in the womb of Mary, He assumed the problems and challenges associated with being human. We are accepting an uphill challenge when we choose to work at, send our children to, or otherwise support a Catholic school.
I recently read a homily by Father James Heft, SM that included the following reference to human beings and the challenges they face. I think it also applies to Catholic schools.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel was asked this question in an NBC interview shortly before his death in 1972. "What is the essence of being human? What does it mean to live a human life?" He replied,
"Actually, the greatness of man is that he faces problems. I would judge a person by how many deep problems he's concerned with. A person who has no problems is an idiot. And the more complicated he is, the deeper are his problems. I'm not against pleasure, but the greatness of life is the experience of facing a challenge. In a very deep sense, religion is two things. It's an answer to the ultimate problems of human existence, and it is a challenge to all answers. This is a deep ingredient of existence - problems. And the tragedy of our education today is that we are giving easy solutions: be complacent, have peace of mind, everything is fine. No! Wrestling is the issue. Facing the challenge is the issue."
As we begin 2008, let us pray for the strength and courage to face the problems and challenges that come with keeping Catholic school education alive and well.
Deacon Ron Karcher
Principal- Holy Childhood School
JANUARY CALENDAR
01/01 Happy New Year
01/02 7:00 PM Luke 18 Meeting
GARAGE SALE The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary is holding their Fifth Indoor Garage Sale. Over 100 tables of books, crafts, toys, house wares, jewelry, antiques and MORE for sale in the warmth of the Knights of Columbus Hall, 12354 State Route 143, Highland, IL. Sale Dates are January 10th from 3 to 7 PM and January 11th from 8 AM to noon. A snack bar will be available.
PORK ROAST SUPPER St. Michael Parent's Association (Radom, IL) is hosting a Pork Roast Supper on January 12, 2008 in the church basement. Serving from 4 to 7 PM. All you can eat pork roast, "real" mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, bread, dessert, and drink. Adults $8, ages 6-10 $4 and 5 and under free. 50/50 drawing. Carry-outs available.
THE BEST SPEAKER YOU'LL HEAR ALL YEAR!! Matthew Kelly: "A Call to Joy" at St. Clare of Assisi, 1411 Cross St. O'Fallon, IL on January 14th at 7:00 PM. Matthew Kelly is a New York Times best selling author, one of the world's best speakers, he has spoken in more than 50 countries, was invited to speak to over 50,000 high school students last year and author of 4 of the top 10 Catholic bestsellers. Promises to be Powerful for regular parishioners, Engaging for those searching for a faith home and Captivating for young people. Come! Be energized! Invite someone! Do not miss this opportunity to hear one of the most dynamic and sought-after voices of our time! For more information, call 618-632-3562. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!
BABYSITTING WORKSHOP On Monday, January 21st from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in the Millennium Room. For girls and boys currently in 6th-8th grades. Curriculum will include; What to expect as a babysitter; Safety and First Aid; Age appropriate activities and much more. Cost is $25 per child and includes lunch. Enrollment is limited to 35 participants. No phone call reservations accepted. Registration is complete upon receipt of payment. For more information or to request a registration form, please call 618-234-2120, ext. 2099.
SH - BOOM The Althoff Alumni Association is sponsoring SH - BOOM performing the greatest hits of the 50's, 60's, & 70's on February 2, 2008 at the Althoff gymnasium from 8 until midnight. Tickets are $15.00. Please call 618-235-1124 for more information.
CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON In today's second reading it tells us "Over all these virtues put on love". Does your marriage reflect the virtues of a holy family? Let Worldwide Marriage Encounter help you to re-ignite the vows you made on your wedding day. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is February 8th to 10th. To register or for more information call 888-889-9963 or go online to www.aweekendofdiscovery.org.