FATHER'S TWO-CENTS WORTH

                                                                                                                                                           

Boy, time flies fast!  This week has been filled with so many events honoring my birthday.  As I told the group last Monday, the only reason I am still alive is that I have been able to dodge all of the bullets.  In reality, the only reason that I am alive is that God still has some work for me to do and has been nursing me along all these years.  I am grateful to God and to all of you for being so good to me, and helping me as much as you have.  I believe, for the most part, we have all worked together and I thank you for all that you have done for me and the parish.  I want to thank all who sent cards and gifts, and who gave in that secret Sunday collection when I was away in January.  I now have a GPS, (electronic directional system) that should keep me from being lost and finding my way to places I have no idea how to arrive at (here on earth only).  The HCCCW gave me a lap blanket to keep me warm when I am resting in my chair.  They must have thought that I am getting old and decrepit.  I will say that this was probably my happiest birthday that I can ever remember, due to your kindness.  It happens only once in your lifetime!  Thank you, and may God bless all of you!

 

Monday, we again have our Soup Supper and Speaker Series with Fr. Elmar Mauer.  Boy, for those of you who missed last week’s talk with Msgr. Scherrer, you missed a great opportunity to grow in appreciation of God’s gifts of forgiveness and reconciliation.  I learned much, and found new insights into the blessings of this sacrament, even if we have not major, or mortal sin.  All of the talks are to help us grow in the love of God.  When we feel that we do not need to grow anymore, then we start to die like in the plants of nature all around us.  We must keep growing or we will wither into complacency.

 

A reminder that our Community Red Cross Blood Drive will be Thursday, March 6^th.  There is always a need for blood in our system, and with so many sick during this time of the year, there is a shortage of donors and a greater need for blood.  If you can give blood, even if you have not done so for some time, please try to come and give blood.  You are saving someone’s life when you give blood.  Invite another person to come with you, or tell a friend, or anyone, that this is the greatest personal gift they can give in any area.

 

Thanks to all who made a commitment to the Diocesan Services and Ministry Appeal last weekend.  We received 92 responses with a pledge/gift of $15,548.  Our goal is 253 donors and a goal of $38,734.00.  Like I said before, the DSMA brings the love and helping hand of the Body of Christ, our Church, to large numbers of people all over our Diocese of Belleville.  It makes possible services and ministry to our parish and to all of the parishes and missions of Southern Illinois so that souls can be saved, youth and adults can be educated in the faith, and those in great need can be ministered to.  Through the work of Catholic Services and Mission Appeal, we make possible the loving care of Christ to His people.  Please be part of this great endeavor by your financial support.

 

Please pray for all of the sick, and for their doctors and health care persons who work to bring them back to health.  Pray for those who have been hurt by violence and war.  Pray for peace, and the justice that is necessary to bring peace and healing and forgiveness.  We may not have been touched so far.  That is no assurance that it cannot happen to us.  Do unto others as you have them do for you!

 

 

Announcement for Parents

PSR will be collecting dry goods for the Food Pantry as a Lenten service project.

The 8th grade will be heading up this project and will be responsible for

collecting and assigning items to each grade.

The food pantry is in need of paper towels, tooth paste & brushes,

dish soap, face soap, toilet paper, lotion, shampoo, etc.

PSR will be collecting these items during the six weeks of Lent.

Thank you for your help. 

 

 

Mark your Calendar:

                                2/24    9:00 am   PSR-hcs

                                2/24    9:15am    Penance Service for 3rd & 4th grades