Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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March 23, 2008
FATHER'S TWO-CENTS WORTH
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF YOU, AND YOURS! May you find new peace and happiness in the joy of the Risen Lord! I want to thank all of you who tried to make this Lent the best one of your lives by your good Lenten resolutions. I also wish to thank all who came to Holy Week services this past week, and prayed with us. Jesus came to save us from our sins so that we could rise with Him now and at the end of our lives. May this be your peace and consolation!
I also want to thank all who have given their support to the Catholic Services and Mission Appeal. I hope that those who gave last year will continue to support this worthy cause. We have not heard from many so far, and hope that they will be as generous this year, if not more, than they were last year. At the present time, more have increased their gift than those who “down-sized”, and circumstances can affect both sides of that problem. However, I, and the CSMA, thank all who have come through with their support and commitment to those who need these services. God will bless you for your sacrifices and support.
As I write this week’s comments (Wednesday), I am anticipating your generosity toward the collection for the Holy Land, and to the poor of our diocese. I also appreciate all that you have done and given to the parish over the past year, and many years. You have made many improvements possible. You have also made possible the mission of our church in Mascoutah—to be the presence of Christ in our community. Thank you!
We have obtained new light pendants (the inner lighting fixture) for our chandeliers in church. The heat from the bulbs has in many cases “fried” the wiring and made it dangerous in the clusters. A company in St. Louis, who makes chandeliers, was gracious enough to make new ones for me without having to buy the whole lighting fixture. That is why we have not been keeping up with replacement bulbs the past few weeks, since we will set up scaffolding and do the job completely this coming week. So for you who come to week-day Mass, you may see a “scaffold tower” in church a couple of days as we replace these “guts” of the fixtures.
It is hard to believe that there is only one more week in March, and a third of the year is already past. First Communion is in two weeks, and then it is one thing after another. We need to be reminded of our stewardship toward our parish in time, talent and treasure. We will challenge that as we prepare for the parish picnic, and for all of the other events that will evolve over the next few months. Let us all pray that we can be the best person that God wants us to be.
As we enter this new Easter Season, Let us all have the mind of Christ to be what God the Father wants us to be, and to be the love and forgiveness of Jesus, His Son! A Blessed and Happy Easter to all of you!
REMINDER There will be NO PSR on Easter Sunday, March 23rd.
News IN OUR PARISH
PLEASE NOTE The rectory office will be closed March 24th, Easter Monday. And due some added time off that week I would like to request all bulletin articles for the week of March 30 be submitted no later than noon Tuesday March 25th, earlier is better, thank you.
EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS The Holy Childhood Council of Catholic Women wishes to thank everyone who donated money towards the beautiful Easter flowers as a memorial to their deceased loved ones. Also to those who made special contributions. Your generosity will help keep the church beautiful throughout the year.
HCS KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Holy Childhood School will continue Kindergarten registration through June 6th. To register, you will need your child's birth certificate, social security number, and Baptismal certificate, if Catholic. For more information, please call Deacon Ron Karcher, Principal at 566-2922.
St. Vincent de Paul Society The March 4th meeting that was cancelled has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 1st, at 1:30 PM in the parish center. Please mark your calendars.
CHURCH CHATTER It's time to submit your parish news letter items and plans for the Church Chatter. We are looking for the news from Holy Childhood school organizations, parish organizations, and committees. If you have something to tell or share with the rest of the parish, please contact Linda Zacharski at 566-8022 or email to kzacharski@charter.net by March 25th.
DIVINE MERCY NOVENA Please join us in saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet every evening beginning Good Friday until Saturday March 29th at 7:00 PM. Divine Mercy Sunday we will have Holy Hour from 2-3 PM and will say the chaplet at 3 PM. Please contact Alethea Paradis for more information, 233-6637 or alparadis@aol.com.
Can you recall the last time you had a moment for yourself?...To Think...To Pray...To Relax...To be Quiet…? Now is the time to do something for yourself and God. Come with other women from your parish for the women's retreat on March 28-30. Join us for a time of rest, renewal, and spiritual nourishment at Kin's House Retreat and Renewal Center in Belleville. Contact Mary Elmore at 566-7315 for information or to register.
DID YOU KNOW? In July 2008 approximately 3 million young adults will be making their way on a spiritual Pilgrimage to International World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. One of those 3 million comes from your Holy Childhood Parish. If you would like more information regarding the pilgrimage or would like to help sponsor this spiritual journey, please contact Kahiwalani Cornman, 566-0355. Thank you for your consideration.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION "Could you not then watch one hour with me?"
Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday
Our Lord told St. Faustina, the first saint of the new millennium, to tell the world about the Feast of Divine Mercy. Jesus told her it is to be celebrated on the octave of Easter (the first Sunday following Easter Sunday). All those who celebrate this feast of mercy will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and the punishment attached to those sins. In a true sense, celebrating the Feast of Divine Mercy is a renewal of the graces we received at Baptism – a pure soul. In order to receive the graces of Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus requires a simple preparation by us…
1. Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation on or before the Feast Day some time during Lent 2. Pray the Novena of Divine Mercy, beginning on Good Friday, March 21, at 7:00 PM, ending the Saturday (March 29) before Divine Mercy Sunday.
Please join us at 7:00 PM daily in the church; if unable to attend, please say at home. (booklets are at the back of church) On Divine Mercy Sunday, (March 30) we will have holy hour from 2-3 pm and will say the chaplet at 3 pm. Please call Alethea Paradis for more information, 233-6637.
Easter Morning
As the world sings triumphant cries to heaven over death that You conquered, help us, Lord, tomorrow as well, when the dresses are put away and the candy is all eaten
and on with life we go, let us not
forget. that should continue well beyond the sunrise service and the music, rehearsed for days prior; it is beyond the sign of spring, beyond the lily,
beyond new lambs grazing in open fields. man's greatest and most powerful enemy. Fear of tomorrow, fear of our yesterdays, fear of what shall become of our young, our old, our unborn.
Resurrection is replacing fear with
physical action. that fear is dead
and belief in You brings, not just hope,
but life. All fear death. All. Even in the garden, You took on our fear if for only moments; it was as real as our fears can be real,
and You knew then that this single enemy
must be destroyed. leaving those who had been comfort, and follower;
You left them behind, to conquer
fear.
Mass Intentions
Tuesday, March 25, 8:00 AM Norbert Klinkman
Wednesday, March 26, 8:00 AM Ben Cooper
Thursday, March 27, 7:30 PM John Rist
Friday, March 28, 7:30 PM 1. Marie Rolves 2. Mary Vallero
Saturday, March 29, 8:00 PM 1. Albert & Ottilia Christ 2. Kelly Johnson 3. Bro. Paul Wilhelm
Sunday, March 30, 8:00 AM People of the Parish 10:30 AM 1. Arthur & Area Reissen 2. Don Voegele
TITHE FOR March 16, 2008
THIS COMING WEEK
MONDAY, March 24, No school/Rectory closed 7:00 PM Divine Mercy
Tuesday, March 25, 8:00 AM Mass followed by Adoration until 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM Quilting 7:00 PM Pastoral Council-pc 7:00 PM Divine Mercy
Wednesday, March 26, 8:00 AM Mass 7:00 PM Divine Mercy
THURSDAY, March 27, 8:00 AM Mass 9:00 AM Quilting 7:00 PM Stewardship-pc 7:00 PM Divine Mercy
FRIDAY, March 28, 8:00 AM Mass 6:30 PM Little Flowers-hcs 7:00 PM Divine Mercy
SATURDAY, March 29, No Adoration 9:00 AM Church Spring Cleaning 4:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Mass 7:00 PM Divine Mercy
SUNDAY, March 30, Shepherd Sunday 8:00 &10:30 AM Masses 11:45 AM Powers Baptism 9:00 AM PSR-hcs 2:00 PM Divine Mercy
HOLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL
WEB SITE:
holychildhoodschool.com
From the staff and teachers of Holy Childhood School may this Easter season bring the hope that comes from the Resurrection of Christ.
Jesus is looking for a few people who are willing to say, “ I might be small potatoes, Lord, but this spud’s for you.”
Don’t forget to volunteer and help at both church and school. Help also in recycling paper, aluminum, ink cartridges.
Sincerely, Deacon Ron Karcher
MARCH CALENDAR
March 23 Happy Easter! March 26 7-8:30 pm Meeting March 28 6:00 pm Meet at HCS for DYC. March 30 5:00 pm Return from DYC
ATTENTION FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES COMING UP April 12-13, there will be a Quest experience held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish in Herrin, IL. For more information or an application contact Ron Hulliung or Kathy Renth.
OLD FASHIONED QUILTING BEE at St. George Elementary School Gym, 319 E. Maple St., New Baden. March 24th & 25th from 9 AM to 3 PM, also 6 to 9 PM. Lunch and good conversation will be served 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Sponsored by the St. George Ladies Sodality, Christian Mother's Club and Quilt Committee. The quilts to be worked are for the St. George picnic on August 9, 2008. Mass will be offered at 8 AM on Monday for those who wish to attend. Attendance Prizes!
HE IS RISEN!! Jesus has risen to give us new life. Clear out the old to make room for the new! The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is April 11th to 13th. To register or for more information call 888-9963 or go on line www.aweekendofdiscovery.org.
CARD PARTY St. Anthony's, Lively Grove on Tuesday, March 25th at 7 PM.
QUILT & CASH BINGO on Sunday, March 30th, St. Michael's Church, Radom, IL. Starting at 1:00 PM, doors open at 11:30 AM. Plate Lunches, Refreshments and Raffle Tickets available. Sponsored by St. Michael's Altar & Rosary Sodality.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows L.I.F.E. Conference - Living It Faithfully Everyday - Presenter: Rosette Signorelli. Saturday, March 29th, 9 AM-3 PM. Stepfamilies/Step-parenting, Cost: $25, includes lunch. Sunday, March 30th, 1-3 PM - Single Parenting, cost $10. This two day conference will address issues facing stepfamilies and single parents. Call 618-397-6700, Ext. 6272 to register.
ANNUAL WURSTMARKT & BEEF DINNER Sponsored by St. Damian's Holy Name Society on Sunday, March 30th at St. Damian parish gym from 10:30 AM -5:30 PM in Damiansville, IL. (exit 34 on I-64) Adults $7, Children (6-12) $3 and under 6 free. Meat Sales & Raffle.
ALTHOFF CATHOLIC ALUMNI & FRIENDS Euchre Night on Saturday, March 29th in the Heritage Hall. Doors open at 6 PM; Cards start at 7 PM. $10 to play (optional) Socialization FREE. Bring your own beverages & snacks. Prizes to be awarded. Questions...call 235-1124
Please consider the Meredith Memorial Home, a diocesan owned retirement community, located at 16 S. Illinois St., Belleville, IL. For tours of the facility call 618-233-8780.
Wedding Banns I Patrick Foley & Vanessa Hart
Letter From Bishop Braxton
Holy Thursday 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Peace be with you!
During these difficult days in which I have been mourning the death of my Mother Dear, Evelyn K. Braxton, I have spent more time than usual alone and with my family and dear friends, who have known me and my family for a lifetime. At the same time, I have felt very close to the faithful Catholics of the Diocese of Belleville. For nearly three years you have been aware of my mother’s failing health and you have often expressed your concern for her and for my family. Since her long, full, and happy life in this world ended on Sunday, February 10, 2008, I have been deeply moved by your outpouring of support and your many expressions sympathy and condolence. I want you to know that I have read every letter, note, card, and electronic message and cherished every telephone call. I have particularly appreciated the many letters of sympathy from children in our Catholic schools. The flowers, plants, good things to eat, the many offers to be of assistance to me, and your contributions to dementia research have also been appreciated. However, it has been your promises of personal prayer, and the arrangements you have made to have the Sacrifice of the Mass offered for my mother and for all of us who love her and miss her so deeply, that have touched me the most. Please allow me to use this letter to express my profound gratitude to every one who has reached out to console me and my dear ones. I have been particularly moved by those who wrote that I had called or written to them when their loved one has died and that they wanted to return the kindness.
Because of her failing health, my mother never visited me here in Belleville. But she was very aware of my ministry here. She knew that March 15th was the third anniversary of the announcement by Pope John Paul II that he had appointed me to be the eighth Bishop of this Diocese. She also knew that on June 22nd, the Feast of St. Thomas More, I will be marking the third anniversary of my Installation in the Cathedral of St. Peter. I have many happy memories of the celebration of my Installation on June 22, 2005. It was a great joy to have family members and friends from the “old neighborhoods” of my life join with me as I committed myself to the pastoral ministry of serving as Shepherd of this Local Church. I particularly remember the warm welcome of so many people from the faith communities here in Southern Illinois. I remember also the cards, letters, gifts, promises of prayers, and the enthusiastic support from the great gathering of the Christian Faithful in the Cathedral during the Mass of Installation. I have continued to experience that same welcome and prayerful support from so many of you as I have carried out my ministry in the Diocese each day.
There was, however, one experience associated with my Installation celebration that is unknown to you. It is something that I have kept to myself for nearly three years. I now think it might be helpful for you, the Christian Faithful, to know about this experience. Just days before my Installation, the Administrator of the Diocese informed me that a group of priests wanted to meet with me in the rectory of what would soon be my Cathedral Church. I went to the meeting with no knowledge of what the meeting was about. The meeting was with a group of priests who I did not know at all, having never met them or spoken to them before. They certainly did not know me. To my surprise, the purpose of the meeting was to inform me that I should reject the appointment by the Holy Father to be your Bishop that I should cancel the Installation ceremony and step aside so that a more suitable Bishop could be chosen. For a period of more than two hours, these priests told me that there was a “firestorm of hatred” against me in Belleville, that I was not welcome here, that I would never be welcome here, that very few people would attend my Installation, and that they had investigated my history and could not find even one person from anyplace where I have served around the country who had anything positive to say about me. They also told me they had incriminating information against me which might be released, if I did not heed their words. They were quite insistent that I had no choice but to leave.
I listened to their entire startling presentation without interrupting any of the speakers. Before I spoke, I asked if everyone had finished with their comments. I then informed them that it is the unique ministry of our Holy Father, the Pope, to appoint and transfer bishops, or to ask for their resignations. No one else in the Church has the authority or the responsibility to do so. I told them that in my life as a Priest and as a Bishop I have always sought to be completely obedient to the Holy Father and completely faithful to the magisterium of the Church. I stated clearly that it was my intention to serve the Diocese faithfully for as long as the Holy Father wanted me to do so. I now repeat to you today what I said to this group of priests. It is my intention to serve as Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville for as long as the Holy Father wants me to do so. Shortly after this meeting, perhaps unprecedented in the history of the Church in the United States, I received an anonymous phone call on my private line. The message was simple. “We will not rest until we get rid of you.” Recently, I received the same message from the same anonymous caller. I have shared this experience with you with some hesitance. However, it may help you to understand more recent experiences.
In my Pastoral Letter, “We Are His Witnesses” I told you that I am very aware that I, like every other Christian, am a redeemed sinner, redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ. This means that I, like other bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, and lay people make mistakes, err in my judgment, offend people, disappoint those who look to me for leadership, and sometimes do things that are wrong. This is inevitable because of the human condition and original sin. I believe, however, that when differences, disputes, and conflicts emerge in the Church these differences are best addressed prayerfully, with God’s grace, within the Church family. For this reason when I have concluded that a priest, deacon, religious, lay person, committee, or consultative body has erred in some way, or that I simply disagree with them, I have always sought to examine the matter quietly with that individual or group. It has been my wish never to say an unkind word, make negative comments, or offer public criticisms about any member of the Church in any circumstance. I do not see the Church in political terms of opposing parties competing for power in an adversarial relationship played out in the secular media. Flawed as we members are, the Church remains the Body of Jesus Christ. The imperfect priests who serve the imperfect People of God are members of College of Priests. An imperfect Bishop is appointed by the Vicar of Christ to be the Head of this College. Only Christ, the Good Shepherd is perfect.
During the past three years you have shown your appreciation for me and my ministry in so many ways. You have written to express your gratitude for my efforts to bring international priests to our Diocese so that our parishes might have priests. You have thanked me for my work to increase vocations to the priesthood and for my efforts to strengthen Catholic education and the Catholic identity of our schools. You have applauded my teaching of the faith through my pastoral letters, adult formation classes, and homilies. You have written to me often about my personal outreach to you and to our priests during times of sickness and death. In recent days I have received a great outpouring of support from many of you.
I believe that this Easter season is a good time for all of us to pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We need an increase in wisdom and understanding which will help us to make the necessary efforts to find more effective ways of communicating, cooperating, and collaborating for the good of the Church. I hope that after Easter we can initiate conversations with our priests about things we can do differently and better for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. During my Installation Mass on the Feast of St. Thomas More three years ago, I quoted the words of the martyred Lord Chancellor of England. Once again I make his words my own. My hope is to “say none harm, think none harm, and do none harm.”
Let us continue to pray for one another. I look forward to being with many of you and your children for the great Easter Sacrament of Confirmation during the weeks ahead.
Sincerely yours in Christ, The Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Bishop of Belleville
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