Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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April 20, 2008
FATHER'S TWO-CENTS WORTH
This past week, we laid to rest another of our faithful parishioners in the person of Bertha Jung. In the two weeks previous, we laid to rest another two elderly and faithful members, in the persons of Delores Schanz and Rosalia Orlet. All of these were on my monthly Communion list, who also received the Sacrament of the Sick when I made my visits. In their lifetime, they gave much of their time, talents, and treasure to Holy Childhood parish. They were faith-filled persons, and devout in the practice of their religion up to the very end. We thank God for giving them to our parish, and for all that He accomplished through them. May they rest in peace in His heavenly embrace!
Today, at the 8:00 A.M. Mass, we welcome the Serra Club members of our diocese. The Serra Club has as its purpose to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They do this through various promotions of prayer, sacrifice, and recognition to the members of religious and the priests. We welcome them, and commend them for their dedication. They are always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining with them, contact me at the rectory.
We will be talking about our parish Stewardship program again this week, looking forward to the commitment Sunday in two weeks. Please be open to see how you can help your parish through your gifts of time, talent, and treasure. In all of these, we are only giving back to God a portion of what He has already given to us. If we do not make room by our gifts, there is no room for God to give us more gifts. As we sow, so shall we reap, the scriptures tell us. So will our parish blossom also.
For many who gave to the ABA last year, and did not respond this year, you received a letter with my signature on it, requesting your support of the Catholic Services and Ministry Appeal (CSMA). This is a very important service of our diocese, and is in danger of being curtailed in many areas due to lack of support. Please consider a gift to this special ministry and service of our diocese. If you cannot, then say so! If you can, think of the good you can accomplish by your support.
My heart tests turned out good on Wednesday. I am good for another 1000 miles.
The Pope’s visit to the United States has created much interest and attention. The news media seems to hone in on the negatives. Hopefully, they will see the positive side of his talks and sermons, and he will see the good that is happening in the United States along with its many problems. Pray for our Pope, Benedict XVI.
Our eighth grade students are going on their annual Skip Trip to Chicago on Thursday and Friday of this week. Pray that they have a safe journey, and a great time. Pray also that they will be cooperative to their chaperones and leaders.
Confirmation is quickly approaching—Friday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Pray for the students, their families, their teachers, and for the future of our Parish & Catholic Religion. They are the future of Holy Childhood Parish, or whatever parish they will live in.
ATTENTION PARENTS: PSR Spring registration will be held on May 4th and May 11th before and during class time.
CONFIRMATION Rehearsal for Confirmation is on April 30th at 4:00 PM in the church. Rehearsal should last one hour.
The sacrament of Confirmation for Holy Childhood parish is on May 2, 2008. There are 38 young men and women who will receive this gift of the Holy Spirit. Please remember them and their families in your prayers.
News IN OUR PARISH
ATTENTION MARRIED AND ENGAGED COUPLES: You are invited to attend a series of three classes on Natural Family Planning (NFP) to learn a method that is safe, effective and morally acceptable. The method taught, the "Sympto-Thermal Method," is 99% effective, and is not the same as the older, much less effective calendar (or rhythm) method. The series will begin on April 24th. For more information, call George and Debbie Harne, 566-9362.
STEWARDSHIP 2008 We are now celebrating our promise to Stewardship. We are all called to be good stewards of God's gifts. Please make a commitment or recommit on Sunday April 26th or 27th.
SHEPHERD SUNDAY APRIL 26 - 27 The Concerned Christians Food Pantry needs the following items this month: sugar, cooking oil, powdered milk, egg noodles, jelly, and shampoo. Thank you for your donations to the food pantry.
THANK YOU There were thirty seven HCCCW members in attendance to form an honor guard at the funeral of Bertha Jung. Thank you to all the ladies; it was a heartwarming sight.
HOPE YARD SALE will be held on Saturday, April 26th from 7 AM to 1 PM in the church parking lot. Parking spots, which include a table area, are $15 ($10 for each addition). Donations are being accepted and pick-up can be arranged by calling Julie Mueth at 531-5027 or Linda Bishop 973-8040.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can still be ordered! Cost is $6.50 for 1/2 dozen rolls. Turn your orders in to the school by Monday, April 21st. Your rolls can be picked up at the HOPE Yard Sale on Saturday April 26th. If you'd like to help bake, wrap, or serve the rolls contact Angie Norrenberns at 566-7078.
A Parish Social Services Committee is forming within Holy Childhood Church. Its purpose will be to provide information, resources and emotional support to those of the parish that are homebound, ill, or somehow in need. If you have experience in the social service field, knowledge of community resources, or simply a desire to help serve the people of the parish, and would like to help us formulate the goals and guidelines of this program, please call Jodi Gardner at 566-2347 or Msgr. Hartlein at the rectory.
GIFT CERTIFICATES? Don't forget those gift certificates for Mother's Day! We have Bath & Body Works, Bed Bath & Beyond, Barnes & Noble, Bass Pro Shops, Borders, Red Lobster, Gap, Old Navy, Kohl's, The Limited, Macys, St. Louis Bread Co., Wal-Mart and many, many more. You can stop in the school office or purchase after Masses in the gathering space.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS This year's Vacation Bible School will be held June 23rd-27th...more information later.
CATHOLIC HOME MISSION APPEAL collection will be next Sunday. This Appeal supports missions here in the United States. It offers Catholics across our country a wonderful opportunity to help fellow Catholics practice their faith in such rugged areas as Alaska, Appalachia, the Deep South, the Rocky Mountain states and island dioceses in the Pacific and Caribbean. Over 95 cents of every dollar donated to the Appeal goes directly to the missions to keep church doors open. Please give generously to assist fellow Catholics here in America.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION "Could you not then watch one hour with me?" " 'Every soul should reflect my mercy', Jesus said to St. Faustina, reminding her of the basic Christian duty, the New Testament commandment of active love of our neighbor, of each and every person, even one's enemy. The exercise of mercy is thus not just a recommendation as a piece of advice, but the duty of every follower of Christ and it applies in a special way to those who wish to be the worshippers and apostles of the Divine Mercy." (She Made an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Sister M. Elizabeth Siysah.)
Worship Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM and Saturday morning from 9 to 10 AM. If you would like to commit to a specific hour on Tuesdays please call Mary Ellen Mueller, 566-9529.
Mass Intentions
Tuesday, April 22, 8:00 AM 1. Elmer & Bernice Hopfinger 2. Michael Warning 3. Special Intention
Wednesday, April 23 8:00 AM Elmer Gass
Thursday, April 24, 8:00 AM Eugene Christ
Friday, April 25, 8:00 AM Marie Rolves
Saturday, April 26, 5:30 PM Area Reissen
Sunday, April 27 8:00 AM People of the parish 10:30 AM Leonard Hartlein
TITHE FOR April 13, 2008
THIS COMING WEEK
MONDAY, April 21,
Tuesday, April 22, 8:00 AM Mass followed by Adoration until 7 PM 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM Quilting 7:00 PM Pastoral Council-pc
Wednesday, April 23, 8:00 AM Mass 7:30 PM Choir practice
THURSDAY, April 24, 8:00 AM Mass 9:00 AM Quilting 7:00 PM Stewardship-pc
FRIDAY, April 25, 8:00 AM Mass
SATURDAY, April 26, 9:00 AM Adoration 4:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Mass 7:00 AM HOPE Yard Sale - church parking lot
SHEPHERD SUNDAY, April 27, 8:00 &10:30 AM Masses 9:00 AM PSR-hcs
HOLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL
WEB SITE:
holychildhoodschool.com
"Let your hearts not be troubled, believe in God, believe in Me." During this time of Easter we are brought to many questions that the disciples had before Jesus was about to go back to his Father in heaven. How many times have we wished that we could hear Jesus say, " Let your hearts not be troubled..."
There is an interesting story about a pastor who was on a long flight and the "Fasten your seatbelts" light came on. Then after a while a calm voice, "We shall not be serving beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened." As the pastor looked around it became obvious that many were becoming frightened. Later the intercom said, "We are sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time." The storm broke. They could hear thunder and see the lightening and then dark skies. One moment the plane lifted and then another it dropped. The pastor was scared and the passengers were frightened and some began to pray. Across the aisle sat a little girl and the storm meant nothing to her. She had her feet tucked under her; she was reading a book and everything in her small world seemed calm and orderly. As the plane was buffeted she seemed completely composed and unafraid. It was not surprising that when they finally were disembarking the pastor went over to the child and commented about the storm and asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home." " Let your hearts not be troubled..." the gospel says. There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known those moments and there are some in this Church who are in a storm in their lives. And to be quite honest, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground rather than when we are being tossed about darkened skies.
Our Father is the pilot; He is in control and He is taking us home. There is hope. Further in the Gospel, Jesus says, "In my Father's house are many rooms, if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?"
This Easter season offers us hope. Hope that belief in God and that if we believe and practice what we believe he will take us home some day. And that is the Good News.
Deacon Ron Karcher
APRIL CALENDAR
4/19
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS 2008 Roundtable Series, April 29th from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. "You Meet the Nicest People Through Jesus", presenter, Fr. Harry Byrne, O.P. A look at the Saints' view of Jesus as a role model. Cost is $20 (lunch include). Call 618-394-6272 for more information or to register.
PLEASE CONSIDER the Meredith Memorial Home, a diocesan owned retirement community, located at 16 S. Illinois Street, Belleville, Illinois. For tours of the facility call 618-233-8780.
AN INVITATION Our Diocesan celebration for the Priest Jubilarians (Msgr. Hartlein) will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, beginning with Mass at Saint Peter Cathedral in Belleville at 4:00 PM.
The Annual "Spring Blessing of the Farm" will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 1 PM at the farm property of Mr. and Mrs. Cletus Biver, 4204 Frank Scott Parkway, Belleville, IL. All farmers (and parishioners) are invited to join us at the Biver Farm in praying to God for rich, productive plantings and crops this year.
"This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad!" Please mark your calendars. Everyone is invited to the priestly ordination of Deacon Nicholas Junker on May 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM to be held at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville. Juniors and seniors in high school and those students in elementary school and PSR programs who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, in particular, are encouraged to attend. For additional information, please contact Patti Warner, Office of Vocations at 235-9601 ext. 145 or at pwarner@diobelle.org.
AN INVITATION TO THE PEOPLE OF THE BELLEVILLE DIOCESE for an Advent Pilgrimage* December 8-16, 2008. Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. Very Rev. John T. Myler, Pilgrimage Spiritual Leader. We will cruise for eight days along the Danube River, celebrating Advent with each stop we make. We will visit the beautiful cities, villages, monasteries, cathedrals, castles and Christmas markets in town squares such as Vienna, Passau, Budapest, Bratislava, and Salzburg. Special group package price including 8 day cruise, 21 meals and 7 guided tours starting as low as $1599 per person plus air. Space will fill quickly, so please call Great Escapes, Belleville, at 618-394-9763 for information.
IT'S SPRING CLEANING TIME! Do your Spring cleaning and donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store! Clothes, shoes, appliances, furniture, coats, giftware, household items, electronics, sporting goods, and seasonal items are appreciated at this time. Drop your donations off at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 3718 State St. East St. Louis. Call to schedule a pick-up for large items 618-875-3886, please leave a message on line 2.
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