FATHER'S TWO-CENTS WORTH

Once again, we have had to say, “So long, until we meet again” to a great parishioner.  We gave back to God the gift that He gave us in the person of Pat Huff.  Pat fought hard the past four or more years against cancer.  In all of that time, she was a pillar of faith and goodness, trusting in God’s healing and care.  During her healthier years, she was very active helping out here at the parish in so many activities.  She was always here at picnic time, helping to get ready, working the night of the picnic, and here Sunday morning cleaning up.  She always had a smile on her face and a good word to share. She and her husband Bill were an inspiration and example to others, a sign of God’s love and care.  We thank God for allowing her to be a big part of our parish family, and pray that she enjoys God’s blessings, and continues to help us here on earth through her intercession.

I will be gone this coming week from the parish.  I am going to St. Meinrad Seminary for our 50^th year class reunion on Monday and Tuesday.  I will then go to see Dr. Ulrich (the one who spoke at my anniversary) in southeastern Kentucky.  I will be back Friday evening to resume my duties.  There will be no morning Masses this week at Holy Childhood.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY IS MASCOUTAH HOMECOMING!

OUR MASS ON SATURDAY WILL BE AT 4:00 P.M. 

SUNDAY MASSES WILL BE AT OUR REGULAR TIMES.

We have installed two new air conditioning units for church.  By the time we order the parts and labor on the old units (28 yrs. old), and anything else could go wrong again, it was deemed better to start new with new warranties, factory tested, and newer technologies.  The new units cost $6000 each.  We will have labor to add to this cost.  However, it is nicer to have church air-conditioned.  Twenty-eight years ago, this was a highly contentious topic here at church.

Meurer Brothers Tree Services came and cleaned out the gutters on the west side of church this past week. They were filled with leaves and other debris, to the extent that the water was running over and down the side of church.  They did the job gratis.  Thank you Meurer Brothers, for your generosity to our parish.

Our Picnic is fast approaching—less than a month away.  Please sell your raffle tickets, or purchase what you can.  The picnic is a vital source of income to our parish and school, especially this year with the economy of our country, and the price of gasoline being what they are.  I am sure that you are feeling the pinch also in your budgets.  Thanks for your continued support of Holy Childhood Parish through the Sunday offerings, and the various other opportunities to help the parish and school.

DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC, OR JUST LEARNING A BIT ABOUT OUR FAITH?  NOW IS THE TIME TO POP THE QUESTION AND INVITE THEM TO OUR NEW R.C.I.A. COURSE WHICH WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER, AND CONTINUE ON TO EASTER.  CONTACT THE RECTORY, OR K.K. SCHNEIDER: 566-2871.

 REMINDER: SATURDAY, AUGUST 2^ND, MASS WILL BE AT 4:00 PM FOR HOMECOMING. 

YOU WILL BE OUT IN TIME TO VIEW THE PARADE, OR BE IN THE PARADE. 

 REMEMBER, MASS AT 4:00 PM ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 2^ND.

Have a good week, say your prayers, and come to mass if you can during the week!  We all want the best of God’s Blessings!  Tell Him of your love for Him and thank Him for all that He has done for you!

Thursday, July 31

Friday, August 1

Saturday, August 2

Sunday, August 3

Dear Parents,

Yes, it is July but the beginning of the 08-09 school year is just one month away. If you are new and would like a tour or to register for the coming year please call 566-2922.

Important dates: 

August 18th  6:30 pm  Open House  PreK-8 in the gym.

We will be reviewing the coming year and you will get a chance to meet the teachers and various organizations.        

August 18th @ 7:15 pm  Sports Meeting in the gym.  (All parents with children in sports)

August 21st  1^st day of K-8 with 11:05 dismissal – buses running

August 25th   1st day of Preschool.

Welcome to Mrs. Tara Garcia who will be our new 6^th grade teacher.  Also to Mrs. Schneider our preschool director and her aides:  Mrs. Sherry Wilhelm and Mrs. Judy Karcher.

Sunday Jesus asks us to look into the ordinariness of our lives for our true treasure. He invites us to see the very dust beneath our feet, where, with some kicking and scraping, we might discover what’s been there all along- faith: anchor for our earthly life and the promise of heavenly life in a day to come.

Sincerely,

Deacon Ron Karcher

Principal

Youth Group calendars for June through September are in the process of being sent out.  We apologize if anyone wanting to participate was left off the mailing list. If you or your child did not receive a calendar, but would like to be on the list, please contact Kathy Renth at 588-4018.  All high school students who are members of Holy Childhood Parish are part of the group and are always welcome.

HEALING DAYS OF REFLECTION The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows will be hosting the Annual Healing and Hope Novena from July 28 through August 5.  Each evening's Mass will begin at 7:30 PM, and will focus on a different aspect of healing:  emotional, spiritual, financial, etc.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH PICNIC AVISTON, IL, on Saturday, August 2, 2008 on the parish grounds. (Rain Date: August 3rd) Chicken & Beef Dinner with homemade dressing and all the trimmings served from 3:30-8:00 PM in the Parish center's air-conditioned cafeteria. Quilt Bingo begins at 6:30  PM. (Every game for a Quilt except for ties.) New this year is a Margarita Stand. Other picnic features are: The Grand Raffle, Country Store, Basket Booth, Fruit Basket, Kiddie Raffle, Games and much more. Mass will be at 4:00 PM. (Youth Choir singing).

The Mascoutah Tuesday Woman's Club is seeking donations of homemade pies and cakes for the MASCOUTAH HOMECOMING CAKE AND PIE STAND. Our stand is located at the end of the depot in Scheve Park. This year's dates are August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Your donated items can be received on Friday, August 1st after 5 PM; on Saturday, August 2nd after 11 AM; and on Sunday, August 3rd after 11 AM. Please bring baked items on foil, or in containers clearly labeled with your name. Your container may be picked-up later in the day at your convenience.

St. Anthony, Lively Grove, Annual Chicken Dinner and Picnic! On Saturday August 2nd. Dinner from 4 PM RAIN or SHINE. Quilt-Cash Bingo from 6 PM. Holy Mass at 4 PM and 6 PM.

Corpus Christi Parish, Shiloh, will be offering Vacation Bible School this summer. It will be held August 4th-8th, 9 AM to noon. There will be a $10 fee per child. The theme will be Power Lab, engaging kids with fun and science-themed surprises which will give them a new enthusiasm for God's Word - and for Jesus! For more details, please contact the parish office 632-7614 or Annette 624-6911.

The Mascoutah Township Office is currently sponsoring their annual school supply drive for local needy children. Donations of school supplies or cash will be accepted until August 8th. Last year we provided more than 90 children with school supplies, backpacks and shoes. Suggested items: children's Fiskars brand scissors, pocket folders, pencil boxes or zipper pouches, paper towels/Kleenex, colored pencils, large erasers, Clorox wipes, washable markers, Crayola watercolor paints, erasable pens, yellow highlighters, & multi subject notebooks.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Diocese of Belleville will co-sponsor a JustFaith workshop on Saturday, August 9th (8:45 am-1 pm) at St. Francis Xavier College Church, St. Louis. The workshop will give you a vision of Biblical tradition, Catholic social teachings and the relationship between spirituality and justice. Registration forms can be picked-up at the rectory. For more information contact Mike McGinty 618-416-0776.