FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Again, we have to give back to God the gift of life that was bestowed on two of our parishioners, in the persons of Eugene Hund and Dan Stukenberg.  I regret that I was not able to be present for Gene’s funeral due to prior arrangements to be away at that time.  Gene was a loyal supporter of Holy Childhood Parish, and as active as his health conditions would allow.  I am sure that he would have desired to be here in Mascoutah, if it was at all possible.  I thank all of his friends who visited him often, and took him out to lunch, and brought much joy to his life.

Dan Stukenberg also fought a valiant battle against cancer this past year, and was an admirable warrior.  Throughout the time that I have known Dan, he was always working to make Mascoutah and our parish a better place.  He was deeply involved in community affairs, and was a devout parishioner.  He was involved in Scouting, in Holy Childhood’s youth program back in the 70’s , in our first Pre-Cana classes, served on our school board, and was often a great advisor to me with parish and cemetery concerns.  We thank God for all of the good he gave to us through Dan’s work and insights.  May both of these fine men rest in the peace of God’s tender love and forgiveness.

Friday of this week is the Feast of the Assumption—a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics—meaning that we need to attend Mass on this day.  This day celebrates Mary’s being taken to heaven, as the First Fruit of Christ’s victory over sin and death.  It is also a reminder that God has a place for us in Heaven if we really want to go to heaven.  Some persons act as if there is not life after death, and that they do not need to prepare for it.  And we all have to answer to God at the final judgment for all of our sins of neglect and disobedience to His commandments.  Hence, we come to Mass to meet His gracious mercy, seek His presence in the scriptures, and receive His food of life—the Holy Eucharist—to help us live in such a way, that we are worthy to be welcomed into heaven.  We pray to Mary, His mother, to help us and to pray for us, to receive the reward that she obtained in her Assumption.

REGISTRATION FOR PSR classes will take place next weekend.  It seems that some persons regard religious instructions as optional.  I say this as I see how parents lead their children to Mass, get them to instructions, and encourage them to fulfill their spiritual growth.  For some, it is very important.  For some, it seems that they are doing God and the church a favor.  We do not do favors for God!  All that we have ultimately comes from Him, and we owe him our appreciation through our love of God, and our service to others.  The two go together—they cannot be separated.  True love always leads to action towards others.  And as we want to be loved, we in turn must learn to love, as Jesus taught us how through His life.  Religious instructions and living our faith is the road that leads to eternal life.  It also gives us peace on earth.  Place religious instructions first in priorities for yourself, your children, and for your family.  God wants to bless you!  Let Him show you the way, the truth, and the life!

Picnic is less than two weeks away!  All of us will make it a success.  Pray for good weather!

PLEASE NOTE    There will be NO morning Mass on Tuesday, August 12th. Adoration will begin at 9:00 AM.

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION     There will be 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM and 7:30 PM Masses offered on August 15th, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY will meet on Tuesday, August 12th at 7:00 PM in the parish center. Please note the time change. New members are welcome.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will meet this Thursday at 7:30 PM in the parish center. All adult men eighteen years of age or older who are practicing Catholics with a desire to contribute time and energy to church and community are welcome to join.

Thank You to all the ladies who quilted the Auction Quilt! A record showing of 30 quilters! Thank you! Norma Amann

OPPORTUNITY!     Fr. Hartlein is in need of a volunteer(s) to water the flower pots and beds around the parish grounds; it would be a stewardship opportunity for a family or for a Confirmation candidate needing service hours. The time involved would be three times a week, either mornings or evenings. The pots need watering three times and the beds once. If you're looking for a stewardship opportunity or need the service hours give Fr. Hartlein or the rectory a call. Thank you!

GIFT CARDS Purchase Gift Cards at face value for everyday purchases or to give as gifts. Holy Childhood School receives a percentage back on every gift card purchased. Call Debbie at 566-2866 with any questions. Thank you for supporting HCS. 

Tuesday, August 12

  8:00 AM    NO MASS

Wednesday, August 13

    8:00 AM    1. Rosalia Orlet

                                                       2.  L/D Herbert Forsyth Family

                                       3.  Norbert Millosheski

Thursday, August 14

   8:00 AM   Bertha Jung

Friday, August  15     HOLY DAY

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  6:30 AM People of the Parish

                8:00 AM  Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Young

  7:30 PM   Pat Huff

Saturday, August  16

5:30 PM   People of the Parish

Sunday, August 17

  8:00 AM  1.  Paul Hopfinger

                                       2.  Donald Voegele & Family

10:30 AM  Rebecca Sedbrook

NO Mass

8:00 AM   Mass

8:00 AM   Mass

9:00 AM  Adoration

4:30 PM  Confessions

5:30 PM   Mass

  8:00 AM  Mass

10:30 AM  Mass

Dear Families,

Years ago, in Illinois, a young man with six months of schooling ran for the Legislature. He lost. Next he entered into a business and failed and took 17 years to repay the debts of a worthless partner. He became engaged to a lovely lady and she died. He had a nervous breakdown, ran for Congress and was defeated.  He became a vice president candidate and lost and two years later was defeated for senator. He ran once more for office and was elected. Yes, that was Abraham Lincoln. It took Winston Churchill three years to get through 8th grade because he couldn’t pass English, yet gave some of the most stirring speeches during World War II. Later when asked to give the commencement speech at Oxford University his now famous speech consisted of only three words, “ Never give up.” The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 (August 17^th) asked three times before Jesus healed her daughter. Jesus is telling us that it is by persistent faith and prayer that things are accomplished.

Sincerely,

Deacon Ron Karcher

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

If you would like to receive a calendar, please contact Kathy Renth at 588-4018. 

 IN NEED Due to current economic conditions afflicting the poor, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is in great need of good, useable furniture including beds, mattresses, chests, dressers etc. If you have  items that you would like to donate, please call 618-875-3886 and leave a message on line 1. Your call will be promptly returned. May God bless you for helping us to serve those in need.

HOLY TRINITY PARISH PICNIC to be held Friday and Saturday, August 15th & 16th at 505 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights. Friday Fish Fry from 3:30 to 8 PM. Saturday Chicken Dinner from 4-8 PM. Both nights many booths, kids' games, beer garden and live music. Saturday only Quilt & Cash Bingo (indoors) at 6:30 PM. Vendors! Craft Fair! Car Cruise! Mass at 4 PM.

ANNUAL KIRCHENFEST AT St. Augustine of Canterbury, Hecker, IL. On Saturday, August 16th at the Hecker Community Center Grounds and Building located two blocks east of the church.  Mass at 3 & 5 PM. Dinners: Old Fashioned Fried Chicken & Pork Sausage Dinners. Serving begins at 3 PM (air-conditioned building) Quilt/Cash Bingo at 6 PM. Music by Butch's Polka Kings from 7 to 11 PM. Silent Auction, Washer Tournament at 7 PM.

Cathedral Summerfest 2008 on Saturday, August 16th from 4 PM to Midnight. All-you-can-eat Chicken Dinner from 2:30-7:00 PM (dine in or carry out) Quilt Games in A/C McCormick Center starting at 6:30 PM. Children's Area/Games/Basket/Cake Stands. Raffle $2500/$1500/$500 Mass at 5 PM and guided tours of the Cathedral every 30 minutes beginning at 2:30 PM.

Bunko & Dessert Party Monday, August 18th at 1 PM, St. Anthony parish center, Beckemeyer. Prizes; First & Last Place - Most Bangers & Bunkos. $5 per person, includes drinks and dessert. Sponsored by Red Hat Ladies and benefits St. Anthony Memorial Fund. Must be 18 or older.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Erase the Stigma Conference on Friday, August 22 & Saturday, August 23 from 9 AM to 4 PM. A two-day conference targeted to those who journey with someone suffering from mental health problems. Cost: $30 - one day (lunch included) $50 - both days (lunch included). Call 618-397-6700, Ext. 6272 to register.

The Vietnam Moving Wall proudly sponsored by the Village of Hecker. 1/2 scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Opening Ceremony Thursday August 28th at 6 PM. Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, August 31st at 6 PM and Closing Ceremony on Monday, September 1st at 6 PM. Limited seating, bring lawn chairs. Volunteers available to locate names for rubbings. Free to all.

If we believe Jesus  "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." No matter how strong the winds, Jesus is there to take our  hands and guide our marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is September 26th-28th. To register or for more information call 888-889-9963 or go online to www.aweekendofdiscovery.org.