FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

As I write this article for the coming parish bulletin, it leaves me with a sort of empty feeling.  Due to the timing of Christmas, the closing of the office before and after, Christmas day has not yet happened, and I am writing about events as if they were past and the future ones that we need to get ready for.  Another year is almost gone as I write these comments, and we are all older, by a legal year, and also because we are older due to still being alive and kicking.  We thank God for all of the good things that have happened in our lives and for all the good people who touch our lives and bless us in so many different ways.  I am also grateful to God for being able to do all of the things I am still able to do, and hope to continue.  I also thank God for all of the good parishioners and other persons who have blessed our parish and all of our lives.  God is good and He extends His goodness to all of us to enjoy and to pass it on to others.  Thank you, Lord!

We have a Blood Drive on Tuesday of this week.  Normally our major drive is on Thursday.  However, Thursday is New Year's Day, and we do not want any blood tainted from celebrating the New Year.  Sooooo!  We need you to come on Tuesday and save some lives.  Holiday time always generates a shortage on the “blood shelves”, and we do not want to be one of the causes of the shortage.  Please make a special effort to come and give blood.  The time will be from 2 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Holy Childhood School Cafeteria.  Tony’s Place is donating wild rice soup, not wild oats soup, for the refreshment area.  We will also have all of the usual “goodies” there also.  Our “Make-

Up” drive will be on Saturday, January 10^th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Please make a special effort to give blood this year.

New Year's Day is Thursday, and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  We will have a vigil mass on Wednesday at 5:30 P.M., and our mass on New Year's Day will be at 9 A.M. Start the New Year off right with God’s help.  It could be a rough year before it is all over, and we may need a lot more help from God this year than ever thought of before.

Saturday, Jan. 3, we will have the Mass of Anointing of the Sick and Elderly at 9 A.M. Again, we acknowledge of need of God’s graces and blessings through this special Sacrament.  We never know when this special sacrament may be our last sacrament.

Allen Hoerdt passed away last Saturday, and his funeral mass was on Tuesday.  He was 97 years old, and was of sound mind to the end.  He was a faithful member of our parish.  Christmas came early for him.  May he enjoy the peace and blessings of a good life!

Many thanks to all of you for the prayers and many remembrances that I received over this past Christmas.  This was a special year for me, reaching the age of 75, and celebrating 50 years as a priest.  And all of you were so good to me over this year, and the many years I have shared with you here at Holy Childhood—36 years!  I have enjoyed being part of your lives, and I hope that you can say the same.  We have worked as a family for the good of the family, and you have allowed me, and supported me in so many ways.  Thanks you for all you have done for me and the parish.  Thanks for a very happy and blessed Christmas.  I hope yours was the best ever, also!

WELCOME SUNDAY: There will be no Welcome Sunday on January 4.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: The Holy Childhood Counsel of Catholic Women wishes to thank everyone who donated money towards the beautiful Christmas flowers for our church, in memory of their deceased loved ones. Also to those who made special contributions, your generosity will help keep the church beautiful throughout the year.  Thank You!  Pat Bowker.

2008 CONTRIBUTIONS: All contributions for 2008 will need to be turned in by January 18, 2009.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Will be having their Bi-Annual 50/50 ticket drawing. The tickets are $10 each or $50 for all six. The drawing will be in January 2009. For the Winner's Prize, $500; 1st place, $250; 2nd place, $150; 3rd place, $100. If you have any questions, please call Rob Anstedt at 618-410-4595 or 566-7718.

BAPTISMAL CLASS: will be held on February 1, from 2-3:30 PM in the parish center.

INFORMATION UPDATES: If anyone of the parish has address or phone number changes, please let the rectory know so we can update our records. (566-2958).

GIFT CARDS:  One Stop Shopping – No need to run from store to store to purchase gift cards, you can get them through HCS. We have gift cards for many local and national retail stores and restaurants. Stop by the school office during the day or the gathering space after any Mass.

PSR classes will resume on Jan. 4.

January 11         9:15-10:00 AM     Meeting with parents in the Church

Tuesday, December 30

 8:00 AM   People of the Parish    

Wednesday, December 31

              5:30 PM     Kelli Uhl                  

Thursday, January 1

Happy New Year!

           9:00 AM   People of the Parish         

Friday, January 2

8:00 AM   Pauline Santanello

Saturday, January 3

     5:30 PM   People of the Parish

Sunday, January 4

  8:00 AM   People of the Parish

                 10:30 AM  The Living & Deceased of the

                                      Siegel and Schwaegel families

December 21, 2008

MONDAY, December 29

No School 

Tuesday,  December 30

No School

8:00 AM    Mass →Adoration→7 PM

                                                     Blood Drive-HCS- 2-7 PM                                  

Wednesday, December  31

No School / Office Closes at Noon

 5:30 PM  Mass

THURSDAY, January 1

Happy New Year!

No School / Office Closed

9:00 AM   Mass

FRIDAY, January 2

No School

8:00 AM Mass

Communion Calls

 9:00 AM  Mass of Anointing

 4:30 PM  Confessions

 5:30 PM   Mass

  8:00 AM  Mass 

10:30 AM Mass

  9:00 AM PSR / RCIA

Helping Others – We are continuing to collect food for the Mascoutah Food Pantry and household items for Hospitality House in Chester which provides a place to stay while visiting those in prison.

Celebrate by serving.  Offer help to decorate for someone who is physically unable to do it on their own (shut-ins, new moms, and people recovering from surgery). Take some hot chocolate and cookies with you. Perhaps do the same for military families whose spouses are stationed away from their families.

Prepare a care box for college students- Many will be wrapping up final exams and cookies can help make it more enjoyable.

Purchase several mini-Christmas trees and take them to the nursing homes.

 Carol for public servants. Groups or families can go caroling for public workers and officials including firefighters and police. Stop by and thank them for their services.

Attend Church

January 2009 Calendar

5 Return/Athletic meeting- 7 pm

6 HOPE -6:45 pm

7 Teacher meeting -All

8 Counselor

9 Midget Boys Diocesan Basketball Tournament @ Queen of Peace

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience….” Jesus asks us to learn how to live in our families with the qualities necessary to be truly one body in the Lord. Am I willing to learn how to do this? The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is January 25^th through 27^th.  Early registration is highly recommended. To register or for more information call 888-889-9963.

MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL: Mater Dei Catholic High School is hosting its annual Parent Information Night on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, from 7-9 p.m. for parents of incoming freshman. Parents will receive general school information and will be given more specific information on the curriculum from department chairpersons. For more information please contact Mater Dei Catholic High School at (618) 526-7216.