FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Congratulations!  We made it into the New Year.   2008, with all of its problems in all of the sectors of life, has passed on, and has also passed on its many problems to this New Year.  What will change it into a new and better year is our own personal commitment to make it a new and better year.  We all can see the many problems around us.  We all can blame the other person for many of our problems.  We can also take the position of inaction and allow the problems to continue, using the excuse that I can do nothing about them, or that I did not cause them, or that I do not agree with them.         

HOWEVER, there is also an out to all of this.  And it is found in the words of Jesus who tells us:  “Come to me you who are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matt: 11:28-30).  God put us here on earth for a purpose—His purpose.  And He will not let us down!  However, we, on our part, have to go with Him and His way.  And this is where problems come—when we and others, want to go our own way, seek our own goals, and forget about others—God’s people also!  We cannot do it alone, no matter how we think that we can, and we try.  We may get so far, and feel good about ourselves and accomplishments.  In the final run, though, we find a great deal of emptiness and concern about our self serving achievements, when in reality, we need the consolation of God’s blessings.  I say this at the start of the New Year so that the words of Jesus quoted above may become a reality and a blessing to us in this year. We need to turn to our God and make Him first in our lives through our prayers, our reception of the Sacraments, our attendance at mass, our good works, our Christ-like example.  We can all be better in living our faith, and loving our God!  And if this year is to be a better year for you and for others, it means a renewed effort and determination, that God will have a greater role in our lives, and we are here to do His will.  Have a very happy, blessed, and peaceful New Year!

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany—the coming of the Three Wise Men to find the “New Born King”.  They were not sure what they would find, where they find it, or what it would cost them.  But they came in faith, and open to the consequences.  They were blessed!  This feast reminds us to come in faith and trust to find God’s plan for us, and to obey it—“they returned by a different route”. Remember that God is for us, not against us.  Listen to Him!

Blood Drive—our goal was 85 units!  Only 76 persons came to give blood, and we were credited with 76 units of blood due to the five who gave at the “double-A” process.  Our “Make-Up” drive will be this Saturday from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.  Please come and save a life—it might be someone in your family or among your friends and acquaintances.

I will be on retreat this week at the King’s House in Belleville. Father Mauer will say Mass on Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be no mass on Thursday and I will be back on Friday for Mass.  I usually come home to sleep in my own bed, and use my C-Pap for the sleep-apnea.  I will leave early each morning to be in time for retreat schedule.  Pray for all of us priests who will be on this spiritual renewal.  We will be praying for you too.

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.

GIFT BEARERS: A special "Thank You" to those who have volunteered to be Gift Bearers at all holiday Masses.  Also, a special "Thank You" to the Ushers and those parishioners and families who accepted the honor to bring the gifts to the altar during this past year.  Your services are always appreciated.  May God bless you as we begin another year. Thank You!  Ruth Wilhelm.

HCCCW: will meet Tuesday, January 13 at 7 PM in the parish center.

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

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: will meet this Thursday, January 8, 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 the church and community are welcome to join.

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.

Tuesday, January 6

 8:00 AM  People of the Parish

Wednesday, January 7

 5:30 PM Dan Stukenberg     

Thursday, January 8

               No Mass                     

Friday, January 9

        8:00 AM Pauline Santanello       

Saturday, January 10

5:30 PM David Haas

Sunday, January 11

                                            8:00 AM       Jim & Norma Amann (50th) Anniversary

      10:30 AM      People of the Parish

December 28, 2008

MONDAY, January 5

No Mass  

        Msgr. Hartlein on Retreat          

Tuesday,  January 6

                                                      8:00 AM  Mass with Father Mauer →Adoration→7 PM

9:00 AM     Quilting

6:00 PM     Quilting

Wednesday,  January 7

                    8:00 AM  Mass with Father Mauer

 7:30 PM  Choir practice

THURSDAY, January 8

No Mass

9:00 AM Quilting

7:30 PM KC's-pc

FRIDAY, January 9

8:00 AM Mass

SATURDAY, January 10

                   9:00 AM   Blood Drive-hcs

       9:00 AM  Adoration

           4:30 PM  Confessions

5:30 PM   Mass

SUNDAY, January 11

  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:     “And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,….” We so often see signs and messages, but do not heed or follow them to what the Lord wants for us.  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.

SUPPORT GROUP: For those grieving the death of a loved one, a Grief Support and Education Series will begin at SWIC'S Programs and Services for Older Persons in Belleville on January 15.    Weekly sessions will run on Thursday afternoons for 8 weeks. The program is free of charge and refreshments will be provided. Reservations are required by calling 618-234-4410 ext. 7031.

POT LUCK SOCIAL: The St. Clare Military Outreach Ministry is sponsoring a Military Outreach Pot Luck Social on January 11, 4:30-6:00 PM in the St. Clare Church Fellowship Hall (1411 Cross Street, Shiloh.) This is open to those who would like to support the military families. Please RSVP to Jen at 206-8995 or Mark at 622-9650 by Jan. 9th, so we can make sure we have drinks.