FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Many thanks to all those who came to take down the Christmas decorations and store them in their proper place last Sunday.  Before one o’clock, there were persons here and by two o’clock, there were about three persons left locking up the church and doing a final check.  Many thanks to all the adults and young people who had to work well together to accomplish such a fine job, and in such a speedy manner.

Our Blood Drive last Saturday, the 10^th, obtained 35 units of blood for the Red Cross.  Our goal was 35 units of blood.  I believe that about 40 persons came to give blood.  At one time, there was no one in the whole process of preparing or giving blood.  In the last hour, about one o’clock, many showed up to help us reach our goal.  Many thanks to all who came to give blood!  Many thanks also to the Boy Scouts, their leaders, and those accruing service time, for being there to help unload the truck at the start, and to reload it at the end of the blood drive.  The Red Cross personnel were very grateful for your help.

If perhaps you noticed a greater number of masses during the week for “People of the Parish” than before, it is due to the lack of Mass stipends.  We have many who want masses on the weekend, when they can attend.  However, we are receiving less mass intentions than ever before.  This also hinders us from having intentions said by retired priests and the missionaries.  Masses are prayers offered for special intentions, and for persons whom we wish to remember in a special way.  We pray for the Poor Souls for their speedy entry into heaven. Have we forgotten the efficacy of the sacrifice of the Mass as the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation?

This week, we inaugurate our new president of the United States.  In spite of our political affiliation, let us pray for him that he can lead our country to peace and stability.  Let us pray also that he will be respectful to life at all stages, by encouraging and recommending just legislation for the good of all people.  We need also to pray that God give him the wisdom to lead, not only our own country, but to inspire other countries to work for social justice and peace throughout the whole world.  He will be our president for the next four years to lead our nation.  We pray that he will do it for the good of all peoples.

Last week, we were asked to pray a Novena for life, to defeat the Freedom of Choice Act that is in our Congress, and is coming up for a vote.  This piece of legislation would override any state laws restrictive of abortion at any stage.  It could also set the precedents that would impact on the rights of doctors and hospitals and their freedom of conscience in regards to abortions.  It speaks only of freedom of choice, and does not speak of responsibility and obligations that respects the rights of others, mainly the unborn child within the womb.  We pray that you will do all in your powers, by prayers, and by informing our legislators of our opposition to this bill.  If we cannot stand up for the life of the most helpless, the unborn, why should anyone stand up for our own life?

Our parish Pre-Cana Day will be on February 22^nd.  If you are anticipating a marriage this year, or the possibility of a marriage this year, please contact the rectory, so that you can avail yourself of this special event and day.

CYO FUNDRAISER: Order from Mascoutah Subway anytime Monday, January 26 (8am to 10pm) to help support Holy Childhood Youth Group! A percentage of all profits benefits our CYO!

VALENTINE BREAKFAST: Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Valentine Breakfast on Sunday February 15th from 8:00 am - Noon in the Parish Center. Adults-$6.50; Children 5-12-$3.00. EVERYONE IS INVITED!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Congratulations to the K. C. bi-monthly 50/50 winners: Mary Kellerman; $250, Ken Sullivan; $150, Margie Mattern $100. Attendance drawing winner was Louie Sindel. Next month drawing starts at $100. There are a few tickets, you may contact Rob Anstedt at 618-410-4595.

THE MESSENGER: Where can you find out what is happening in the Diocese of Belleville, a neighboring parish or one across the state? Where can you find stories of faith from many areas of the diocese, across the nation or around the world? The Messenger, your local diocesan newspaper, brings news of events important in your parish, your diocese and the universal church. Please stay "connected" through a subscription to The Messenger. Annual subscriptions are $23 and envelopes are provided in your packet.

PRE-CANA DAY: will be held on February 22, from 9 am-5 pm in the parish center.

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

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:  Did you know that you can use gift cards to pay your J C Penney's and Kohl’s charge accounts at any store register?  Now in stock Texas Roadhouse ($25) and Exxon/Mobil ($50).  Thanks for your support over the holidays!

Tuesday, January 20

 8:00 AM  Richard E. Haas

Wednesday, January 21

 8:00 AM  Rosalia Orlet

Thursday, January 22

8:00 AM Allen Hoerdt      

Friday, January 23

8:00 AM People of the Parish

Saturday, January 24

5:30 PM People of the Parish

Sunday, January 25

  8:00 AM Gene Hund

                        Erma Sommers

        10:30 AM Catholic Schools

January 11, 2009

MONDAY, January 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

No Mass

No School / Office Closed

Tuesday,  January 20

8:00 AM  Mass→Adoration→7 PM

  9:00 AM   Quilting

7:30 PM   Finance

Wednesday,  January 21

8:00 AM   Mass

               7:30 PM  Choir practice

THURSDAY, January 22

8:00 AM Mass

9:00 AM Quilting

7:00 PM Stewardship

FRIDAY, January 23

8:00 AM Mass

HCS Munchkin Games

SATURDAY, January 24

9:00 AM  Adoration

4:30 PM  Confessions

5:30 PM   Mass

SUNDAY, January 25 / Shepherd Sunday

  8:00 AM  Mass 

10:30 AM Mass

  9:00 AM PSR / RCIA

  9:00 AM RCIA

Dear Parents,

Jean Webster wrote,” It isn’t the big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little ones.”

Probably the greatest thing about being a principal and a parent is I get to see little pleasures almost every day.

Tuesday, when I had lunch duty, a 1^st grader asked me how old I will be on my birthday. My reply was,” How old do you think I am?” One child didn’t know but another said 20-30. I answered, “That’s right.” I can remember when I was young that 30 seemed very old. How our perspective changes.

In December our granddaughter (Melea – age 1) came with her parents to visit from San Diego. What a joy to see babies grow up. She got to sit outside and there was her first snow on the ground. It took quite a while for her to warm up to myself and my wife. My son, who works in the technology field, told me about babysmash.com which will change your computer so the child can bang on the keyboard and they will see colored shapes, letters and numbers on the screen. It will lock up other keys so your baby can’t get out of the application. BabySmash is free. Times certainly have changed.

My wife and I receive pictures every week of our granddaughter. It is interesting to me that she understands not only English but also Indonesian as if they are interchangeable. Our minds are capable of many things.

In the bible it says,” Unless you become like little children…”  It seems to me we need to find the wonders and awe around us. The little things. The funny things. The music things. If we lose the ability to see, hear and taste the small things we will never appreciate the big things.

Sincerely,

Deacon Ron Karcher

Principal

  Holy Childhood Open House & Registration- 2009

Preschool (3 & 4 year old) – March 11, 7pm Preschool Room

Kindergarten – March 18, 7pm  Meeting Room – Lower Level

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: “The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” Do we have the faith to follow Jesus and listen to His words about marriage? The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is January 25^th through 27^th.  To register or for more information call 888-889-9963.

MASCOUTAH SENIOR CENTER: is hosting a 10 week women's health program presented by the St. Clair County Health Department beginning on February 5th from 1-2 pm. The topics will include: Dimensions of Health, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Aging Well, and a lot of others. There will be free blood sugar and cholesterol screenings and attendance prizes. To register for this program or for more information, please contact the St. Clair County Health Department at 618-233-7703 ext. 4408 or the Senior Center at 618-566-8758. There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of the 10 week program.

2009 ROUNDTABLE SERIES: The first session will be held on January 27th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Pre-registration is required and cost is $20 (lunch included). For further information and to register, please call 618-394-6272.

STEWARDS OF HOPE: is hosting a Bunko Blizzard on Saturday, February 28th at the Woodmen of the World Hall in Highland, IL from 7-11 pm. All proceeds benefit Operation Elba's Orphans. To register or for more information, please contact Michele at 618-654-8211 or Jennifer at 618-651-8509.

CHICKEN DINNER: Highland Knights of Columbus Hall is having all you can eat family style chicken dinner which includes beverage and dessert. Bring your family and friends out to historic Highland for a delicious chicken dinner. Adults $8 and Children under 10 eat Free! Carryouts are also available for $8.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES: The Belleville Region of Catholic Social Services (CSS) is seeking nominations for the 19^th Annual Christian Service Awards.  Individuals nominated should serve or live in the following counties:  Clinton, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington.  The awards will be presented at a benefit dinner on May 1, 2009, at 6 o’clock in the evening at Albert’s Banquet Center in Belleville.  Reservations for the event are $45 per person (or $320 for a table of eight) and can be made at any time by calling the Catholic Social Services office at (618) 394-5900.