FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

After the 8:00 A.M. mass today (Sunday), I will be leaving to visit with my brother and his wife in Iowa, and will return Friday evening.  During this time of my absence, if any special help is needed, please contact the rectory.  Fr. Elmar Mauer and Fr. James Thomas will be saying the masses for the week, so that you can keep your Lenten resolutions.  On Friday evening, Deacon Ron Karcher will preside for the Stations of the Cross and Benediction.  If something extraordinary happens and needs my assistance, the staff at the rectory will know where to contact me.  Have a good week and enjoy the change.  I hope to have a good week and relax a bit.

This week-end is Commitment Sunday for the CATHOLIC SERVICES AND MISSION APPEAL.  I spoke to you about this last Sunday, and I hope that you will do the same as you did last year in participation and giving.  I am sure that circumstances have changed for many of you due to the economic conditions of our country.  However, I also know that the work of the church depends on us to serve the needs of God’s people in our diocese.  As I mentioned before, you can make your gift over a period of ten months, and in that way the gift will not tax your monthly budget too hard.  One thing for sure that I have found out—you cannot get ahead of God in generosity!  If you did not receive an envelope in the mail, there are extra envelopes in the pews that you can use.  The CSMA Appeals serve the educational needs, the liturgical needs, and the social needs of all of our diocesan parishes and missions.  Please participate!  Please be generous!

Our Community Blood drive was held this past Thursday.  As I write this column, I do not know the results of our efforts.  I am grateful and thankful to all who came to give blood, to help set up (HC students), all who worked during the drive, all who came to give blood and put up with our slowness, those who came at 7 P.M. to help load out the equipment and supplies—all who wanted to make it succeed and save lives.  God bless all of you and reward you greatly for your gift of yourself, and allowing God to work through you.

Next Saturday, there will be a “MAKE-UP” blood drive at our school from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.  Since this is a make-up drive for those who could not come this past Thursday, and for those who may have been deferred, and want to try again, our goal is not as high and the staffing will be less.  Please come anyway.  Our “slow time” on this day is usually in the later hours of the morning, which can mean faster service to the donors.

Could we schedule next Saturday as a CLEAN-UP day here around the church block?  I noticed the daffodils and other plants starting to shoot up, and we need to get the straw and leaves off of them if we do not want to harm them, or even kill them.  How about starting a 9 A.M. and bring rakes, blowers, and brooms.  There are limbs down all over the property, leaves piled up under the shrubbery and around the back of the rectory, and just a lot of cleaning up before Easter, and the spring growth.  A couple of pick-ups would be useful to haul off the debris to the dump.  CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES:  here is a chance to get in some of those service hours for church!

ANNUAL SOUP SUPPER AND SPEAKER SERIES: Once Again we are fortunate to have three outstanding speakers for our soup supper series. They are Fr. Ed Hauf, OMI on March 16. His topic is "The Meaning of Life: Our Journey of Faith." On March 23 we will have Sr. Janis Yaekel, whose talk is entitled, "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." And, on March 30, Msgr. Hitpas, pastor of St. Nicholas Church in O'Fallon, IL, will be with us to discuss "Moving from Conversion to Reconciliation."

* Each evening soup, bread, and a light dessert will be served at 6:30 PM in the parish center. Everyone is welcome to attend!

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Now is the time to send in your request for Easter Flower Memorials for your deceased loved ones. For $10, you can list one or two individual names or one or two family names. The Holy Childhood Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring this program. The money is used for the purchasing of the Easter flowers and any other items needed for the altar. For your convenience, there is an Easter flower envelope in your church envelope box. Make sure you list who the memorial is for and the donor's name on the envelope. Please make checks out to HCCCW. Donations are needed by April 7th, to insure your loved ones names are included on the list displayed at all entrances to the church. For more information, please contact Pat Bowker at 566-7089.

CYO COLLECTION: $1400 was collected for Soup or Bowl. Thank you to everyone who donated!

HCCCW: will meet Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00 PM in the parish center. All newcomers are welcome.

HCCCW: Please make sure to turn in your Bi-Monthly Quilt Raffle Tickets. The first drawing for 2009 will be held at our meeting on March 10th. The tickets can be turned in to the rectory as late as 3 PM on March 10th. Thank you for your support!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: will meet this Thursday, March 12th at 7:30 PM in the parish center. All adult men that are practicing Catholics with a desire to contribute time and energy to the church and community are welcome to join.

KING'S HOUSE RETREAT: Can you recall the last time you had a moment for yourself? To think...to pray...to relax...to be quiet…? Now is the time to do something for yourself and God. Come with other women from your parish for the women's retreat on March 20-22. Join us for a time of rest, renewal, and spiritual nourishment at King's House Retreat and Renewal Center in Belleville. Contact Mary Elmore at 566-7315 for further information or to register.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: On March 11th at 6:45 PM, the youth group is sponsoring a guest speaker in the parish center. The title of her talk is "The Choices You Make Today Can Affect the Rest of Your Life." All middle school & high school students,  and their parents are urged to attend. You do not have to be active in the youth group to attend; it is open to the public. If you have any questions, please call Kathy Renth at 618-588-4018.

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK: This weekend our parish, along with all other parishes in the diocese, will conduct our Catholic Service & Ministry Appeal. The CSMA provides a convenient way for all of us, no matter what our time limitations, to take an active role in the mission of our diocesan church. As a guide to a proportionate gift, please consider pledging a percent of your income, or pay for one or two hours of work for ten months. If you did not receive a pledge card in the mail or forgot it at home, please use one of the in-pew envelopes found at the end of each row.

Parents, if you are interested in your child going to Camp Ondessonk,

there are camp forms available in the office.

The church has received the Eucharist from Christ her Lord -

 not as one gift, however precious among so many others,

but as the gift par excellence,

 for it is the gift of Himself, of His person in His scared humanity,

as well as the gift of His saving work.

(Pope John Paul II).

Consider spending extra time with our Lord, especially during Lent.

Come to find how peaceful and enriching your time spent in Eucharistic Adoration will be.

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed every Tuesday following the 8 o'clock Mass until 7 PM and on Saturdays from 9-10 AM. Come spend any amount of time you can give with our Lord as He waits patiently for us.

 If you have  questions, please call Mary Ellen Mueller 566-9529.

*If HCS or Mascoutah School is cancelled due to weather, Adoration will also be cancelled. You can listen to KMOX radio or KSDK News Channel 5 for the closings.

Tuesday, March 10

 8:00 AM   John Fabick Family Special Intention

Wednesday, March 11

8:00 AM  Norbert Haas & son David

Thursday, March 12

8:00 AM   No Mass

Friday, March 13

8:00 AM    Mildred Haas

Saturday, March 14

5:30 PM Herman & Rachel Renth

Sunday, March 15

8:00 AM          David Haas

                                Leona Billhartz

        10:30 AM    People of the Parish

                                                 Ash Wednesday Collection

                                                    Parish                                        $   175.00

                                                    St. Brother Peter                            10.00

                                                    Aid to Eastern Europe                1206.50

                                                                        Total:                    $  1391.50

March 1, 2009

MONDAY, March 9

No Mass

2:30 PM         St. Vincent-pc

Tuesday,  March 10

8:00AM     Mass (Father Thomas)

           Adoration→7 PM

9:00 AM           Quilting

7:00 PM        HCCCW-pc

Wednesday,  March 11

8:00 AM   Mass (Father Thomas)

5:30 PM    Mass (Father Thomas)

7:30 PM   Choir Practice

THURSDAY, March 12

8:00 AM No Mass

9:00 AM Quilting

7:30 PM KC's-pc

FRIDAY, March 13

8:00 AM Mass (Father Mauer)

5:30 PM Stations/Benediction

(Mr. Karcher)

9:00 AM  Adoration

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Blood Drive

4:30 PM  Confessions

5:30 PM   Mass

(8-scrutiny # 1)

8:00 AM Mass 

10:30 AM Mass

9:00 AM PSR/RCIA

PSR Reconciliation

Dear Parents,

Below is a list of things I like to call “Eleven Great Ways that Parents Can Help their Children Succeed in School.”

Here is the list:

            Have your children strive for their personal best, not perfection.

            Mistakes will happen.  Allow that, and move on.

            Read together; read what your children are reading.

            Make sure that your children’s activities include spending time with the family.

            Do not compare siblings.

            Let your children work at their pace.

            Support the educational process of your children.

            But remember that the learning and the responsibility for that learning belong to each child.

            Talk to your children so they know your values and faith.

            Make certain that your children know every day that -- even if you don’t like their behavior or their choices--

                    you always love them.

            Make prayer at meals and Sunday Mass an important part of family life.

Sincerely,

 

Deacon Ron Karcher

Principal

HELP:  The Uniform Exchange is in need of size 16 or size 18 boy’s pants. 

 If you have any at home to donate, please send them in.

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: "Your ways, Lord, make known to me..." As today's Psalm pleads, come and get away to hear the voice of God for your marriage.  The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is April 24^th through 26^th.  Early registration is highly recommended. To register or for more information call 888-889-9963.

QUILT & CASH BINGO: Sunday, March 15, at St. Michael's Church in Radom, IL. Starting at 1 PM and doors opening at 11 AM. Lunch and refreshments will be available.

SEEKING HOST FAMILY: for an International Exchange High School Student to attend Mascoutah during the 09-10 school year. The student has their own insurance and spending money for personal items, school, and entertainment. You provide only room and meals. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Susan at 618-789-4630 for details.

PRO-LIFE NEWS: Women in our diocese faced with a crisis pregnancy regrettably will sometimes go to the abortion facility in Granite City, not realizing the gravity of their choice, or else feel that they have no choice. 40 Days for Life is a national prayer campaign at abortion facilities across the country to be a silent, prayerful witness that every life matters. How can you participate? 1) Pray- Our parish will pray for life and an end of abortion during the holy hour on Tuesdays during Lent.  2) Pray- We are organizing a group to participate in the 40 Days for Life vigil at the Hope Clinic (abortion mill) on Saturday, March 14th. If you would like to be a part of the group that travels to Granite City, please call Mary Kellerman at 566-8139.  3) Pray- There are daily prayers and meditations for the 40 days on the internet. Go to www.respectlife.catholicweb.com.

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.