FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Thanks to all who came and cleaned up last Saturday around Church and the Rectory.  There were not many, but they worked hard at the job. Many thanks to Larry Wilhelm who came Monday and hauled away the leaves and twigs to the city dump.  I was hoping that more of our Confirmation candidates might use the opportunity to get their church service hours.  I cannot make those opportunities at the last moment when you will need those hours.

Our Community Blood drive last Saturday brought in 39 units of blood, four over our goal.  The main drive on Thursday, Mar. 5^th, brought in 71 units, our goal being 85.  Thanks to all who came to give blood, and who worked at the Blood Drive.

Today, there is a Retreat at the King’s House for class in the RCIA.  Say a prayer for them, and all involved in this special program of spiritual development.

Many thanks also to all who have committed themselves to support the Catholic Services and Mission Appeal of our diocese.  This past week, the parish sent in 112 pledges with gifts of $22,566.90.  Our goal is the same as last year, that is, to get 253 donors from the parish, and to reach or exceed the goal of $38,734.  All I can do is to ask each and every member of our parish to consider the mission of the church, to see the good that can be accomplished at the present moment, and to realize that our own parish benefits from the success of this campaign.  Spreading our gift out over ten months makes it possible to give little each month, but over the ten months, to have given much to help our parishes, our schools, and all of the people of our diocese.  God has blessed all of us in so many ways.  The Charity of Christ urges us to share our blessings.

Next Sunday, many members and leaders of our Parish Youth Group will be attending the Diocesan CYO Convention in Collinsville.  There they will have the opportunity to meet members of other parish youth groups, hear many presentations, and in all, to learn much and to deepen their faith, and help prepare them for their future life.  Pray for them and their leaders.  We are grateful to their leaders, namely:  Ron Hulliung, Jr., Kathy Renth, Debbie Hulliung, and Ken Zacharski, for all the time and efforts they have given to the youth of our parish.  They provide the opportunity for all of the youth of our parish to grow in faith, to have fun, to do good works, and to be a living sign of Christ alive in our young people.  They would gladly welcome all who do not share with them, these great opportunities.

Lent is half over now.  We move into the more solemn and sacred parts of Lent and Holy week.  Easter is three Sundays away.  Our Parish Penance Service will be on Tuesday, March 31^st.  The following Sunday is Palm Sunday, and then Easter.  Have we grown in a closer relationship with our God?  Does Jesus mean any more to us than He did four weeks ago?  Does my Catholic Faith mean any more to me as helping me to save my soul?  Do I feel God speaking to me in prayer?  Time is running out for all of us, young and old!  And waiting for the last moment, might find our clock or watch slow, out of time.  Please use the coming weeks well for your own spiritual good!

GIFT CARDS FOR SPRING:  We have gift cards in stock for all of your Spring needs.  Lawn & Garden: Lowe’s ($25, $100), Home Depot ($25), Sears ($25), Wal-Mart ($25, $100).  Athletics: Sports Authority ($25), Dick’s Sporting Goods ($25).  Recreation: Bass Pro Shops ($25), Cabela’s ($25).

ANNUAL SOUP SUPPER AND SPEAKER SERIES: on March 23rd, the second supper and speaker will be held in the parish center. Soup will be served at 6:30 PM and the speaker, Sr. Janis Yaekel, will begin at 7 PM. Her topic is entitled, "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." Be sure to come to enjoy good soup and a great speaker!

GIFT BEARERS: are needed for the Holy Thursday, April 9th and the Easter Sunday, April 12th, both Masses. These Masses will be for the intention of the Parish. Please assist us by calling the rectory at 566-2985 or Ruth Wilhelm at 566-2885, as soon as possible, as schedules are prepared in advance! Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: and join Fr. Ed Hauf as he teaches us about "Scripture and God's Plan for Salvation" from 9-10:30 AM in the parish center on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, & 13.

CHURCH PICNIC: It is that time of year again! For the Woodcrafters, we need large items for our woodcraft raffles. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me what you will be making, so that I get the raffle tickets made up. Wine Makers, please let me know how many cases of empty wine bottles as well as corks you will need. Quilters, please let me know if you need anything! Last but not least, we are still in need of ideas for another booth. You can contact Stacy at 566-0355 or even better at hawaiiancornmans@charter.net. Thank you all for your help!

SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: will meet on Wednesday, March 25th in the parish center. Anyone interested in working on the committee 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. 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.

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

there are camp forms available in the office.

Devotion to the Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Novena will begin on Good Friday, April 9, at 7 PM (Good Friday services begin at 7:30 PM).

We will meet at 7 PM each evening until the Sunday after Easter at which time our service is at 2 PM. All those who celebrate this feast of mercy will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and the punishment attached to those sins. Simple preparation is due by us to receive these graces: 1) receive the sacrament of Reconciliation on or before April 19 ; 2) Pray the Novena of Divine Mercy beginning on Friday for nine days ; 3) On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19, receive Holy Communion the Image of Divine Mercy Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

 Jesus told Saint Faustina, "I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature:-Jesus I trust in You. By means of this image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so let every soul have access to it. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over enemies already on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My Own." ( from the diary of St. Faustina)

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.

Tuesday, March 24

 8:00 AM          Eugene Hund

Wednesday, March 25

        8:00 AM           Norbert Klinkman

Thursday, March 26

                      8:00 AM           Villotti Family                    

Friday, March 27

8:00 AM           LeRoy Schulte

Saturday, March 28

5:30 PM      Joan Powers,

                    Art Friederich

                    Kelly Johnson

Sunday, March 29

      8:00 AM      People of the Parish

        10:30 AM     Albert & Ottilia Christ

             Don Voegele

                Sylvia Campa

March 15, 2009

MONDAY, March 23

No Mass

6 - 9 PM    Soup  Supper & Speaker -pc

Tuesday,  March 24

                  8:00AM   Mass →  Adoration→7 PM

9:00 AM                 Quilting

6:00 PM                  Quilting

                    7:30 PM                  Pastoral Council-pc

Wednesday,  March 25

8:00 AM                 Mass 

5:30 PM                 Mass

            7:00 PM           Social Service com.-pc

       7:30 PM            CHOIR PRACTICE

THURSDAY, March 26

8:00 AM                 Mass

9:00 AM                 Quilting

7:30 PM Stewardship-pc

FRIDAY, March 27

8:00 AM Mass

5:30 PM Stations/Benediction

SATURDAY, March 28

9:00 AM  Mass of Anointing

4:30 PM  Confessions

5:30 PM   Mass

SUNDAY, March 29

8:00 AM Mass

9:00 AM PSR/RCIA

PSR Reconciliation

10:30 AM Mass (Scrutiny #3-(RCIA

Dear Parents,

Last week was Open House and Registration for our Preschool and it was well attended.  Our initial numbers are very positive for both the 3year old program and 4 year old program.  If you were not able to make it, please contact the school office.  My thanks to Mrs. Schneider, our director, and the aides who have made this a great program.

Our Kindergarten Open House and Registration on Wednesday was very successful.  Mrs. Hulliung does a great job.  Again, if you were not able to attend, please contact the school office for registration information.

God Bless you,

Deacon Ron Karcher

Principal

 Calendar for Next Week – March

             23 - Stations of the Cross Grades 5-8 at 8:10 am

24 - Future Kindergarten student visits

25 - Future Kindergarten student visits

                                                             26 - Play “Westside Story” @ Mascoutah High School – Gr. 6-8 Leave 8:15

                                27 - Report Cards / Diocesan Girls Volleyball @ St. Clare

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: "Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God..."  Today's Gospel urges us to live a life centered on Christ.  Let Worldwide Marriage Encounter help your marriage/Holy Orders to be more Christ-centered.  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.

OLD FASHIONED QUILTING BEE: We will gather at St. George Elementary School in New Baden on Tuesday, April 7th from 8:30 AM until 9:00 PM. Lunch and good conversation will be served from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM. Refreshments will be served throughout the day. We will be quilting all day, so come when you can. Everyone is invited!

ANNUAL WURSTMARKT & BEEF DINNER: sponsored by St. Damian's Holy Name Society. Sunday, March 29th @ St. Damian Parish Gym in Damiansville, IL (exit 34 on I-64).

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS: On April 19th, there will be a Divine Mercy Celebration that will take place in the main church at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. This Celebration will take place following 11:30 AM Mass and will last until about 3:30 PM. The Sacrament of reconciliation will be available throughout the Celebration. For more information, please call the Shrine at 618-397-6700 or 618-397-0317.

CHICKEN DINNER: at St. Felicitas Church, Beaver Prairie, 13322 Church Road. Palm Sunday, April 5th @ 11 AM - 5 PM. The usual homemade bread, dressing, and desserts. Carry-outs available. Cafeteria style. Everyone is welcome! 

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.