FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Last Week, I was thanking many persons for their service to the church.  Two other persons who put in a lot of time are K.K. Schneider and John Grawitch.  They meet with the boys and girls who wish to become servers at mass.  Many a time have I come home, see the lights on in church at a scheduled time, check to see what is happening, and find K.K. and  John working with the servers, and practicing.  KK arranges the servers schedule for the week-end masses, and special events.  Thanks, and God bless you!

I wish to thank those persons who renewed their support for the Catholic Services and Mission Appeal.  A second letter went out recently, asking those who gave last year, but not this year, to reconsider for this year.  For those who have responded, a grateful thanks from all those agencies which the Appeal supports.   For those who have not replied, think of all the good you can help achieve by your support.  Can you help?

As I write this column, the Blood Drive will be tomorrow, Thursday.  Thanks to all who came to give blood, and who also worked to make it successful.  Our “Make-Up” or “Follow-Up” drive will be on Saturday, June 13^th, from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.

This past week, Rich Schrader, a past science teacher at Holy Childhood School, passed away.  Rich was not Catholic but always came up with his class at Communion to ask for a blessing.  He was a good person and teacher.  We had a memorial Mass for him here at church on Wednesday evening.  May he rest in the peace of Christ!

If someone wants to help do some minor and odd jobs around the parish, we can satisfy your needs.  The two shrines on the west side of church, Our Lady of Fatima and the Crucifix, need to be brushed and painted.  If you would like to take on these two projects, contact the rectory. 

The weather has been rather wet, delaying the planting of crops.  Pray for good weather, so that planting can take place.  With all of the delay, there is the risk of rushing and accidents happen.  So we pray for safety, that the crops get in, and a good harvest.

We all have family or friends, or know of people, who have fallen away from the practice of their Catholic Faith.  Sometimes, we worry about them.  At other times, we just accept the situation, and become unconcerned.  What might happen if all of us—the whole parish, made a special effort each day to pray for the return of these persons to the practice of their faith.  Such a storm of prayers surely could not go unnoticed in the heavenly realms.  Pray that the graces that God sends will find a welcome in those persons and bring them back to a true practice of their faith.

Pray also for vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life.  Pray that someone from your own family, or your relatives, might be so inspired and motivated to give their life for the love of God and their neighbor.  Saving souls and serving God can make the world a lot better, and all of our lives, more blessed.  We cannot complain about a problem if we are not part of the solution!  Prayer can move mountains!

MASCOUTAH FOOD PANTRY: You are invited to attend a dedication of the new food pantry on Saturday,  June 13th at 2 PM. The dedication will be followed by an open house until 4 PM. Some of the items needed by the food pantry this month are: pancake mix, pancake syrup, applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil and dishwashing soap.

PARISH PICNIC QUILTS: The Holy Childhood Quilters have a limited amount of quilts for sale for the annual picnic quilt bingo. These quilts are handmade and cost $200. If you would like to purchase or reserve a quilt prior to August 1, please call Pat Bowker at 566-7089 or Ruth Wilhelm at 566-2885.

VACATION GIFT CARDS: Purchase gift cards for your summer vacation.  Hotels – Big Cedar Lodge, Disney, Marriott, Hyatt, Choice Hotel and Best Western.  Gas – BP, Exxon/Mobil, Shell and Speedway.  Airlines – American.  Cars – Budget and Avis.  Cruises – Carnival and Disney.  Shopping – Tanger Outlets and American Express.  Thanks for your support!

2ND ANNUAL PRIESTS' APPRECIATION DINNER: Come celebrate the vocation of your pastor at an appreciation dinner on Sunday, June 14th, at Fischer's Restaurant: 5:30 PM Cocktails; and 6:30 PM Dinner. Parishioners will be seated near their pastor. PLEASE ATTEND TO SHOW HIM YOUR SUPPORT. For invitations, contact Steve Kappel at 314-729-7843. The price is $37.50 per person for dinner. This is sponsored by the Serra Club of St. Clair County.

"SONROCK KIDS CAMP" VBS: Registration and volunteer forms are now available for this year's Vacation Bible School. VBS will be held June 22nd - 26th from 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM at Bethel United Methodist Church and St. John's United Church of Christ. You may pick up forms from the rectory or the HCS office. Contact Judy Schneider at 566-9562 or judy.schneider@charter.net.

HOMECOMING PARADE: There is a sign up sheet in the class room for the kids to sign up to walk in the parade. They will need to wear school uniform since we are representing our school & church. School shorts & shirts are okay to wear. They will be either passing out flyers for the picnic or candy. We would like all grades to participate parents are welcomed to walk with the kid or pull their child in a wagon.  Please email me if you are interested in representing our church & school, Stacie Cornman at hawaiiancornmans@charter.net  

CHURCH PICNIC:  There is a sign up sheet in the class rooms for 5^th through 8^th grade to work the game land at our Church Picnic. There are three shifts 6pm to 7pm; 7pm to 8pm; & 8pm to 9pm. This is just a note to make you aware that your child / children have the opportunity to sign up to work at Our Church Picnic. If you have any question please contact Stacie Cornman at hawaiiancornmans@charter.net

Have a Good Summer!!

TUESDAY, June 9

8:00 AM                   Pat Huff

WEDNESDAY, June 10

8:00 AM                   Elmer Hopfinger

THURSDAY, June 11

8:00 AM                   1.  Mary Waigand

                                  2. Mr. & Mrs. Charles Crowe

FRIDAY, June 12

8:00 AM                   Dan & Rose Mueth

SATURDAY, June 13

5:30 PM                   L/D members of Aloys & Joseph Zinck Families

SUNDAY, June  14

8:00   AM                1.   David Haas

                                 2.   Arthur & Emma Klein

                                 3.   Al & Ruth Forsyth (Anniversary)

10:30 AM                People of the Parish

May 31, 2009

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” The Spirit comes into our marriage like the tongues of fire came to the apostles. Bring the Spirit into your marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is June 26th through 28th.  Early registration is highly recommended. To register or for more information call 888-889-9963.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION: The City of Mascoutah is searching for organizations to sell certain products which include water, hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, fish, and BBQ. These items will be on a first come, first serve basis, please call for availability and to make a commitment. There is a restricted list of items reserved for the City and certain organizations which include beer and soda. If anyone is interested, please call the rectory at 566-2958 or the City at 566-2964.

KING'S HOUSE RETREAT & RENEWAL CENTER: There will be Retreats in June and July for Men and Women. There will also be Mind, Mystery & Imagination: a week long Retreat for women, men, religious, and clergy from July 27 - August 2. For more information, please contact the King's House at 618-397-0584.

ST. ANTHONY'S BUNKO & DESSERT PARTY will be on Monday, June 15th at 1:00 PM  in the St. Anthony's parish center in Beckemeyer, IL. Proceeds benefit St. Anthony Memorial Fund.

SWIC'S PROGRAMS & SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS:   Sister Martha Ann Schaefer will be hosting a Grief Support and Education Series on Thursdays, from 1-3 pm, beginning June 11 - July 30 for adults who have lost a loved one. The series is free of charge; refreshments and a book to keep will be provided. Reservations are required prior to attending. Please call Jodi at 618-234-4410, ext. 7031 for reservations or information.