FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

This past Wednesday, we laid to rest another one of our parishioners, in the person of Mrs. Evangeline Zimmermann.   She was a dedicated worker, and a faith-filled person.  She used to run the kitchen when we had bingo, for a while.  She later worked at the Senior Center as Secretary, and also in other areas.  She gave of herself.  We do not know where our lives will lead us as we grow older.  However, we thank God for the gift of life and family and friends as long as we can. We are not anxious to die right now!  May God bless her and reward her richly for all of her good works.

The weather has been showering havoc all around us.  Monday afternoon showed us the power of God’s nature as it damaged and destroyed homes and barns, and other property.  And the rain keeps coming.  I guess our farmers and construction people are saying:  “Rain, rain, go away!  Come again, some other day!”  They need to get their crops into the ground now, so that they can harvest them later.  And the contractors need to get a respite so that they can meet their deadlines.  On the other hand, those of us who have flowers and gardens are grateful that we do not have to do so much watering.  I bet that God is flipping a coin each day to see who he pleases that day.

The Blood Drive on June 4^th netted 74 units of blood.  I thought our goal was 85, when in reality, it was 68.  So we made our goal!  We had 78 persons to come and give blood.  We missed all of our helpers who were supposed to come to unload the truck and set-up, and those who were to come to reload the truck.  Stacie Cornman called in about five of her kids and friends to unload.  In the evening, we had two high school students and one adult to help load out.  Our make-up drive is Saturday, the 13^th.  I hope that many will come and we can go over our goal again.

I have been thanking persons who come on their own to help clean up here at church.  This week, I would like to recognize Ralph Wilhelm, who regularly cleans the side-walks and driveway at the back of church.  Our pecan tree is prolific in producing its crop of seeds and they become a real mess.  Thanks, Ralph!

Our Thanks to Ray Klein for organizing his group of men to trim the shrubs around the parish center, church, and rectory.  “Butch” Klein was here early on Wednesday morning and hard at work getting the shrubs around the parish center, and cleaning up the clippings.  Ray Klein, Michael Klein, Jason Klein, Larry Wilhelm, Jeremy Schanz, and Jamie Schanz and his son Jacob, made up the evening crew.  They did a great job, cleaned up on the rectory roof, and under all of the shrubs, and hauled it away.  An hour later, the weather turned, and it rained.  And rained!  --2 inches on the rectory gauge.

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.

LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR DAD? Bookmarkers will be available at the main entrance at all Masses on Father's Day weekend. These bookmarkers/prayer cards for fathers (or in honor of fathers) and special father figures will let him know how special he is to you by thanking and encouraging him for the legacy he passes on. Donations received will help support the Respect for Life efforts and several outreach programs that promote family life in the Belleville Diocese.

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!

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 16

8:00 AM                  Leonard & Anna Schoeberle

WEDNESDAY, June 17

8:00 AM                  Msgr. Bernard Voss

                              Arthur Friederich

THURSDAY, June 18

8:00 AM                  Joseph & Agnes Bechtoldt

FRIDAY, June 19

8:00 AM                  1. L/D Members of the Louis

                              2. Donald Pritchett  

SATURDAY, June 20

5:30 PM                  1. Deceased Members of  the Henry Rakers Family

                              2. Arthur Friederich

                              3. Clarence Fohne

SUNDAY, June 21

8:00   AM                People of the Parish

10:30 AM                William H. & William A. Ganz

June 7, 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.

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.

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.