Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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July 5, 2009
FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH Tuesday, I was in the Chancery Office for a meeting, and afterwards, we had a "New Year's Eve dinner." Questioning the rationale for this event, I was informed that it was the last day of the fiscal year, and a new financial year would begin July 1st. This entails the budget for the old year, the debts, carry-overs, etc. For the new year, it entails new goals, new insurance rates, medical plans, retirement plans, and ways to pay the bills. Somehow it seemed familiar to the parish scenario - how to make the ends meet! So we ate brats, hamburgers, pot-luck dishes, and cheese cake, and wondered what the new year would bring and how we would survive. We were all laughing when we left, but deep down I believe all of us had a feeling of what the future bodes. I dare say that many of you have a similar sensation as we move onward into 2009. In fact, since our taxes are based on the annual year of January to December, we are six months in and six months out! Is the glass half empty, or half full? At any rate, we are people of hope! We trust in our abilities and good luck. We are also people of faith, and we trust that God will pull us through if we work with Him and stay close to Him. There may be some tough sledding along the way, some set-backs to our plans, many sacrifices, and maybe a new effort on our own to know God, love God, and serve God. For sure, God did not promise us an easy way, but to keep His commandments - to take up our cross and follow Him. There are no freebies-someone has to pay to balance the books, whether through our own efforts or the generosity of others.
I say this because here at the parish, we too are facing some financial problems in meeting our obligations toward salaries, loans, diocesan assessments, paying normal bills. We try to conserve and be good stewards of the gifts to our parish - your parish support. We all want fairness as we watch the umpires call balls and strikes at a ball game. We know what it means to play a great game. We need also to assess ourselves in being fair when we support our church and our school in accord with the blessings that God has given to each one of us. How great of a steward are we in using the gifts God has given to us, especially in regards to Holy Childhood Parish?
This coming Saturday, July 11th, there will be a Mass of the Anointing of the Sick and the Elderly at 9:00 AM here at church. It is a sacrament that brings God's special blessing to those who come seeking his protection.
Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated this year, 2009-2010, to be the "Year of the Priest." He, and the whole church, asks you to pray for vocations to the priesthood, as well as to pray for all priests and religious. Without the priest there will be no Eucharist! Say some extra prayers each day for vocations from our own families and our diocese. It is your future and to your benefit!
FOOD PANTRY BUILDING COLLECTION: There is a 2nd collection on the 4th weekend of the month (Shepherd Sunday) for the Food Pantry Building Renovation. Please make checks payable to: Holy Childhood and in the memo: Food Pantry Building.
If you would like to make a donation to the Food Pantry, please make checks payable to: Concerned Christians.
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY: would like to thank everyone from the parish that supported Project Rachel and Respect Life. We hope the roses were a blessing for your parish on Mother's Day. We would also like to thank all of you for your support of the CSMA. Especially because the CSMA donations often reflect generosity born out of sacrifice, please be assured of the ongoing commitment (and prayers for wisdom) to use them in a way that is worthy of the gift.
GIFT CARDS: Purchase Gift Cards at face value for everyday purchases or to give as gifts. HCS receives a percentage back on every gift card purchased. We have restaurant, gas, retail and local stores available. Stop by the gathering space after every mass to purchase your cards.
PARISH PICNIC QUILTS: We have already purchased some quilts for the picnic, but are still in need of donations for the purchasing of more! If you are not in with a group, you can just send in a donation to keep purchasing quilts. Thank you.
ARTISTIC TALENT NEEDED: Anyone interested in helping make posters for our church picnic, please contact Stacie Cornman at 566-0355 or 618-920-8386. Thank you.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will meet this Thursday at 7:30 PM in the parish center. All adult men eighteen years of age or older who are practicing Catholics with a desire to contribute time and energy to church and the community are welcome to join.
LOOKING FOR MUSICIANS: We are looking for an organist / pianist to play for Mass on occasion. If you have this talent and are willing to share it with the parish, please let Father know or call the rectory at 566-2958. Thanks!
VALUES FROM ST. VINCENT DE PAUL is a new catalog program sponsored by the Belleville Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It's a way you can purchase new, quality merchandise of all types (delivered right to your door) and , at the same time, help St. Vincent serve the poor. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent de Paul ministries. For additional information or to see merchandise available, visit SVDP website at www.svdpsouthil.org and click the "Catalog Program" tab or call 618-394-3568. SVDP needs your help in meeting the growing requests they have for assistance; visit the website or call today! Thank you and God bless!
CHURCH CHATTER: This is our Church newsletter, sent out to all households registered with Holy Childhood Parish. We look for news about what's happening within the parish and in support of our parishioners. If you have something of interest, please send it to Linda Zacharski at: kzacharski@charter.net or mail it to: 717 Knipp Ave, Mascoutah, IL. All organizations, school, and committees and clubs are invited to respond. Deadline for summer issue is July 15th. The next issue will be in late October. Don't wait to tell us about your activities and your members. Do it now!!
SCOUTS YARD SALE DONATION ITEMS: The church-sponsored Boy Scout Troop will conduct their annual yard sale at the church parking lot on July 11th. There are several ways you can help! You can donate items to the yard sale, you can sell your own items at a $10 rented table in the parking lot; and lastly, you can buy something at the sale. If you would like to have your donated items picked up, please call Jim Cornman at 566-0355 or 618-960-9049. Thank you for your support!
Parish School of Religion Director: Marilyn Byrne
Have a Good Summer!!
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
"The fundamental reason for the lack of peace in our hearts and in the world may well be our rebellious independence from God. In His conversations with Saint Faustina, the Lord emphasized the connection between trusting Him and finding peace. But this peace that comes from trusting God's mercy is not just for individual souls; it is also for nations and the world. The path to peace is not in summit meetings, nor in stockpiling arms, nor in acquiring more material goods. The path to peace is found only in God's mercy." (Come to My Mercy, Rev. George Kosicki; CSB)
Visit Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM, and on Saturday from 9-10 AM. If you would like to commit to a specific hour to pray on Tuesdays, please call Mary Ellen Mueller at 566-9529.
MASS INTENTIONS
TUESDAY, July 7 8:00 AM Eric Villotti
WEDNESDAY, July 8 8:00 AM John Rist
THURSDAY, July 9 8:00 AM Arthur Friederich
FRIDAY, July 10 8:00 AM David Hartlein Donald Pritchett
SATURDAY, July 11 5:30 PM 1. Leo Meehan / Mary Kay Caplinger 2. Robert Loos
SUNDAY, July 12 8:00 AM Edwin Haas Vera Lickenbrock 10:30 AM People of the Parish June 28, 2009
WEEKLY CALENDAR MONDAY, July 6 No Mass
Tuesday, July 7 8:00 AM Mass →Adoration→7 PM 9:00 AM Quilting 6:00 PM Quilting 7:30 PM Finance Mtg.
Wednesday, July 8 8:00 AM Mass
THURSDAY, July 9 8:00 AM Mass 9:00 AM Quilting 7:30 PM KC's - pc
FRIDAY, July 10 8:00 AM Mass Wedding Rehearsal
SATURDAY, July 11 9:00 AM Adoration 2:00 PM Wedding 4:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Mass
SUNDAY, July 12 8:00 AM Mass
10:30 AM Mass
HOLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL
WEB SITE:
holychildhoodschool.com
Dear Friends,
If you get a chance, go to our website: www.holychildhoodschool.com Our dedicated Computer Committee has worked many hours developing a new website that I think you will find is clean and easy to use.
I write this letter as I am getting ready to go on vacation. I will be gone July 1-10. Vacations are important, no matter what the time of year or where it is. When your children are young your vacations many times revolve around them such as theme parks, camping etc. My wife and I have done all of that. Now we go to places that interest us but not necessarily our grown children. It is a time to relax, to get away from the daily grind and to see this beautiful country and world. We all need to take time to relax, to enjoy.
Vacations also create memories, both funny and challenging. We learn many things and are awed by nature and structures. Going to a different Catholic church can be awesome. I have been to Cathedrals in Germany, New York, Los Angeles and many small communities. All were centers of faith and places to take time to pray to Jesus.
God bless you and take time to relax, to feel the goodness of God.
Sincerely, Deacon Ron Karcher Principal
July 8: Meeting 7 - 8:30 PM. July 15: Church cleaning after the 8 AM Mass Pool Party at the Rabens 6 - 9 PM.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: “I will hear what God proclaims...” (Today's Psalm) Get away from the busyness of everyday life and let God speak to your marriage/holy orders. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is August 7th through 9th. Early registration is highly recommended. To register or for more information call 888-889-9963 or go online to www.aweekendofdiscovery.org.
ST. DAMIAN'S ANNUAL PICNIC: will be on Saturday, July 11th from 3:30 PM to midnight at St. Damian Parish Grounds. They will be serving a all-you-can-eat cafeteria style supper beginning at 3:30 PM. Mass will be celebrated at 4 & 5:30 PM. Quilt/Cash Bingo starts at 6:30 PM. There will also be refreshments, games, and novelties. St. Damian's Church, Damiansville, IL.
ST. JAMES CHURCH 60TH ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: will be on Saturday, August 1st. There will be a household auction starting at 10 AM. An all-you-can-eat chicken dinner will be from 4 - 7 PM, and Quilt/Cash Bingo starts at 5:30 PM. Mass will be celebrated at 4 PM. In the Church. They will have live music, raffles, crafts, booths, attendance prizes and games for all ages! St. James Church, Millstadt, IL. Please accept our invitation if your schedule permits!
ST. CHARLES CHURCH PICNIC: will be on Saturday, July 25th, Church grounds, DuBois, IL. Polka Mass at 4 PM, there will be a Fried Chicken Dinner & Pork Steak Dinner served from 4-7:30 PM. Quilt / Cash Bingo starts at 6:30 PM, and the Polka music begins from 6:30 - 10:30 PM. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Conner at 618-214-1233. I hope you can make it!
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