FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

The picnic is over and it is a relief!  So many worked so hard to make it a success, and I want all of you to know that you are greatly appreciated.  You did this because you love Holy Childhood Church and School, and you want to carry on the traditions set by your parents and family from years past.  If we do not continue to fill in their shoes and carry on the work they started, we are letting their efforts go to waste.  As time goes on, we all see where improvements can be made and try to incorporate them.  Change is always difficult!  However, we must always be positive in how we can do things better for the good of our parish, and for all of God’s people.  The purpose of the picnic is to make money for the support of our parish and school.  It also brings people together.  But all of us gauge the success of our picnic by its gross income that night, and by the net income after all of the bills are paid.  The picnic is for the good of the parish, not just to have a picnic and social get-together.  Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a success.

Next Week-end is Labor Day week-end—a national holiday.  Many will be traveling.  It is the official last day of the summer vacation time, and school has already made that very evident to those of school age.  As you celebrate this holiday, please take care of yourselves and others.  Also take some time to thank God for the abilities that He has given to you to make this world a better and hopefully, a happier world.  No matter what your trade or talents might be, thank God that you have been able to enjoy them, to be able to support yourself and your family, and to do good for others.  God has blessed us in order that we might bring His goodness, gifts, and care to others.  That is why he tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves.  We need others and their gifts as much as we depend on others for their gifts—food, repairs, planning, construction, records, etc.  We all have a task in God’s plan.  Thank Him for your gifts, and the happiness they bring.

Next Sunday, I will be leaving for my annual Fishing trip down in Kentucky.  Fr. Dennis Voss is going with me on this trip, since my brother cannot make it.  Do you think the power of two priests will have more effect on catching fish?  Our guide is not catholic—do you think that we can drive him bonkers by our holiness?  Not only that!  I will not be able to tell fish stories, since he cannot lie, and he probably would snitch on me just to see me in trouble.  I am sure that we will have a good time and relaxation.

Our Follow-up blood drive will be on Saturday, Sept. 12^th, from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Clarification:  Wedding dates are scheduled only after meeting with the pastor.  The same applies to other events, including funerals!  That a date is not booked does not always mean that the one can call in, check the date, and feel that it is theirs.  This is for the benefit of all concerned.  Make sure the church is available first before booking the hall.

BAPTISMAL CLASS  for new parents, parents to be, or parents who have not attended a class within two years of the last child baptized. Class will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 2-3:30 PM in the parish center. You will register upon your arrival.

RCIA: If anyone is interested in signing up for RCIA, please contact the rectory at 566-2958 or K.K. Schneider at 566-2871.

GIFT CARDS:  Holy Childhood School sells gift cards all year around.  You can use the gift cards for your everyday purchases, to purchase gifts, or to give as gifts.  We stock restaurant cards for Tony’s, Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, Subway, Panera, and Pizza Hut.  We stock retail cards for American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Build-A-Bear, Dillard’s, iTunes, Kohl’s, and Macy’s.  We stock grocery cards for Tom’s, Shop N Save and Wal-Mart.  Plus many more!

COME ONE, COME ALL: Adult choir practice will resume on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:30 PM in the choir loft. If you like to sing, we would love to have you join us. We have a lot of fun, but we work hard too. If you have any questions, please call Mary Kay @ 566-2690 or email mkprit@charter.net. Thank you!

HELP US EARN 20 NEW ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMPUTER SYSTEMS! The HCS Technology Committee is sponsoring a Trivia Night on Saturday, September 19^th in the HCS Gym. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the game beginning at 7:00pm. The cost is $15/person or $100/table (paid in advance to HCS) which includes two drink tickets per player. Baby sitting is available for children 3 years and older. For Reservations: Contact Karen @ 618-566-8118 or email Karen_wobbe@yahoo.com.

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY is starting once again! This involves groups of 6-12 people meeting weekly or every other week this fall. These "communities" watch videos, go over Sunday readings, or discuss faith related topics. There will be six groups meetings at different times and days of the week. If you would like to find out more, please contact John Pettinger at 618-677-2724 / johnpettinger@yahoo.com or you may contact the rectory.

PICNIC COMMITTEE: We will be having a picnic closing meeting on September 1st at 7 PM in the parish center.

                                         *If you won a raffle, you can pick it up at the rectory Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4pm. 

                                 A BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS YEAR'S PICNIC A SUCCESS! 

2009 PARISH DIRECTORY: Sign up after mass on August 8, 9, 15, 16, 29 or 30.  We will NOT have sign up the weekend of the Church Picnic. If you sign up on or before August 30, you will be entered to win one of two $50 gift certificates that can be used toward additional portrait purchases.  Pictures will be taken at the following times:

* Tuesday September 8^th – Friday September 11^th 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM

* Saturday September 12^th                    10:00AM – 4:30 PM

* Tuesday September 15^th – Thursday September 17^th 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Note:  On-line sign-up will be disabled during weekend sign-up.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

COUNCIL 4380

Attn:  3^rd Degree KC Members.  Knights of Columbus Shirts (short-sleeved) are available for ordering.  You must be a 3^rd Degree member to wear the shirt with the KC Emblem.

They are made of Micro Fiber Material, The shirts are Purple with White accent Striping under arms.  Shirt is embroidered with KC Emblem (2”), Council 4380. Mascoutah, IL displayed on left side of shirt. 

Shirt sizes are

Lg (42-44) and XLg (46-48)     $30.00

XXLg (50-52)                              $32.00

XXXL (54-56)                            $34.00

If interested, contact Roger Hund, email:  rogerhund@charter.net or phone 566-7410.  State:  name, telephone number and size.  When available for delivery, payment will be collected.

REMINDER: PSR teachers training September 9, at 6:30 PM in the parish center.

PSR classes begin Sunday, September 13th. If you have not registered your children and would like to,  you may register that morning and thereafter.

"Every moment that we spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament

will leave our soul everlastingly more glorious

and beautiful in heaven because the Blessed Sacrament is Jesus, our risen Savior,

 with all the glory and beauty of His resurrection

flowing out on those who come into His Eucharistic presence."

 (Pathway to Holiness, Mary's Call).

MASS INTENTIONS

TUESDAY, September 1

8:00 AM             David Haas

WEDNESDAY, September 2

8:00 AM            Roman & Marcella Wilhelm

                            (60th anniversary)

THURSDAY, September 3

8:00 AM            Leonard & Anna Schoeberle

FRIDAY, September 4

8:00 AM            Wanda Gass

SATURDAY, September 5

5:30 PM            1) Harvey & Marlene Groennert

                                  (43rd anniversary)

                          2) Art & Pat Bowker

                                  (50th anniversary) 

SUNDAY, September 6

8:00   AM         People of the Parish

10:30 AM         Pat & Art Bowker  (50th Anniversary)

                         Lawrence Christ

 August 23, 2009

MONDAY, August 31

No Mass

Tuesday,  September 1

8:00 AM                    Mass→Adoration→7 PM           

9 AM / 6 PM          Quilting                    

Wednesday,  September 2

8:00 AM                   Mass

7:30 PM                   Choir Practice

THURSDAY,  September 3

8:00 AM                   Mass

9:00 AM                   Quilting

Communion  Calls

FRIDAY, September 4

8:00 AM                   Mass

Communion Calls

SATURDAY, September 5

9:00 AM                   Adoration

4:30 PM                    Confessions

5:30 PM                    Mass

SUNDAY,  September 6 -- Welcome Sunday

  8:00 AM                  Mass

10:30 AM                  Mass   

            Child Protection Training       September 9           7-9 pm      Parish Center

                                                                  Call School office  566-2922 to register. No cost

Dear Parents & Friends,

Welcome back as we begin the first full week of school. Preschool has started and we welcome back returning students and new students. It is great to see new students, eager to be in school, anxious and can’t wait to be in ‘school’. The energy and excitement they bring is amazing.

One student was asked if they saw Mrs. Karcher (3year old teacher) and they said they saw the ‘boy ‘Karcher' (myself). Smoke rose over the microwave as one student microwaved a brownie to a crispy critter. Life is a gift; enjoy this great gift from God.

In my office is a certificate of appreciation from Big Muddy Prison. I visit the prison monthly and do a Sunday Celebration in the absence of the Priest. In 1969 I was a prison guard at Statesville Prison in Joliet to earn enough money to graduate from college. I have told some that first you have to be a prison guard before you become a principal. We do not realize how our experiences affect our life. We are called to serve.

God bless you and keep us in your prayers and your continued support.

God Bless You,

Deacon Ron Karcher

Principal