FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Well, we have survived this first week of November, we must be truly grateful to God for the beautiful days we have had this week.  I know the farmers are glad, so that they can get in their crops.  I heard somewhere that they are about four weeks behind in the normal schedule of getting in the harvest. Please pray for the good weather that they need to bring in the harvest.  Pray also for their safety.  One of our parishioners, Dustin Kehrer, has had a serious and debilitating accident already.  The family thanks God that it was not worse.  We are all brothers and sisters because of our baptism.  As we would want others to pray for us and for our own personal safety, please do the same for others.

Tuesday is the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Ag Building in Scheve Park.  Everyone is invited to attend and will begin at 7:30 A.M.  Since I have to be there for the opening program, I will not be at Mass. Father Thomas will say Mass at 8 AM.  You must purchase a ticket, and can get them at the Bank, and at Tom’s IGA.

Wednesday is Veteran’s Day across our whole country.  There will be no school that day and the office will be closed.  We will have our mass at 8:00 A.M., and will be praying for all of our veterans, living and deceased.  Sad to say, we fail to count all of our blessings won for us at great sacrifice.  It goes back to founding of our country, down through the ages for the defense of our freedoms and safe keeping and sharing of our blessings, the sacrifices of our parents and other persons who provide for our families and our church, and for Jesus who died on the cross to save us from our sins.  Whatever we have, has been purchased at a price of life and labor.  As the old saying goes, “There are no freebies”.  Even here in our parish, someone is always giving of themselves out of love for Holy Childhood and what it brings to our faith community.  How do we rate?  A giver? Or a taker?  Thank God for the many men and women who have given of themselves to keep our country free!

As winter is quickly approaching, we need to do some outside work in preparation for the coming year—you know, the flower beds.  We need to clear the old flowers of this year in order to make ready for the flowers of next year.  This Saturday, at 9:00 A.M., we will start cleaning the flower beds around and behind church, so that we can plant bulbs for next spring.  I need many hands and bending backs to clean the beds.  We can also use a couple of trucks to haul the debris down to the city dump.  We all like the beauty of flowers around church.  Here is a chance for you to have a part in making it happen.  Come Saturday, and come prepared to beautify our church.

As the end of the year approaches many things happen in the parish office that affects you.  Our secretary has been working on next year’s contribution envelopes so that they will be ready later this month.  Advent is quickly approaching, and so an Advent schedule is being prepared along with an insert on how to make it more beneficial.  The Blue Books will be distributed from church instead of being mailed to you—postage costs.  There will also be an Advent Missalette for those who want one for attending weekday and Sunday masses.  A lot of pots are cooking on the stove right now and the Parish Directory is really cooking now.  We are blessed with good help!

Question:  As we come to the end of the year, are you up to date with your parish support for the sake of your income taxes?  Have you remembered Holy Childhood Parish in your Estate Planning—your Will?  It all helps to keep our Parish up to snuff!

GIFT CARDS: Support Holy Childhood School by buying gift cards for everyday purchases.  We have many in stock for “cash `n carry”.  You can purchase gift cards everyday in the school office and after weekend masses at church.  Thanks for your support!

BREAKING OPEN THE WORD: We are in need of additional adult leaders for the children's liturgy program on Sundays at the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful way to share your faith with the children of our parish. If you are interested or need further information, please contact Mary Elmore at 566-7315.

INTERNATIONAL WORLD YOUTH DAY PILGRIMAGE is an opportunity to celebrate our Catholic faith with the Holy Father and youth of the world! This pilgrimage trip is a service of the Office of Youth Ministry, Diocese of Belleville. All youth must be a minimum of 16 at the time of the trip or be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to participate. We strongly encourage young adults between the age of 18-35 to register. This will take place in Madrid, Spain and will be held August 11-22, 2011. For more information, please contact Colette Kennett at the Office of Youth Ministry at 618-235-9601.  

SCOUTING FOR FOOD: The annual Boy Scouts "Scouting for Food" drive will be Saturday, November 21st. Holy Childhood's "Shepherd Sunday" is on November 22nd. Both food drives benefit the Mascoutah Food Pantry, which is having increasing numbers of people needing help. Some suggestions for donations are: canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, pastas, sugar, flour, oil, breakfast foods, peanut butter, jelly, personal care products, bath tissue, and detergent. There is no need for green beans, peas, corn, and tomatoes at this time. Thank you for helping our local food pantry.  

HOLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL'S ANNUAL SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR is coming soon. The book fair will be held in HCS's cafeteria from November 16th - 24th. The book fair will also be open after mass on November 22nd from 8:30 - 12:00 noon. This is a great time to pick up stocking stuffers or Christmas gifts. Thank you!

"For just as you cannot be exposed to the sun, without receiving its vivifying rays,

 so too you cannot be exposed to the Son of God,

present in the Blessed Sacrament,

without receiving His divine rays of enriching graces, mercy, love, life and peace."

(Pathway to Holiness by Mary's Call)

 Visit our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM

or on Saturdays from 9-10 AM.