FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Second Edition:  I typed out the first edition of my comments for this week and somehow or other could not get it to the disc, or print it. Nor could I retrieve it on this computer!  Oh, the woes of being computer illiterate, or in other words, a dummy!  I can laugh at myself for another reason now, among all of the other reasons.

At any rate, A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU, whom I did not get to see before now, or offer to you.  Friday was New Years Day and a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics.  It was, and is, a time to renew our commitment to being a Catholic and living our faith every day of the year.  It is also a time to thank God for all of the blessings of the past year, and years, and that maybe they were not as bad as they could have been.  Since many of us are starting the New Year in church today, take a few moments to think about your connection with God, his family of the church, and your own personal family.  What can I do to bring God’s blessings to all of the rest of my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus??

You are asked to remember in your prayers Fr. David Braun, who passed away this past Wednesday afternoon.  He was the pastor of the parish in Wendelin, out beyond Olney, in the eastern part of our diocese.  He had Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.  He was 71 yrs of age, and a priest for 28 yrs.  He suffered much in the last years.  May he rest in peace!

Our Blood Drive this past Thursday was successful, exceeding our goal of 60 units by 17.  Many thanks to all those who came to give blood, and to all those who worked to make this event possible.  Thanks to the Boy Scouts of Troop 57, and their leaders, who helped “set up”, and to “load out” the Red Cross equipment.  Many thanks to all who gave cookies for the refreshment stand, and to “Tony’s" for the delicious wild rice soup.  I can remember when we had drives that exceeded 200 units as a regular event back in the ‘70s and ‘80s.  Now we do good to get in 100 donors.  We need to get a new enthusiasm for giving blood to save lives among our younger generation.  Blood must be available when it is needed, and that is why we have blood drives—to keep the supply available.

I will be on retreat at the King’s House this week from Monday afternoon to Thursday afternoon.  I will be coming home at night to sleep in my own bed and utilize my sleep Apnea machine.  However, I will also be leaving early in the morning to be back for all of the activities.  Fr. Jim Thomas will be saying mass on Tuesday and Wednesday for the parishioners and students and there will be no Mass on Thursday. Please  pray for all of the priests who will be making the retreat, that it will strengthen them spiritually and help them in their work.

At the start of Advent, Deacon Karcher came to me with a challenge program for our students—to give each one $1.00, and ask them to use it to return a greater amount for the poor by Christmas.  On that particular morning, we gave out 200 $1.00 bills to all of the students and adults in church.  Ready?  The return was over $900 for the poor, and is to be divided to Catholic Urban Program, St. Vincent de Paul, and Concerned Christians.  Some pooled their money to make cookies and sell them, another bought gas to cut grass, and they came up with all sorts of ways to help the poor.  Where there is a will, there is a way!

Thanks for all the prayers, support, gifts, and blessings that you gave to me over the past holiday season, and over the many years we have shared!  God Bless all of you!

Next Sunday - The Baptism of the Lord - We will start taking down Christmas decorations at 1 PM.

PARISH DIRECTORY UPDATE: We are requesting a second proof from LifeTouch Portraits, so the Church Directory should be out sometime between March and April. Thank you!

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: The Holy Childhood Council of Catholic Women wishes to thank everyone who donated money towards the beautiful Christmas flowers for our church, in memory of their deceased loved ones, and also to the ones who made special contributions. Your generosity will help keep the church beautiful throughout the year. On January 10th, at the 8 AM Mass will be said for all of the deceased family & friends, you wanted remembered with your flower donation. Thank you, Pat Bowker.

REMINDER: THE FIRST PEWS ARE RESERVED FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND ELDERLY! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

2009 CONTRIBUTIONS: We will be accepting 2009 contributions through January 15, 2010.

MASS INTENTIONS: There are offering envelopes for Mass intentions at each entrance of church. If you request a special date, please call the rectory to verify that the date is available.

CATHOLIC MEN'S CONFERENCE will be held on Saturday, February 6th, at the America's Center. This is for men of all ages! The cost is $45. You can register at the rectory or call Tom Norrenberns at 566-8531. Please make checks payable to Holy Childhood Parish.

HOLY CHILDHOOD MEN'S MINISTRY MEETING: The next men's ministry meeting will be held January 16th at 7:30 AM in the Youth Room of the Parish Center. We hope you can join us for fellowship and faith! Contact Joe Wingate (618) 448-0015, or Scott Anderson (618) 448-0008 if you have any questions.

BINGO AT THE PARK will resume Thursday January 7, 2010. Doors open at 5:00pm and games begin at 7:00pm. Bingo is sponsored by the Mascoutah Improvement Association in conjunction with additional civic organizations, including our Technology Committee here at Holy Childhood School. Come enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo while helping raise money for the technology program at Holy Childhood School.

SAVE THE DATE: Holy Childhood School's 150th Anniversary Celebration - April 24, 2010 from 6:30pm to 12:00am. All are welcome for fun, dancing, and fellowship. To get your commemorative T-shirt call Angie Norrenberns @ 566-7078. 

PSR: Reminder to Parents: There is a meeting for all second graders and parents on January 10th at 9:15 am in the church.

CYO: There will be a Luke 18 Meeting on January 6th from 7 - 9 PM for the Guardians and disciples.

"My God, I thank You for guarding me always and keeping me safe;

I thank You for giving me so often

in the sacrament of penance forgiveness for my sins;

for offering Yourself in Holy Mass

with all your infinite merits to the Father for me;

for the coming to me in Holy Communion

and for the patient waiting in the adorable sacraments of the altar."

Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday, following mass, until 7 pm: on Saturday 9-10 am.