FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Retreat was somewhat different this year.  It was concentrated into opening on Monday evening, conferences on Tuesday in the afternoon and evening (due to Fr. Braun’s funeral), and Thursday’s conferences being squished into Wednesday schedule due to the impending snow on Thursday, (and the Retreat Master not wanting to get isolated in Illinois).  He was from St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, and he wanted to get home.  So the only event left on Thursday would have been the mass, and so many of us used the same excuse to go home and beat the snow.  HOWEVER, I believe that the thoughts and insights given to us during the retreat were great, and challenged all of us to not only better our personal lives, but also to see new avenues that we can employ in our parishes for greater spiritual growth.  As he told us "Let God in." So we have to challenge our parishioners to let God in and show us the way.

The trip to Wendelin, where Fr. Braun’s funeral took place is way east, north of Olney, and two miles from Springfield Diocese boundary.  It is closer to Effingham than it is to Salem.  It was a two hour drive from here.  And what was so great was the fact that over forty of us priests were there.  This place is way out of the way, a little town of about 150 persons, and the parish hall (a new one) is the community center for all activities around.  And the other amazing item about Wendelin is that it produced six priestly vocations to our diocese over the years.  It is basically a farming community.  But it is a parish deeply rooted in its Catholic faith, like an oasis out in the middle of the desert.  It was a great experience to be there and share the liturgy with the people and celebrate their deceased pastor.  May he rest in the peace of Christ!

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.  With this feast, we end the Christmas season, and begin Ordinary Time in the Church year.  Once again, we begin to wear green vestments until Ash Wednesday, to symbolize our growing in the love of God and the love of our neighbor.  This is not merely a mind item, but needs to be lived out in our daily lives by our prayers, our sacrifices, and our attendance at Mass.  We need to keep trying to be our best.  Mediocrity is not the option.  Just as we would not accept mediocrity in our children’s school achievement, or sport’s abilities, so God does not buy into mediocrity in our spiritual life.  Our call is to become the IMAGE AND LIKENESS of God in all aspects at all times.  Take the time to learn to know God, love God, and to serve God.  All else will fall into place after that.  We must place God first in our lives.

Next Saturday, at 7:30 A.M. in the parish center, the Men’s Spirituality group will meet to deepen their faith in prayer and sharing.  All men of the parish are invited to participate in this, usually, one hour meeting.  They will also be working on the Men’s Conference which will take place on February 6^th in St. Louis.

This Sunday afternoon, at 1:00, we will begin taking down the Christmas decorations in and around church.  Again, we need hands and legs, young and old, to put away the decorations properly, and in their proper places.  Please come and help us as part of your parish care and participation.  Thank you!

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!

HOLY CHILDHOOD MARRIAGE RETREAT: The retreat will begin on Saturday, January 30th at 3 PM and end Sunday afternoon. It will take place at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL. Please join us for a relaxing weekend designed to energize your marriage! If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Mary Moll at 618-971-7665 or Cathy Jung at 618-530-7103.

GIFT CARDS: Thanks for your support over the Christmas season!  Don’t forget that you can use Kohl’s gift cards purchased through the school to make payments on your Kohl’s credit card.  Remember we sell gift cards year around!

SHEPHERD SUNDAY: The Mascoutah Food Pantry is in need of the following items this month: graham crackers, egg noodles, sloppy joe sauce, pancake syrup, chili beans, & chicken & dumplings. Thanks to all who support the Food Pantry!

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.

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. 

"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.