FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Many, many thanks to all who showed up last Sunday afternoon to take down the Christmas decorations and to store them away!  I was not there to help or oversee, since I felt that those who have been leading the team could do a better job without me, and at the same time teach others what is entailed in getting ready for Christmas, as well as making room for the next season.  To tell the truth, I ate a snack, planned to go over to church, but went back to my chair, and fell sound asleep.  I woke up when Stacie Cornman came over to tell me that they were finished, and the church was secured.  Devilish planning??  No!  Just the satisfaction in caring adults, and young people!  Thanks from all of the rest of the parish!

Friday is the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision of the Supreme Court, legalizing abortion in the United States.  Many will be traveling to Washington to demonstrate their opposition to this decision.  We pray that they will have a safe journey there and back.  On our part here at home, for those who care, maybe we can go to mass or say some extra prayers that this decision will be reversed soon, and the Right to Life movement for the unborn will again take precedence over the abortion movement.  For all of us who are alive, we should be extremely happy that our parents chose life for us rather than death.

It hardly seems possible, but one month from today, February 17^th, is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent.  It seems like the Christmas season has passed so quickly, and here we are making plans for Easter.  Believe it or not, we are already booking priests for our Lenten Penance Service, and the school children’s Reconciliation Service.  (Both have the same meaning—Confessions!)

Again, a reminder to the entire parish that we need to grow in our spirituality!  The Cursillo movement is being mentioned in another place in this week’s bulletin, which invites men and women to make a three day retreat (separate events).  The King’s House has retreats for men, and I believe one is for our parish this month.  The ladies of the Parish are invited to partake in a Ladies Retreat later on in spring.  The Men’s Christian Conference is coming up on Feb. 6^th for a single day of renewal in St. Louis.  All of these are geared to help us grow in our knowledge and love of God in our daily lives, and to share this love with our families and in our parish.

The tragedy that took place in Haiti this past Tuesday is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.  Haiti is the poorest country in our hemisphere.  And it seems that they are constantly being hit with disasters.  As I write this column, they are speaking of up to a half million persons being killed.  And the devastation of buildings and infrastructure is incredible.  We can feel that it is far away, and we are safe.  But we are not that safe.  We too, are over a fault line in the earth’s surface, the New Madrid Fault.  And all of us have felt the tremors of minor quakes in our area.  Why they, and not us??  Why does someone else have a terminal illness, and not me?  I ask these questions only to invite us to pray in thanksgiving every day, many times a day for the blessings we have, and to pray for those who are being challenged to the extreme for answers and to live.  We all take so much for granted, and in reality, we are not sure of God’s plans for us today, or tomorrow.  Pray for one another!  Thank God for the health you think you have!  Thank God that you have another chance to share your blessings for God’s other children!  Life is a present, not a right in this regard!  Think about it, and pray over it!  If you want to help the people of Haiti, we are forwarding our gifts from the parish through Catholic Relief Services.

BAPTISMAL CLASS: There will be a baptismal class held on February 7, 2010 from 2 - 3:30 pm in the parish center.

NURSING HOME MINISTRY:  There is a need for someone to take communion to the Grange Nursing Home on the First Tuesday of the month. If you or someone you know is interested, please call Colleen Hopp at 618-934-3207. Thank you!

MESSENGER RENEWAL WEEKEND:  The Messenger, your local diocesan newspaper, brings news of events important in your parish, your diocese and the universal church. Please stay "connected" through a subscription to The Messenger. Annual subscriptions are $23 and the envelopes are provided in your parish envelope packet.

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!

CURSILLO:  Cursillo is more than just a retreat.  It is an encounter with Christ that continues long after the three day weekend.  We describe it as “A Little Bit of Heaven.”  Many experience an ongoing sense of Christian Community within Cursillo that is similar to the Christian Community described in the Acts of the Apostles.  Attend a Cursillo weekend and experience Christ’s love for you in a very special way!  The men’s Cursillo weekend is Feb 4-7, 2010 and the women’s Cursillo weekend is Feb 11-14, 2010; each beginning Thursday evening.  For further info please contact:  Dawn Reinacher at 618-830-2235.

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S CONFERENCE:  The 1st Annual Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, Feb 20 at the America's Center in downtown St. Louis. The cost is $40. The conference begins at 7:30am and concludes at 5:30pm after the Holy celebration of the Mass with Archbishop Carlson. The day will be filled with great guest speakers, music, vendors, lunch and an opportunity for confession and adoration. You can register at www.catholicwomenforchrist.org

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.

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. 

"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).

Visit Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration  every Tuesday

 following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM,

and on Saturdays 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.