FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Many thanks to all who were involved in the Luke 18 of last weekend!  I heard that it was a great success, and that everything went as planned.  Theirs, Yours, and My prayers were answered.  I am sure it is a relief for those who organize the program, that it went well, and is now an item of history.

Many thanks also, to those who reminded me that I was a year older by cards and gifts.  I believe that I am feeling the quantity of the years more than before both in health and in accomplishments.  The mind wants to do many things, and has great plans. But the body tells me that I am not as young as I was before, and to act my age and not my I.Q.

Today, here at Holy Childhood, we have our annual Pre-Cana Program, for engaged couples preparing for their wedding.  As I mentioned once before, we have only two from our parish enrolled.  However, we have a full house, and have to turn away about ten other couples from around the diocese.  I am grateful to the team who puts on this week-end event, and I am sure all who attend grow from it.  But they need to know reality is coming.  As LeRoy, in the Lockhorns comics stated: “Marriage is like a nice hot bath.  It is great at the start, but it cool off.”  I believe that this happens in any calling in life.

Congratulations to Ben and Joann Mueller who celebrate their 50^th Wedding Anniversary this morning ( Sunday).  I am sure that they have many events in their lives that bring great joys and some,  not so joyful times.  We pray for the continued success of their marriage, and the fullness of God’s Blessings.  We hope that you can enjoy many more years of marital happiness and holiness.

Again, a reminder to take your Lenten booklet if you have not done so already.  It is the “Little Black Book”, which we have been providing for many years.  It is my hope that this booklet will help you to grow in knowledge about your faith, and more, to develop a deeper closeness between you and your God.

Next Sunday, our Scouts will be honored at the 8 am mass.  Scout Sunday was on the seventh of February.  However, since February has been so congested with special events, they decided to celebrate Scout Sunday on the 28^th, an open day.

This coming week will be a full week for me in the evenings with Finance Council on Monday, Pastoral Council on Tuesday, Mass on Wednesday, School Board on Thursday, and Stations and Benediction on Friday.  And much of this can change before it is over.

Please make every effort to come to Mass on Wednesday evening during Lent, so that God can bless you with His special graces.  I know that it is early, but it gives you the opportunity to attend, and then have the evening free for other activities.  The same applies to Stations of the Cross on Friday.  Come; enter into the spirit of Lent! 

ANNUAL LENTEN  SOUP SUPPER AND SPEAKER SERIES: Three excellent speakers have been booked for the series. Father Joe Rascher, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church in Caseyville, will begin the series on Monday, March 1. Father’s topic is entitled “Hearts Afloat: The Eucharistic Prayer: A Deeper Look into The High Point of the Mass.”

· On Monday, March 8 we will have Sr. Jean DuBois, C.S.J. who will speak on “End of Life Issues.”

· Our third speaker will be Fr. Ed. Hauf, OMI who will be here on Monday, March 15. His topic is entitled “Something Has to Die.”

· Each evening, soup, bread and dessert will be served at 6:30 in the parish center.  Speakers will begin their presentations at 7:00. Please plan to attend and bring a friend.  Everyone is welcome!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Meals on Wheels program is in desperate need of volunteers.  The time needed is one Wednesday a month for about one hour. All our volunteers are very dedicated to the needs of the homebound residents of Mascoutah. However, several of our volunteers are unable to continue serving at this time.  If you are interested or need additional information about this program, please contact Sharon Yaeger at 566-2376. Won’t you please help! Thank you for caring.

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.

SHEPHERD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28: The Mascoutah Concerned Christians Food Pantry needs the following items this month: powdered milk, sugar, oats, canned spinach, coffee, and laundry & dish detergent. Thank you for supporting the pantry.

GET YOUR TICKETS AND T-SHIRTS: The HCS 150th Celebration committee will be selling tickets for the April 24th dance after each Mass in the month of March. The ticket prices are $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door. There are T-Shirt order forms at all entrances of church if you would like to purchase one. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Angie Norrenberns at 566-7078.

"It is very important for us

 to come to a better understanding

of how to be really present to the Lord, in the present moment.

We need to trust that He knows what He is doing.

If we could go before Him in the Blessed Sacrament

and say very simply, 'Here I am, Lord;

I am concerned about this, so I offer it to you.

I offer me to you,'

we then allow Him to take care of us.

 We allow Him to answer our prayers

 instead of telling Him what we want Him to do."

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.