FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Today is Mother's Day, and I wish to all women of our parish, and especially to those who have brought children into this world, A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!  I doubt if any of us, mothers included, realize what our parents and especially our mothers have done for us.  True, we have seen and heard about the exceptions -- those who have gone beyond the norms, and those who have fallen below the norms of Jesus, who told us to love one another as He has loved us!  However, we are here, alive and enjoying God's blessings as best we can.  We thank our mothers for not having had an abortion and for allowing nature to take its natural course.  God bless all of you who have taken on the role of being a mother, a true God mother, an adoptive mother, a person who has taken on the role and love of mother towards others, an image of God's love to us.  May your reward be great in heaven!

On Thursday of this week, Bishop Schlarman will be here to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to our eighth grade students.   Our mass begins at 7:00 pm.  I ask you to pray for these young men and women that they may grow up strong in the faith, take their places in the church and society, and become a great source of joy and pride to all.  I remind you again -- they are not someone else's children; they are members of our family of Christ and the Church, and future leaders who will make decisions and policy that will affect our own lives in some way or other.  We are all God's children.

Thanks to all who responded to the plea of the School Board/Finance Council about support for our parish and school.  So far, $10,545 has been donated.  Thank you!!!   For those of you who have not responded, your donations are still needed!  It has been agonizing over the past year and a half to manage to make the ends meet.  Cutting expenses is  one avenue, but also very limited if we expect the same quality and delivery of services.  In business, the alternative is to increase the costs and fees.  To a certain extent, we can do that also.  But we also depend greatly on the Stewardship mentality that we need to use God's gifts to us in a way that reflects our appreciation of his love for us, and our duty to help and love one another.    It seems that, for many, that is someone else's responsibility.   The problems that we face today will be with us, and grow, unless we keep up with them and do our share to lessen them.  Thanks to all who have supported the parish in accord with the blessings God has given to your. 

Ordinations are on Saturday, May 22nd, at the Cathedral.  Four priests will be ordained and one deacon to be a priest in the following year will also be ordained.  Pray for vocations to the priesthood, deaconate and the religious life.

TROOP 57 YARD SALE: Please consider donation of items we can sell at our May yard sale. We can even pick those items up if you live in town. If you want to have your own yard sale, we'll rent you some prime table space. For more info, please call Jim Cornman at 566-0355.

SHOP MASCOUTAH – HCS sells gift cards for the following Mascoutah businesses:  Tom’s Supermarket ($25), Tony’s Restaurant ($25),  Subway ($10),  Pizza Hut($10),  and BP gas ($50).    Thanks for your support!

Debbie Bunn:  My name is Debbie Bunn and I am seeking re-election to the HCS School Board.  I am currently Vice Chairperson of the board.  I graduated from HCS is 1982.  My husband, Jim, is a 1979 graduate and our son, Jeremy, is in the 5^th grade.  Previous volunteer positions that I have held at the school are HOPE secretary, room parent, and alumni representative for the Annual Fund.  For the last three years, I have been the coordinator of the Gift Card program organized through the school.  I feel that my most important role as a board member is to be an advocate and voice for all parents. I am seeking re-election because I feel that I can continue to support the parents, students, teachers and staff of Holy Childhood School and help make the school an even better place to educate children in a Catholic environment.

Dave Berthe:  I am very interested in serving on the HCS board because it is an opportunity to leverage my strengths and time in support of the school.  This school board position would enable me to ensure that all of the children, to include 3 of my own, at Holy Childhood School are receiving the best educational experience the parish and community can provide.  I am in the Air Force and my family and I have lived at Scott Air Force Base for two years.  In my career in the military, I have been involved in many facets of our parishes.  I’ve been a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Cantor/Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, and served as the president of the parish council at two different parishes.  In addition I’ve helped lead a Cub Scout Pack as its Cubmaster and have also led several fundraisers.  I would like to use my administrative and leadership talents to help guide Holy Childhood School these next couple years and am asking for your support.

Cheryl Dressler:  As a parent of two current students and a future HCS student, I am committed to ensuring the continuation of quality education and values taught at HCS.  The education and values of Catholic education are important to our family.  I attended St. Dominic’s and Mater Dei High School in Breese and my husband, Joe, is a Holy Childhood alum.  The decision to send our children to Catholic school was an easy one because we wanted the values taught in a Catholic environment in addition to a quality education.  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have 18 years of educational experience, teaching students in Kindergarten through eighth grade.  These experiences would allow me to bring value to the board from an educator’s standpoint as we work with the staff to continue to enhance the educational experience provided at Holy Childhood School.  As an educator, I understand the challenges facing our teachers.  As a parent, I understand the expectations placed on the school.  I would appreciate the opportunity to be on the School Board at Holy Childhood School because I’m committed to the present and the future of our school.

"In most modern rooms you see an electrical light that can be turned on by a switch.

But, if there is no connection with the main power house,

then there can be no lights.

Faith and prayer are the connection with God,

and when that is there, there is service." 

(Everything Starts from Prayer, St. Teresa)

Come and pray before our Lord in Eucharistic adoration

every Tuesday following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM

and on Saturday from 9-10 AM.

 If you would like to commit a specific hour on Tuesdays,

please call Mary Ellen Mueller, 566-9529.

 If you are off for the summer, consider offering an hour during those months.