FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven.  It used to be last Thursday, and still is celebrated that way in some dioceses (40 days after Easter). But the vast majority of dioceses in the U.S. opted to celebrate it on the following Sunday, (today), so that more people would attend the Feast Day, and learn from it what it means to our own lives—our going to heaven someday.  We just have to do our “homework” or “this world work” according to God’s plan.

Today we recognize our high school graduates at the 10:30 mass.  They are the future of our church and our society.  By the fact that they have been baptized, they are members of the church, Holy Childhood in this case, and need to be the light of Christ wherever they go.  We pray that they will stay connected to their church and strong and active members wherever they may be.  We all need to pray daily that we can do God’s will and receive God’s graces and blessings.  The limb, cut from the tree, dies.

Next Sunday, we will have our 8^th grade graduation at 2 P.M.  This year has really passed by quickly so far, and so will summer and the time then to Christmas.  We congratulate our graduates and wish them well.  May they always be a joy and source of pride to their parents and their church!

If you have not given to the Catholic Services and Mission Appeal, and gave last year, you may be receiving a second letter before the end of the month asking you to reconsider supporting the 18 diocesan ministries.  It would be great to reach our goal of participants of 250 donors.  Diocesan wide, we are just over 50% of our goal for this year.  Any gift, large or small, will help this very worthwhile program of our diocese.

I am looking for volunteers to help with the lawn care around school and the church block, and also for flower care around the sides and front of church.  This would include watering on a regular basis (can be shared, or take turns).  But we need to enhance our lawn and flower beds.

Moms and Dads!  Please tell your children not to climb on the concrete railings in the front of church.  Some pieces are very unstable, and could fall on someone and even kill someone.  Age, wear, and tear has taken their toll, and the repairs we have made are giving out.  We do not have a permanent solution right now!

Please pray for the sick!  We have several persons who have cancer and other life-threatening diseases, along with all of those who suffer with those ailments that go with aging.  The constant request that I receive when I visit with them is “Pray for me”.  I say the same to them.

Four men will be ordained priests this Saturday, along with one to be ordained to the status of Transitional Deacon (meaning he will be ordained a priest next year).  Two are international priests and two are from our diocese.  The deacon is an international person.  They need our prayers, as all of the priests and parishes in our diocese do.

GIFT CARDS: We have gift cards for graduates of all ages. Preschool and Kindergarten: Build-A-Bear $25, Toys R Us $20. Eighth Grade: iTunes $15 & $25, GameStop $25, American Eagle $25, Aéropostale $25. High School: BP or Mobil $50, Best Buy $25, Barnes & Noble or Borders $10 & $25. College: Macy’s $25, Bass Pro or Cabela’s $25, Limited $25, Pier 1 Imports $25, Pottery Barn $25.

HCCCW: The Quilt drawing winner for the month of May is Linda Wombacher. The winner for the month of July is Vicky & Allen Johnson. Congratulations!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are in need of some volunteers to help take care of the church property. We need help with mowing the lawn, trimming, planting flowers, watering flowers, etc. If you are able to help out with something at anytime, please call the rectory at 566-2958.   Thank you!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME BLESSING: is this Sunday, May 16^th at 12:30 pm. The agenda is: Speaker from the Habitat Local Chapter explaining the program; Recognition of Volunteers & Donors; Introduction of the Habitat Recipient Family; Blessing of the Home followed by Refreshments & Tour of the Home. The Home is located 119 E Phillips St, Mascoutah. The program should conclude around 1:15 or 1:30 PM.

SPECIAL THANKS TO HOLY CHILDHOOD PARISH: On behalf of the agencies, schools and departments that are supported through the Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal and those they serve, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your most generous support of this year’s appeal.  Also, congratulations on exceeding your parish’s CSMA financial goal!!  While the economy is beginning to show signs of recovery, we realize these are still uncertain economic times for many here in southern Illinois;  it is your Christian caring and generosity that gives help and hope to those in need. 

Thank you again so very much.  God’s richest blessings to each of you and your families.

Bishop Edward K. Braxton and the 17 grateful agencies funded by The Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal

BISHOP'S MASS FOR WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES JUNE 27, 2010: On Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 1:00 PM Bishop Edward K. Braxton  will celebrate the Fifth Annual Mass of Appreciation honoring couples celebrating their Twenty-Fifth, Fortieth, Fiftieth, Sixtieth, and Seventieth Wedding Anniversaries the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville. A reception serving light refreshments will immediately follow in the McCormack Center.  The Bishop asks all Jubilarians and/or their family members to send the names and addresses of those celebrating their Jubilee Wedding Anniversary to the parish office as soon as possible, but no later than May 24, 2010. We will give the names to the Bishop and he will send each couple a personal invitation. If you send the names later than May 24, they will still be forwarded to the Bishop. If your personal invitation does not arrive, or if you do not send the parish your names, you are still most welcome to attend. Family members and guests are welcome as well. The Cathedral is handicap-accessible.