FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Hello!  Well we know that summer is here.  It has been hot and sultry, and the storms and rain have been off and on.  Some areas got much, others little, and a mixture in between.  I often wonder what criteria God uses when the storms, winds, and rains come to our area—how good we are, how bad we are, how generous we are, how caring we are?  I bet that he has one time trying to please everyone!  Thank God that he is God, and we do not have to carry His burden!  Hey, be glad!  It could be worse!  And we are alive yet!

All the more reason not to slack off on our prayers during summer or to skip mass and the Sacraments!  We want God to be our best friend, and to help us all of the time.  Like a hand-shake, it takes two hands!  In gift giving, it takes a giver and a receiver!  We have to be there.   The other day, I read a story about the presence of God—like Waldo!  Remember the time when “Finding Waldo” was a popular challenge?  The picture was full of faces, and in there was Waldo somewhere.  You had to look, study the scene to find Waldo.  But he was there.  The same is with God—He is here, but we have to take the time to find Him in quiet prayer, public prayer, and people around us, in ourselves as we do good deeds.  And when we find God, we also feel success and happiness.  That is why we need to pray often, daily, at mass and private prayer!

As I said last week, I will be gone the week of June 20 to 26, to be with my brother as he celebrates his 60^th wedding anniversary in Iowa.  I will be back for the masses on Sunday, June 27^th.

Next Sunday is Father’s Day.  It is a good time to think about your father, and to appreciate all that he has done for you.  When we were growing up, we often thought that our father was “old fashioned” and not up to the times.  As we grow older, we realize the wisdom and skills they had, and are more grateful and appreciative that they are our father.  Pray for them, and tell them how much you appreciate what they have done for you.  Do the same with God, who is constantly taking care of us, and saving us from many of our blunders.  Being a parent is no easy task if one takes it properly!

Blood Drive!  The drive on Thursday, June 3^rd was successful.  We obtained 74 units of blood, and our goal was 70 units.  We had five first time donors, and that is great.  We need to develop a new legion of young donors to take the place of the “old-timers” who have done their share, and need their rest.  The Blood Drive on Saturday will be interesting, since it takes place on the same day as the "Race For The Cure", the Susan Kohman Race, in St. Louis.  As I write this column, I know that many parishioners and blood donors participate in the race.  And some come back to Mascoutah, and give blood.  I hope that all those donors who do not participate in the race, make sure that they come to give blood, along with any other “racers” and new donors.  Cancer patients need blood or blood products at one stage or another of their health trial.

Thanks to all who have responded to the Catholic Services and Mission Appeal letter that came to you.  Your gift makes possible the work of the Catholic Church in our diocese.

Thanks also to all who responded to the financial support request for our school and parish.

We will need your continued increased support in the days and years ahead to meet the needs that fall upon us here at Holy Childhood Church and School.  God bless you!

GIFT CARDS: Going on vacation or traveling this summer?  We stock gas cards for BP and Exxon/Mobil.  We can order cards for Six Flags, Shell gas, American Airline, Disney, Marriot Hotels, Best Western, Hyatt, Comfort Inn and Carnival Cruises.  Place your order at school or after any mass.  Call Debbie at 566-2866 with any questions.  Thanks for supporting Holy Childhood School!

DONATIONS: Mrs. Olson is looking for 1, 2, and 5 pound weight sets for her P.E. Class. If anyone is willing to donate or know someone that can, please call the rectory at 566-2958 or e-mail holychildhoodchurch@cbnstl.com. Thank you!

PARISH PICNIC 2010:

¨ The Country Store needs your help with canned vegetables, fresh vegetables, jams, jelly, and fresh baked goods.

¨ Our Special Quilt Raffle will consist of a queen-size quilt, quilt rack, and a baby quilt. Tickets will go on sale one month prior to the picnic.

¨ The Mouse Roulette will replace the wine stand.

QUILT DONATIONS: We are still collecting money to purchase quilts for our church picnic. Please help; your donation is greatly appreciated and greatly needed to help make our Quilt Bingo a success. Thank you!

HOLY CHILDHOOD FISH FRY: We will be having a fish fry on Friday, August 27, 2010  

SHEPHERD SUNDAY: The Mascoutah Food Pantry is in need of the following items this month: saltine & graham crackers, sugar, instant mashed potatoes and other boxed potatoes, laundry & dish detergent, bathroom tissue, and grocery bags. Thank you for supporting the food pantry!

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, MASCOUTAH, SEEKS INTERIM CHOIR DIRECTOR: Zion Lutheran Church, Mascoutah, Illinois, is currently seeking an interim music director to serve at Zion on a part-time volunteer basis from August to December 2010.  A job description is available and resumes and references may be sent to:  Zion Lutheran Church, Attn. Music Director Search Committee, 101 South Railway, Mascoutah, IL, 62258 no later than July 18, 2010.  For more information call the Church Office at 566-7345, or write or stop by the Church Office weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

HOLY CHILDHOOD CEMETERY: The Crucifix Altar has been updated and has rose bushes and plants surrounding it, which is very pretty. The graves are covered with flowers and flags placed by Veterans and Scouts to honor those who have lost their life to give us our freedom. Please remember as you put out your personal flowers, to also dispose of them as we must keep up the grounds to keep our cemetery looking beautiful!