FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Well, we are now in full swing for October, the month dedicated to the Rosary of Mary.  I hope that you have started to say your rosary, not only in petition for some need, but also to thank God, through the intercession of Mary, for the many blessings you have received.  The weather has been fabulous for the farmers, and those who work outside. They should be most grateful.  And the harvest has been bountiful in our area, being better than it has been for a long time.  Not too far away from here (Lively Grove), the crops in that area and south are very poor, since they did not get the rain.  There is so much to pray for in thanksgiving and petition, not to mention praise of our God, and forgiveness of our sins.  You do not get to the top of the ladder unless you start at the bottom somewhere.  Prayer is the start.

Many thanks to all who participated in the Pro-Life action of last Sunday here in town.  Thanks also to Sally and Jerry Mueller for their leadership in this event, and to everyone else that helped make it a success.  As much as we would want our own lives protected and respected, so should we do the same for the unborn and the little ones.  It is amazing to see how many children are physically abused and killed today by their parents and partners.  Life is not a privilege or right anymore.  For many, it is a hindrance!

A reminder to attend Rosary and Benediction on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 P.M. here at church!   Bring your singing voice along also.

This coming Saturday is the School Auction in our gymnasium.  Tell your friends and invite them to attend.  This is a very big financial boost to our school budget and operations and also to the parish subsidy for Catholic education as it helps to take some of the burden away from the parish.  For me, it is a great night to meet other parishioners, friends, and make new friends.  I have fun bidding and at times, I bid on items I do not need just to see them get a somewhat fair return for the money and time invested in the item.  I also buy items I did not intend to buy.  But it is all for our school and parish, and can be a lot of fun.  Buy a ticket or a raffle ticket, and help support Holy Childhood School and Parish.

As I said last week in this column, I am going to Iowa to see my brother and spend a week with him.  I like to spend his money, and he is so frugal that it bugs him.  But I do not waste, since that is a problem for me also—to waste money, time, God’s resources, blessings that we have.  God is good to all of us, and we have to respect Him for all that He gives us.  To waste His gifts is to show disrespect for His love and care for us.  He did not have to give us all that we have, or to even give us life or health.  What we have is better than not having it at all, if we use it properly.  I am preaching again!  At any rate, I will be coming back this Wednesday, and have a full schedule lined up.  It keeps me young!

Attention to everyone!  Mass next Saturday, Auction Day, is at 4:30 P.M.—one hour earlier than usual!  Please note, and tell those who might not be here this week-end.

Again, I and the parish, ask you to pray for all of the sick, the elderly, those in the nursing and assisted living homes, and all of the home-bound.  They are our brothers and sisters in Christ.  They pray for us by their lives and prayers.  We do the same for them!

IF YOU HAVE CHANGED YOUR PHONE #, ADDRESS or email address since the directory was printed, please call the rectory with your updated information so we can update our data system.

THE HOLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL DINNER AUCTION committee will accept donations at school on Monday, October 11, 2010, from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are still available through Debbie Hulliung.  Sweets for the Sweet Tooth Booth can be dropped off at school on Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 8:30 AM until 12 PM.

GIFT CARDS:  Now in stock: Moto Mart $25 and $50 cards can be used at Mascoutah and metro area gas stations.  We have recently added Papa John’s $10, PetSmart $25.  We can order Quiznos $10 and Steak ‘n Shake $10.  HCS thanks you for your support.

Get your flu shot at our immunization event! October 13th  and 15th from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Holy Childhood Parish Center.  Shots are covered with no out-of-pocket expense by Medicare Part B and many insurance plans;  otherwise Flu shots are $30 & Pneumonia shots are $60.   Call the Holy Childhood parish rectory office, 566-2958, between 9 AM and 3 PM Monday-Friday  to make your appointment.  (Office will be closed Monday, Oct. 11)

ENDOWMENT FUND REQUEST If you would like to submit a request from your organization for 2010-2011, please send a detailed account to the rectory for the Endowment Committee to review at the meeting scheduled for October 18th.

Knights of Columbus Breakfast on Sunday, November 14th from 8 AM to 12 NOON in the parish center.  Pancakes, sausage, biscuits, gravy, fruit juice,  and coffee.   Benefits the cemetery.

THERE WILL BE NO RCIA CLASS ON OCTOBER 17TH

SHEPHERD SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 The Mascoutah Food Pantry needs the following items this month: canned chili & chili beans, canned tomatoes, oatmeal, sloppy joe mix, hot chocolate mix, dish soap.  Thank you for supporting the food pantry.

HCCCW MEETING, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 @ 7 PM  Fr. Abraham will be our guest speaker.  He will talk about his childhood and calling to the priesthood.  Questions welcomed.  Please plan to  attend.

MEN’S MINISTRY MEETING is October 16th at 7:00 AM in the parish center.

CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION is looking for a fundraiser opportunity. With leaf raking season fast approaching, CYO is volunteering to rake church members' yards for a donation. If you are interested contact Julie Holdener at (618) 806-9056 to set a date and time. Please provide your own trash bags to remove the leaves.  Thank you for your support. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS meeting Thursday, Oct. 14th @ 7:30 PM in the parish center.