FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Well, I have not shaken this “whatever you call it,” and it has been a pain.  Not really!  But it has been an irritant with a hoarse voice and constant coughing, and trying to bring it out of the lungs—no fever!  I have improved a lot, and I am going to try and give it my best this week in doing parish duties—you know, daily mass, visiting the sick in the nursing homes and the shut-ins.  A little bit each day and try not to over-do it.   I have had a lot of chicken-noodle soup the past two weeks—I think I am for the birds at times.  No comments, please!  But laying around and just resting is not my cup of tea!  Say a prayer for me that I can beat this crud.  It could be worse, and could have been a lot worse!  Count your blessings, they say!

Thanks to all who made the Blood Drive last Thursday!  I hear that over seventy persons showed up, but many were turned away because they had the “sniffles.”  However, we were credited with 57 productive units, and that is 57 more than they had when they came.  Again, as I write these comments, our drive for Saturday has not taken place yet, and so no report is possible.  I hope that many came, some of those who were turned down on Thursday came again, and that we had a good showing—over our goal.  This is a tough time of the year with sickness and people traveling, and last week meant many still on Christmas break.  I hope that we made up for it on January 8^th.

Many thanks to all who gave generously to our Christmas collection, and the end of the year collection.  It helped us catch up a bit on our diocesan tax assessment (we pay by quarters), and the other on-going expenses.  I know the economy is the pits right now, though one would not think so with the amount of toys that were purchased, and the number of people “eating-out.”  To all those who support the parish as best as they can, the parish is grateful to you for your dedication and sacrifice.

Today, Sunday, we end the Christmas season in the church, and begin what is called “Ordinary Time.”  This carries on until Lent, when the Lenten/Easter Season takes over.  Then after that time, we begin Ordinary Time until Advent begins in November.  We will take down all of the decorations in church, and store them for next Christmas.  Taking them down properly and storing them in an orderly way makes it much easier next year, and also preserves them in good shape.  In this way, we know what we have and what we have to replace this year.  So we need hands to help take down and young legs to carry the Christmas decorations to their summer resting place.  We begin at 1:00 P.M. Sunday.

I want to thank Nancy and Bob Austin for putting up the lights around the rectory for Christmas, and also taking them down Wednesday.  It is a blessing to have someone take this project upon themselves, and know that they take pride in their work.  Not only that, they store them in the attic of the rectory so that they can find them next year.  THANKS!

Again, pray for the sick and all of the “shut-ins.”  We have many elderly persons in their nineties, who are still at home, but find it difficult to get to church now.  So pray for them and for all those who need special prayers.  They are part of our parish family!

NEW GIFT CARD:  Target $25 and $100 gift cards are now available.  Gift cards can be used for your everyday purchases as well as gifts.  Thank you for your support the first half of the school year.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS The Holy Childhood Counsel of Catholic Women wishes to thank everyone who donated money towards the beautiful Christmas flowers for our church in memory of their deceased loved ones.  Also, to those who made special contributions.  Your generosity will keep the church beautiful throughout the year.  On January 9th, the 8:00 am Mass was said for all of the deceased family and friends you wanted remembered with your flower donation.  Pat Bowker, 566-7089.

MAKE UP BLOOD DRIVE   January 8th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at HCS gymnasium.

TROOP 57 PANCAKE BREAKFAST  Our Boy Scouts of Troop 57 will be holding a Pancake & Sausage Fundraiser on Sunday January 16 from 7:00am to 1:00pm. Cost is $6.00 per adult and $3.00 for children 11 and under. In addition, we will be raffling off three gift baskets. Please join us and treat yourself to a delicious breakfast while you help your scouts raise money to support their activities.

FINAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2010  will be accepted until January 16th, 2011.

HOLY CHILDHOOD MARRIAGE RETREAT is January 22 and  23rd.  We hope that you will consider joining us in January for our Third  Annual Holy Childhood Parish Marriage Retreat.  We will begin on Saturday at 3:00 PM and end Sunday afternoon.  We will attend church together at the Shrine, then enjoy a romantic dinner.  In the evening we will enjoy speakers, share stories and much more.  The cost is $175.00 and includes your hotel room, dinner and breakfast at the Shrine.  For more information please contact Cathy Jung at (618) 530-7103 or Mary Moll at (618) 971-7665. 

The 2011 Catholic Men's conference is being held on Sat Jan 29th. Parishioners of Holy Childhood parish will be carpooling to this event. If you would like to ride with fellow parishioners, there is a sign up sheet on the table near the parish center. If you would like more information about the conference and to register, please go online to http://catholicmenforchrist.org or contact Joseph Wingate at 618-741-6782 or email: jjwingate@yahoo.com.

Join us for our first annual Catholic Schools Week sale.  We will have books and gifts for 1^st Communion, Confirmation, Easter and other various items.  We will be open in the parish center after masses on Jan 29 and 30^th.  It will continue Mon, Wed, and Fri from 8 a.m. -12 p.m., Tues and Thurs 5:30 – 8:30pm. in the school cafeteria. All proceeds benefit HCS library.  Any questions contact Kim Recuero 566-8068 or Susan Anderson 698-8775.

PRE-CANA class will be February 20, 2011.  More information to come..

Open House–Kindergarten  February 23^rd 7:00 p.m.  Pre-K  3 & 4 year old open house is March 2^nd 7:00 p.m.  Pre-registration for Preschool 3 & 4 year olds will be coming out soon. 

Welcome Back!