FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Again, we lay to rest another member of our parish in the person of Clifford Elliott, who was 83 years old, and died of cancer.  Cliff was a loyal member of the parish, and a good person.  In retirement, he worked with the Red Cross at Scott AFB and enjoyed “joshing” with me.  We were good friends.  He was also active with the Knights of Columbus.  May God reward him for his faith and all the good things he did in life.

This past week was Catholic Schools Week, and the weather played havoc with the plans for the week.  Of course, all of the students enjoyed the two “snow days”, and so did I.   I am not sure how the teachers felt about the days off—probably enjoyed them as much as the students.  I stayed in and enjoyed the quiet, and thanked God that no one got hurt or any lasting inconveniences for the parishioners.  God knows what is good!  Of course, we are faced with “make-up” days later on!

Today, we have our quarterly Baptism Class for those who need to have a child receive this sacrament.  It will be in the parish center, beginning at 2:00 P.M., and lasting to about 3:30 P.M.  It should not interfere with the Super Bowl.

Today, the CYO is having a special collection called the “Souper Bowl”, for the poor.  It is a diocesan project to help the poor.  Please be generous when they pass the bowl.

Tuesday, our second grade students will receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, here in church at 6:00 P.M.  There will be four priests here for this special event in our students’ lives.  I ask the entire parish to pray for these children, and also for their parents who we ask to set the example and precedent to the reception of this sacrament of healing and life.

Tuesday, Father Abraham is supposed to come back to Holy Childhood from his home in Nigeria.  We hope he had a good vacation and time since Christmas.  He did get delayed in Germany on his way home due to the winter storms there.

February 20^th, our Boy Scouts will celebrate Scout Sunday at the 8:00 A.M. mass.  We thank their leaders for the time given to help these youth.

Also on February 20^th, our parish Pre Cana program will host a large number of young persons who are preparing for their weddings this year.  Pray for our presenters and all involved in this program, that they can open the minds of those present to the joys and challenges of a Catholic marriage.

Back on May 3, 1992, Pope John Paul II instituted the World Day of the Sick, designating February 11th as this special day.  “It is a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the church, and of reminding us to see in our sick brothers and sister of the face of Christ, who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind.” (Letter of institution of this special day.)

1st reconciliation is this Tuesday, February 8th at 6:00 PM.

THE MESSENGER SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL amount is $25.00.  The price has increased since the collection envelope was printed.  If you have already sent in your envelope, please send the additional $2 to the rectory marked Messenger. 

If you would like a mass said for someone, please call the rectory at 566-2958 or email hcc@holychildhoodchurch.com.  We have many openings beginning the last week of February. 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE reminders and updates regarding upcoming events happening within Holy Childhood Parish, please send your email address to hcc@holychildhoodchurch.com to be added to our list. 

we are in need of Eucharistic ministers to visit the Grange Nursing Home on Tuesday of the first full week of each month.  Please contact the rectory at 566-2958.

Gift Cards  Whether you are planning a nice dinner out or needing to grab a quick bite, we have gift cards to meet your needs.  Tony’s Place ($25), Applebee’s ($25), Chevy’s, ($25), Chili’s ($25), Burger King ($10), Arby’s ($10), Starbucks ($10), Fazoli’s ($25), TGI Friday’s ($25), Bob Evans ($10), Logan’s Roadhouse ($25) and many more.  Thank you for your support.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS meeting is Thursday, February 10th at 7:00 PM in the parish center basement. 

FEBRUARY 13TH COME ONE, COME ALL!  Breakfast from 8 am to 12 pm in the Holy Childhood School Cafeteria.  PROCEEDS BENEFIT HOLY CHILDHOOD CEMETERY. Cost is $7 for adults/$3 for kids 5-12. Eggs, sausage, ham, biscuits & gravy, pancakes, fruit, milk, juice and coffee.

The Holy Childhood Pre-Cana class is Sunday, February 20, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center.  Please contact Mary Moll at 566-2300 for details.

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE:  March 2, 2011 -- 3 year old 6:00 p.m., 4 year old 7:00 p.m.  Pre-registration forms for registered member of Holy Childhood Church are available at Holy Childhood School.  Please request the registration packet from the school office.  No applications will be accepted without the registration fee ($75.00) and forms.  Office phone 566-2922.