FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Today is a special day for our Eighth Grade Holy Childhood Students.  It is graduation day for them, and they will receive their diplomas this afternoon at the 2:00 P.M. Mass.  We congratulate them on their achievements, and wish them the best in the years to come.  Life will be different!  There will not be the small classes, the friendly teachers, and the guarded atmosphere of Holy Childhood School.  They will have to rely on all that the Holy Childhood teachers and school taught them to be successful.  Otherwise, one can get caught in the trap of peer pressure and “keeping up with the Jones” attitude.  And that is not always good.  Remember that “Our help is in the name of the Lord”, and that we let him guide us.  We also want to thank their parents for sending their child to Holy Childhood School.  It was not easy always!  However, you have laid a good foundation and now we have to build on it the rest of our lives!  We count on all of the parents and the whole parish to help keep Holy Childhood School a “banner” or great school.

Congratulations to all of our High School Students who graduate this week-end, and to all of our students who have excelled in school and your advancements.

Next Sunday, at 2:00 P.M., we have Baptism Class for those who need to have a child baptized.  This is for those who have not taken the class in the last two years.  It will be in the parish center, and should end about 3:30 P.M.

The sale of Roses last Sunday for Project Rachael was a huge success.  They did not have enough roses for all at the 10:30 Mass.  Thanks to all who made a donation anyway!

Next Sunday is Fr. Abraham's First Anniversary of Ordination.  May God continue to bless him!

Report on our Parish CSMA:  Our parish was the first to reach its goal in the diocese.  Our goal was $33,040.91!  Up to now, we have received pledges and gifts of $50,176.11.  That is wonderful and very generous of those who helped the cause.  Our goal of donors is 215 donors, and we have 196 donors, which translates that we have lost donors, although some of those who gave increased their gift over last year substantially.  There will be a second mailing to those who have not given, hoping that they will change their minds, and help this vital Catholic Services and Ministry Appeal to fund the many services to the parishes, the schools, the poor, and the needy, be it materially, mentally, or whatever keeps a person from meeting God, or keeping them on the right track.  Please help out if you have not helped before.  You cannot get ahead of God!

A reminder again about proper attire in church.  Church is a place to pray to God and thank Him for all the blessings you have.  It is not a place to show off the latest fashions and the skimpiness that comes with them.  What you might wear in the park, or at home, or to a party can have too much exposure for church.  I have heard people say that God does not care what we wear—just come to church!  I do not find that in the Bible or Church teaching.  Maybe God does care what we wear, and expects the best of us.

 Outdoor Mass and Ministry Fair--–June 5, 10:00 am at Scheve Park.  Following the outdoor mass at the Depot, we will hold a potluck meal and Ministry Fair at the pavilion.  The pastoral council will hold an organizational meeting with Ministry POCs Tuesday, May 17, at 7:00 pm in the parish center to answer questions and deconflict activities.  If you would like to set up a table and have not been contacted by the Pastoral Council, please contact Jim Tomaszewski at (618) 416-1147, LeeAnn Funk at (618) 566-4610, or Joe Wingate at (618) 741-6782. Note: The Outdoor Mass will replace our normal 8:00 and 10:30 am scheduled masses.

MINISTRY OF PRAISE AND PRAYER:  Due to the large number of people who have agreed to join the Ministry of Praise and Prayer, we have had to order extra prayer books, crucifixes and certificates.  These materials will be distributed to the new members when we receive them.  Thanks to each of you for making this commitment to add extra prayers each day for the needs of our parish family and the needs of the Church worldwide.

We are looking for families to volunteer to host Welcome Sunday. This would entail handing out name tags at the 8 and 10:30 Masses on Welcome Sunday held once a month, and to participate in the after Mass celebration.  Please contact the rectory if you would like to volunteer for one month out of the year.

Gift Cards  Holy Childhood School continues to sell gifts cards during the summer months.  Gift cards can be purchased at school during the summer office hours and at church after weekend masses.  Contact Debbie Bunn at 566-2866 with any questions.  Thank you for your support.

On the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month (excluding holidays) @ 6:30 PM, you are invited to come receive the graces that can only be had by praying the Rosary.  Bring your whole family, or just yourself!  The location can change depending on who is hosting, but dates and times are consistent.  Good food and fellowship are guaranteed!  You don't have to have ever prayed the Rosary to join!  Please call Tiffany Wright at 618-616-5933 or e-mail t_wright00@yahoo.com for details.  We begin on May 27th. 

St. Ann’s (HCCCW) was a lively and fun meeting Tuesday night when we were visited by the Senior Center Gold Zumba ladies and their instructor Carla Winters. An invitation was issued to join in the classes at the Mascoutah Senior Center on Mondays at 1:00 PM and Fridays at 10:00 AM. The classes are free for seniors. The members and the dancers had a great time.

HCCCW BI-MONTHLY QUILT RAFFLE WINNER for May is Katie Underwood (granddaughter of Joe Haas)  and for July—Helen Moll of our parish.