FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Today is Fr. Abraham’s First Anniversary of Ordination.  We thank him for the work he has done in the parish, and we wish him many more anniversaries.

This afternoon, at 2:00 P.M., we will have a class for those parents who are going to have a child baptized.  You do not have to attend if you have taken the class in the last two years.  You can still take the class even if your child is not born yet.  The class takes about an hour and a half.  This will be in the parish center.  Please enter from the north side (Green Street).

School has let out for this year, and the children are on vacation.  However, there is not vacation from our         VOCATION, which is to follow Christ in our Catholic faith.  In other words, even when we are away, we still have the obligation to go to mass on Sundays, to say our daily prayers, and to live out in public the “image and likeness of Christ.”  It is not a time to “let go” of all that we tried to learn this past year through prayer and practice.  Parents could lead their children to week-day mass and gain many graces for your family and your church.  We still hear Confessions on Saturday afternoons at 4:30 P.M. until 5:15 P.M.  And please do not forget to continue your support of Holy Childhood Church.  Our expenses continue like yours, and we pay salaries on a twelve month schedule to all of our employees.

On Tuesday, May 31, we are going to have a special May Devotion in church at 7:00 P.M., building on the        Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the day.  We will have Rosary, Litany, and Benediction.  This Tuesday is the Feast of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.  Although we did not have Rosary & Benediction on a weekly basis in May, due to my forgetfulness, we can still close out the month in a special way.  Please come and pray with us because there is so much to pray for, both in your families, and in the world itself.  We can’t bewail the problems if we do not work with God to solve them.

Friday the 27^th, is my 53^rd Anniversary of Ordination.  Say a prayer for me! I will be doing the same for you!

June 2^nd is our next Blood Drive, and June the 11^th (Sat), is the make-up Blood Drive.  Please make plans to give blood if you can.  Most blood drives fall way short during the summer months because of people traveling, or    occupied in other ways.  I know it is a sacrifice to give blood.  But you are saving a life of another person when you give blood.  And I am sure you want the blood to be available if you or a loved one needed it.  That is why giving blood is so beneficial.  We build up our own system to reproduce blood in our bodies in case we have a minor accident.  And we save another person’s life.  As scripture tells us to “do unto others as we would want them to do unto us”, we show our love for God’s people and ourselves!

Pray for Vocations, and pray for Fr. Anthony Onyango, who will be ordained on June 11^th.  Pray also for all priests who are celebrating major anniversaries this year.

The Uptergrove's young baby, Olivia, is in St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  Many family members have been helping out and the Uptergroves have been going back and forth to care for their child.  If you would like to donate to the family to help with meals, gas and other expenses, please send your donation to the school office or drop it in the collection basket in a marked envelope.  If sending a check, please address it to Holy Childhood School and we will send the donations as we get them.  Thank you in advance for your care, generosity, and prayers.

Outdoor Mass and Ministry Fair – At Scheve Park June 5 starting at 10:00 am.  Following the outdoor mass at the Depot, we will hold a pot luck picnic at the pavilion.  The church will provide the meat; we ask parishioners to  bring appropriate side dishes according their last name (A-I Sides; J-R Desserts; S-Z Salads).  The parish ministries will host activities, provide information, and solicit new members at the fair following the meal.  Come on out to share in the fellowship.  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.  Note: The Outdoor Mass will replace our normal 8:00 and 10:30 am scheduled masses.

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.

THANK YOU!!!  Words cannot express the appreciation for your generosity and attendance at our baby shower for Candice and her family.  Baby Zen arrived April 29th,  (6 lbs 4 oz., 20 inches) and is "absolutely adorable" according to Mom.  Candice was overwhelmed and wants to thank everyone who extended their support to her. Thanks for being a true witness and supporter of life and encouraging our young adults to continue standing up for the unborn.  -CYO-

Gift Cards  Holy Childhood School continues to sell gift 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. 

HOLY CHILDHOOD BLOOD DRIVE  is Thursday, June 2nd from 2:00-7:00 PM in the HCS cafeteria.  The make up drive will be on Saturday, June 11th from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.