FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

GOOD EVENING! GOOD MORNING!  Which ever is fitting, I hope that you have a good day, a blessed day!  We have been blessed so much in comparison to other parts of our country that we need to thank God continually.  In fact, that we can read anything this morning is a blessing, and this is worthy of all praise to God.  THANK YOU, LORD!

This Sunday morning, we have Mass in the park, followed with a Ministry Fair to tell our parishioners and others of many of the activities in our parish, and how they can become involved, which we encourage.  Then there is the key ingredient—spiritual food, and that item known as physical food—a pot luck lunch.  And then there are other items and activities to round out a “fun-day”, or a picnic.  Thanks to the members of the Pastoral Council for making this event possible.  Thanks also for members of the various ministries for making available information about their  ministries.

Today, Msgr. Margason celebrates his 40^th Anniversary, in Shiloh, at 2 P.M.  Jim served one of my first masses in his parish, Old Sacred Heart, in E. St. Louis. Next Sunday, I will be assisting at the mass of Fr. Leo Hayes, in Willisville.  Leo was a server at my first Mass back in 1958, and he is celebrating his 50^th Anniversary.  His mass is at 4 P.M. All of us are old East St. Louis boys!

The Blood Drive went over goal this time.  Our goal was 65 and we did 68.  It had to happen as we kept lowering the goal.  Thanks to all who took the time to come and give blood.  We could have used a lot more, since there is always a shortage during the summer months.  WE JUST NEED TO CARE MORE!  OUR MAKE-UP BLOOD DRIVE IS THIS COMING SATURDAY, JUNE 11, FROM 9 a.m. TO 2 p.m. IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA.  Please make the special effort to come and give blood.  With the many disasters that have happened around our part of the country, Red Cross has been pushed to supply blood for the injured as well as the other sick.  Again, thanks to all who came to give blood, and to help out at the blood drive.

Next Sunday, the churches of Mascoutah are going to have a special collection to help the people of Joplin, Mo.  We have all seen the devastation that they endured, on TV and in the papers, and the challenges facing them.  Since our diocese did not have a special call for this purpose, the Faith-Community of Mascoutah, all of our churches, will be conducting a special collection to help them in their need.  Here at Holy Childhood, we will have a second collection for this purpose, after the Communion, on June 11th & 12th.

On Monday, June 13^th, I will be going to see my brother in Iowa for a few days—until Friday.  It is a six hour drive, seven total with stops, almost 400 miles.  Thanks for your patience with me in the past as I took these trips.  Pray for me on this trip also.

This Saturday, Bishop Braxton will ordain Rev. Anthony Onyango to the priesthood in the Cathedral in Belleville at 10:30 A.M.  Please pray for this new minister of Word and Sacrament.  All are welcome to attend.

Vacation Bible School Needs Your Help! 

Donations of Any of these Items would be Greatly Appreciated! 

please put items in marked bin in the lobby!

¨ Peat Pots (small)

¨ Potting Soil (no fertilizer)

¨ Grass / Cucumber /

       Watermelon / Cantaloupe Seeds

¨ White Card Stock

¨ Small Craft Wiggly Eyes

¨ Magnetic Tape

¨ Modeling Clay (quick air drying)

¨ Toothpicks (round, not flat)

¨ Bowls (Styrofoam or paper)

¨ Paper Towel / Toilet Paper Rolls (empty)

¨ Parchment Paper

¨ Jump Ropes (20-36 ft. long)

¨ Nerf Balls