Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church

September 4,  2011

FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

The Picnic was a success!  God blessed us with fabulous weather, and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts and our pockets!  The latter are empty!  We could not have asked for nicer weather in my estimation, and in the estimation of all who attended.  The Friday evening Fish Fry was down from last year, probably due to the home football game, and another event going on after-game in a local church.  But our Saturday night more than made up for it.  I do not have any hard figures on the gross income, but am told that it was right at $70,000 for both nights which I am told is more than last year’s gross.  Many thanks to all who helped make it a success, and worked so hard at it.  I understand that the Children’s Play Land grossed between $2500 and $3000.  Thanks to Bill Huff who made all of the games and managed that whole area.  Thanks also to the Scouts for coming to clean up Saturday and Sunday mornings.  And thanks to all who came Sunday to “take-down, put-away and clean-up”!  You did a great job with the team that showed!

This is Labor Day weekend, and the formal end of summer.  Please be careful for yourselves and for others.  “Last Flings can also be Final Flings.”  Come back home safe and sound so that we can all enjoy one another for a long, long time.

Again, the blood drive happens too late to be a bulletin item.  However, the previous Blood Drive brought in 70 units of blood, and two first-time donors.  We attained our goal of 63 units at the first drive.  As I write this I hope that we can go way over our goal this time of 25 units.  We all have to start caring about donating blood.  It cannot always be someone else’s duty.  It is always “saving a life”, and it might be someone dear to us.

Thursday is the Serrans' Day of Prayer for vocations.  I wrote about this in last week’s bulletin.  This week’s news on TV and papers headlined about the closing of many parishes in our diocese due to lack of priests to cover the parishes.  Who can we blame if we did not pray for vocations, or encourage vocations, or facilitate vocations?  I invite you to come to church that day—maybe mass, or anytime during the day, and pray that God will help our diocese, and church to generate vocations.  At 6 P.M., we will have an informal prayer time, rosary, benediction, to gather as a family, and join in with all the Serra members around the world to pray for vocations.

Next Sunday, Fr. Paul Wilhelm, O.M.I. will be the celebrant at the 8:00 A.M. Mass.  The Pastoral Council will be making its annual retreat at the home of John Pettinger from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.  Pray for all of the members of the Council, that the Holy Spirit will help them make the right decisions for the spiritual life of our parish.  Pray to the Holy Spirit, inspire members of our parish to become more involved in our parish, and dedicated to being Christ alive in today’s world.

Next Sunday, after the Pastoral Council meeting, I will be heading to Kentucky Lake for a fishing experience, an annual event with a couple of parishioners.  My brother used to make this trip until his health got in the way.  We will be back on Tuesday afternoon.  Say a prayer for all of us, especially myself that I catch the biggest fish, but also for a safe and relaxing time with good weather.  Our guide is a Baptist, and he has delegated the weather, bait, and fishing to me.  He just guides the boat.  God help us!

Catechist training  is in the parish center on September 7th at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  This is for all catechists and assistants who will be teaching K-8th grade and it is very important that you attend.

NEEDED:  Red, white and blue cupcakes or cookies are needed for a reception on September 9 following Mass honoring police, firemen, EMT’s and military.  Please bring to school on September 8^th.

Holy Childhood School commemorates 9-11  On Friday, September 9^th, Holy Childhood School will commemorate the tragedy of 9-11.  Present and retired police, firemen, EMT’s and military are invited to join Holy Childhood School for church services on Friday, September 9, at 8:00 a.m.  A reception will follow the service.  If you can attend, please contact Holy Childhood School 566-2922.

MINISTRY OF THE SICK Cathy’s Corner 566-4625 or 566-4066.  A helpful hint to good health note will be in the bulletin monthly.  If you would like assistance, let us know.  The flu season is upon us again.  Anyone age 6 months or older needs to be vaccinated.  Please check with your doctor.

17th ANNUAL HOLY CHILDHOOD APACHE 4 Person Golf Scramble September 16th at Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville, IL. Entry fees: $75 per player/$300 per team. (Includes green fees, cart, Tom’s brats lunch, catered dinner, refreshments and attendance prizes).  Shotgun start is at 12 Noon. To register, contact Brandon Woodrome (618) 566-3885 or Patrick Wombacher (618) 566-4219.  Deadline—September 9th.

LADIES OF HCCCW are invited to the Belleville Deanery Day of Prayer on Thursday, September 22nd.  8:30 AM registration in the parish center.  For more information contact Betty Schoeberle at 618-566-7702 by September 12th.

Gift Cards  Holy Childhood School sells gift cards at face value for a variety of local retail stores, restaurants and gas stations.  The cards can be given as gifts or used for your own purchases.  Stop by the Gathering Space after mass to purchase gift cards or just to see the cards that we have in stock.  The HCS students, faculty and staff thank you for your support.

Other News

Executive Administrative Assistant The Diocese of Belleville is seeking a full time Executive Administrative Assistant. This position provides administrative support which includes general clerical duties as well as coordinating special projects, meetings and events and arranging and scheduling travel.  Applicant must have strong written and oral communication skills, be highly organized and flexible, able to work well with others, and must maintain confidentiality of church and professional issues.  Essential qualifications include a minimum of an Associate’s Degree; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience; 5+ years experience in a related role of providing executive support, plus knowledge in Microsoft Office and other computer programs/applications.  Practicing Catholic required.  To apply send cover letter with resume and preferred salary range to Human Resources, Diocese of Belleville, 222 S. 3rd St., Belleville, IL. 62220. FAX to 618-212-0056; email to humanresources@diobelle.org. Application deadline:  September 9, 2011.

The Belleville Council Society of St. Vincent de Paul is starting a new special works conference to help with  formation of existing and new Young Vincentian Conferences throughout the diocese. We would like to extend a sincere invitation to anyone who would be interested in becoming involved to a meeting on Wednesday, September 7^th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Peace Chapel at Mount Carmel Cemetery located at 10101 West Main Street, Belleville. Please call Pat at 618.799.8505 if you have questions. 

St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Picnic will be held at St. Joseph parish grounds in Freeburg, IL on Friday & Saturday, September 9th & 10th.  Friday is a fish fry from 4-9 PM and music by Johnny Guitar & Friends at 7 PM.  Saturday is a chicken dinner from 4-7:30 PM.  Carry-outs available.  Quilt bingo at 6 PM.  Mass is at 4 PM at St. Joseph’s Church.

Annual Chicken Dinner at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 507 S. Main St., Troy, IL. Sunday, September 11 from Noon to 5 p.m. Buffet style dinner in air-conditioned church with quilt and cash raffles. Adults $9.00, Kids 5-12 $4.00, Under 5 Free. Carry outs available.

Quilt and Cash Social St. James Parish, Millstadt. Sunday, September 11th at 1:00 PM at the Father Stephen Freund Parish Center. Come early—doors open at 10:30 AM.  Handmade quilts, basket boutique and bake sale stands. Fried chicken dinners and refreshments. 

Save the Dates!  St. Dominic Church in Breese is holding a "Living in the Light" Parish Mission September 11th-15th at 6:30 P.M. each night.  This 5-evening event is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your Catholic faith and grow in your relationship with God.  Mark your calendars.  Everyone is invited!

St. Luke’s 21st Annual 4-Person Golf Scramble Sunday, September 18th at Yorktown Golf Club, 308 Anderson Lane, Belleville, IL.  12:15-12:45 PM  registration; 1:00 PM shotgun start.  Entry fee $40.00 per person.  (Includes 18 holes of golf, catered meal, 2 drink tickets and prizes).  Reservations must be made by September 10th.

Pre-Cana Class  September 24th at Althoff High School. Couples may register by contacting Rev. Matthew Elie at (618) 397-2287.

Friends of the Poor Walk  The Society of St. Vincent De Paul  Saturday, September 24th.  Registration 8-10 AM.  Althoff Catholic High School.  Questions/Info pat.hogrebe@gmail.com or (618) 799-8505. 

The Journey Home is one of many programs of conversion, inspiration and hope that can be heard on AM 1080 WRYT, Catholic radio.  You will also hear shows such as Catholic Answers Live, Life on the Rock, and Faith and Family.  Plus, the daily Holy Mass, the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  For a program schedule and a free CD, please call toll-free (877) 305-1234.