Again, this week, we laid to rest another member of our parish in the person of Kenneth Groennert.  Only 38 years of age, Kenneth has been battling this illness for the past 25 years.  Yet he continued to do the passion of his life as an EMT, and as a fireman.  His abilities, as well as his personality won him many friends and admirers.  The numbers of people who have responded to help him in these past years indicate how much he was loved and appreciated. His acceptance of God’s plan for him showed his great love of God and of neighbor.  We give him back to the God who gave him to us in the first place, and we thank God for all the blessings He has showered on all of us.  May he rest in peace!

     Thanks to all who supported the School Auction last Saturday!  We had a good time even though our attendance was down, and as a result, our success.  I bought three items that I did not intend to buy.  However, the purpose of the auction is to support our school and help it in its goal of educating and forming our children for their future.  Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it success, and to those who attended.

     Thanks also to all those who responded to our leadership request for input about our parish and the evaluation of our operation, as requested by the diocese.  We will have another meeting in the near future to invite all of the parishioners for their input and comments about our parish, and what the future may require of us and the neighboring parishes.  We had some very spirited comments and insights, all very positive.

     Just a reminder that we will have a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Nov. 3^rd, in our school cafeteria.  This is an extra drive squeezed in between the picnic time and our Christmas drive.  Everyone who gave blood at our last drive in August is eligible.  We also invite new donors, and ask all of you to encourage participation from others.  One does need to bring a Photo ID card.

     October is almost gone—just over a week remains.  Next month is November and is dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory—for all of the deceased.  Our book of Remembrance will be up in the front of church for your special persons to be enrolled.  We pray for all of the deceased in every mass as part of our Communion of Saints with the whole church.  We are all members of the family of Christ, sharing in His life and His goodness.

     NEXT SUNDAY:  Clocks change and we go back to Standard Time.  Don't forget to set your clocks.

     Two years ago, we started to have a SPECIAL COLLECTION on the First Sunday of November for the purpose of supporting our Cemetery.  Even though many have endowed care on their lots, many of the older graves do not.  Times have changed!  But we all want our cemetery to be a source of pride.  Costs have increased for maintenance and mowing.  We are grateful to Art Wilhelm who tries his best to take care of the graves and keep it nice.  We thank the Knights of Columbus for their work on Altar and statues.  But we still need the help of all of us.  Second Collection next Sunday for the Cemetery!

REMINDER:

What:  Special Meeting about changes in the Roman Missal

When: Monday, November 21, at 7:00 PM

Where:  Holy Childhood Church.  Refreshments follow in the parish center.

HCCCW Quilt and Grocery Raffle ticket returns can be made by putting them in the collection basket or sending to or dropping off at the rectory.  Drawing will be held at the Nov 8th meeting.

Church Chatter:  Anyone wishing to put something in the next Church Chatter, please send your ideas or information to Linda Zacharski: kzacharski@charter.net or call 566-8022.  Deadline for articles and announcements is November 2, 2011.

October is the month of the Holy Rosary  HCCCW is going to honor the Blessed Mother by saying the rosary on Wednesdays at Holy Childhood School by the flagpole where the Rosary is painted on the blacktop.  We will meet at 12:30 PM on October 26th (weather permitting). 

Child Protection Training – Holy Childhood School will have another Child Protection Training on November 2, 2011, 7:00-9:00 p.m., in the Parish Center.  Please call the school office to register 566-2922.  There is no cost for the training.

MARK Your CALENDAR for the next Blood Drive  Thursday, November 3rd from 2-7 PM at Holy Childhood School cafeteria.  Please come and bring another donor!

Start your Christmas Shopping Early!  The 8th Grade Class will be selling personalized pans & and gifts by That's My Pan! to raise funds for their 8th Grade Trip.  The pans are made in the USA, are of excellent quality and make wonderful Christmas gifts! A display of the pans and gifts will be set up in the school hallway, so please come by and have a look.  Each pan comes with a lid that you can personalize with one of many different designs, along with a personalized name.  Extra order forms will be available in the office, please feel free to pick up extras to share with friends and co-workers.  Make checks payable to HCS.  If you have any questions, please call Jeanne Amann at 618-310-2362 (work) or 618-235-4199 (home) or e-mail me at jamann@hinshawlaw.com (work) or jamann6@norcom2000.com (home). DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ORDERS IS DECEMBER 9th to be deliver by Christmas!

Gift Cards  We now stock Phillips 66 $25 gas cards which can be used in town at Sax’s.  Stop by the school office during the week or the Gathering Space after masses to purchase cards.  Holy Childhood School thanks you for your support.

Parish School of Religion

Director: Marilyn Byrne

       PSR Director :  Marilyn Byrne   566-2958

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION