HAPPY NEW YEAR!  RATHER, “A BLESSED AND GRACE-FILLED NEW YEAR!”

So often, as we begin a new year, we hear of certain customs for New Years Day. In my home, we always had to have a cabbage plate, since cabbage was green, and green equaled money, and so it mean a prosperous new year.  And I am sure that most of us older persons can relate to similar customs.  How about a new one—saying a Rosary for peace and health this year, a year filled with GRACE, and joy in the love of God in our lives?  New Year’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation; in order for us to set our priorities right, put God first in our lives, and then go from there.  After all, if we don’t get on the right road from the very start, it is going to be harder to get back on it later on!  Take some time for family prayer today—the family praying together besides our meal prayer.

Today is also the Feast of Mary, the mother of God, because she gave birth to Jesus, who is God.  She gave birth to His whole person, God and Man, not just part of Him.  Say a prayer in thanksgiving to Mary for saying “Yes” to God’s plan for Her, and for us.

Next Sunday, we will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the visit of the Magi to Christ.  It is revered as the call and acceptance of the pagan world to Christ’s presence in the world, the openness of non-believers to Christ in our world.  When one thinks about the sign that they received, how they received it, the journey they made based on faith in the sign, theirs was a special calling of grace to find Christ, the Son of God.

Next Sunday will be the end of the Christmas season, and we will take down the Christmas decorations that day.  We will begin at 1:00 P.M. and will want to take special care when we store them away.  Haste makes waste, and this year, as we put up the trees, we found lights damaged because not enough care was exercised.  There is much to store away both in the basement and upstairs in the attic.  So we can use lots of help, and also lots of adult guidance.  This is also a good time to gain some “Church Credit Hours” for Confirmation, and Beta Club.

Again, Thanks for the many cards and gifts received this past Christmas… It is great to know that you are appreciated, as we all can attest to.  Also many thanks for your generosity to the parish Christmas collection ($18654.21), and to the special collection for the poor and needy ($4533.48).  May God bless your for you Christ like spirit.

This week is Retreat week for the Diocesan Priests at the King’s House.  I will be attending the Retreat, but will be coming home at night to sleep in my own bed.  I do not do well on their beds, nor find it feasible with the Sleep-Apnea equipment.  Deacon Karcher will be giving Communion at the Morning Communion Services, and Fr. Mauer will have mass on Friday morning.  Pray for all of the priests who will be on Retreat.

On Saturday, from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M., there will be a “Make-Up” Blood Drive in the School Cafeteria.  We have these special blood drives to help those who cannot make the regular Thursday Drives, and also those who might be deferred due to low iron or other temporary problems.  If you can give blood, please do so.

PSR: There will be a First Communion meeting on January 8th after the 10:30 mass in the church for both parents and students.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: The Holy Childhood Counsel of Catholic Women wishes to thank everyone who donated money towards the beautiful Christmas flowers for our church, in memory of their deceased loved ones. Also, to those who made special contributions. Your generosity will help keep the church beautiful throughout the year. On Jan 14, 2012, the 5:30 Mass will be said for all of the deceased family and friends you wanted remembered with your flower donation. Pat Bowker, 566-7089.

THE DONUT COMMITTEE will be serving donuts on the first Sunday of each month. Carol Flannery, the chairman of the Committee is preparing the schedule for 2012. If there is anyone who is interested in volunteering, please contact Carol at 566-8184.

13th Annual St. Louis Marian Conference will be held Jan 13, 14 & 15, 2012 at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis.  Interesting speakers, Mass, Confession, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  160 relics of the Saints will be on display.  A group from Holy Childhood is going on Sat, Jan 14th.  If interested, contact Marilyn Hund (566-7410) by Dec 23 (to get group rate) and for more info.

The 5th annual Catholic men's conference is being held Feb 4, 2012. Registration for this event is now open. This one day event features great speakers, great music and a great time. If you would like to attend please go to the website and register or mail in the registration form. The cost is $40 for the day and includes lunch. If you cannot register online please submit your check for $40 to the rectory and your registration will be taken care of. If you would like to carpool to the event please email or the contact the rectory.  http://www.catholicmenforchrist.org.

Uptergrove Raffle: During the month of January 2012, we will be handing out raffle tickets ($1 each or 6 for $5) with various prizes to be given out.  We are looking for new prizes to include in the raffle.  If you have an item that you would like to donate, please send it to the school office.  Raffle tickets will be available during the month of January with the drawing on February 3, 2012.  All funds collected will go to the Uptergrove Family.  Any new items (adult or child) are acceptable.  Please bring to the school office. 

MEMORIAL MASS FOR SISTER FRANCES is on January 14th at 10:30 am. There will be a potluck luncheon to follow.

Parish School of Religion

Director: Marilyn Byrne

 

PSR now has its own page on this website

 

From the Home page

Click on OUR PARISH

Click on EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES

Click on PSR

 

 

PSR  Email: marilyn.byrne@holychildhoodchurch.com 

       PSR Director :  Marilyn Byrne   566-2958

        PSR class will begin again on January 8th.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION