OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE NOVEMBER

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE NOVEMBER 25, 2018 Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton Bishop of Belleville We, the people of St. Clare Catholic Parish, In the Diocese of Belleville, are called by God in baptism to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Centered in the Eucharist, and strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we strive to live the Gospel and further the reign of God. We do this by creating a vibrant faith community, by actively promoting justice and evangelization, and by using our gifts in the service of God s people, to give God glory and reverence all of Creation. Saint Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us! WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. BAPTISM Preparation classes for parents are offered every other month for infant baptism. Call the Parish Office to sign up. Adults wishing to be baptized should also call the Office. RECONCILIATION Saturdays 3:30-4:30 or by appointment. Community celebrations are also offered every Advent and Lent. MATRIMONY Contact Pastor a year prior. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Communal celebrations twice a year, or by appointment. St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 1411 Cross Street O Fallon, IL 62269 618/ 632-3562 www.stclarechurch.org Fr. Jim Deiters Dennis Vander Ven John Gomez Marcia Fix Jamae Shubirg Ed Seipp Patrick Jurgensmeyer Stephen Eros Jane Dotson Matt Flynn Pastor Deacon Deacon Parish Secretary Administrative Assistant Business Manager Facilities Manager Music and Liturgy Director Family Faith Formation Adult Faith and Mission ST. CLARE SCHOOL 632-6327 214 West Third Street, O Fallon, IL Clarice McKay Principal MT. CALVARY CEMETERY 632-3562 Paulo D Amico PARISH TRUSTEES Michael Crupe John Dempsey ST. VINCENT DEPAUL 632-4270 Emergency Assistance

From Our Pastor, Fr. Jim... A Powerful Way to Pray for the New Year! Each month our parish offers Eucharistic Adoration for 24 hours from Sunday afternoon until the Noon Mass on Monday. All are invited to take part in sitting silently with God in the Eucharist for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour or more. To encourage more parishioners and guests from other parishes to take part in this peaceful, quiet, restful time with God in our church, we are hosting a sign-up drive next weekend. What is Eucharistic Adoration? The point of Adoration is not to do anything it is to simply be with Jesus. We pass time in Adoration much like we do when we simply sit with a friend, spouse, child, parent, etc. Sometimes we are focused intensely on that person, while other times our mind wanders or we think about everything going on in our lives. Try letting go of needing to accomplish anything, and simply say, Jesus, I am here to be with You. I will host a 15 minute How To session after each Mass next weekend, for people who are new to this form of prayer and might not know what to do in such quiet time. Even experienced adorers are welcome to come hear about new ideas for their time with God. Please plan to stay after Mass for this short session on prayer! We will have two easy ways to sign up for those who wish to commit to a time. Please share this with friends and relatives who are not parishioners, but live nearby. What might you give up on a Sunday afternoon, evening or middle of the night to have some one-on-one time with Jesus? We typically offer Eucharistic Adoration on the first Sunday/ Monday of the month. The idea is to have one or more people in the Church for Adoration throughout the 24 hours. It helps if people sign up for 30 minutes, one hour or more, so that we can be sure that every minute is covered. However, you can also just drop in. The church doors are locked later in the evening, so if you plan to come throughout the night, please contact the parish office by Friday to get the code to enter the church. Take a step in a new direction in your prayer life! Fr. Jim Deiters November 24 Rose Brennan Margie Szelmeczka Clarence Reilly Rob Aguilar Deborah Gourdine Erika Santana Kyle Stanton Shae Hosman Michael Rice Claire Browning November 25 Vernon Born Janet Kohn Tina Whitlow Jean True Craig Kapp Shelby Baum Brooke Sullivan Lorelai Johnson November 26 Janice Kerin Don Proffer David Ingebretsen Peggy Belongy Michael Kombrink Miriam Gonzalez Ashlyn Turner Owen Burgess Griffin Barackman November 27 Thomas Brennan Zack Kauth Kieran Wade November 28 Theresa Kuca John Gehrs Nancy Busler David Barr Meagan Vandiver Shawn Dunn Mary Brooks Alexis Fuentes November 29 Jane Corbier Josh Biggs Michelle Kinsch James Larson Jacqulyn Spencer Maggie Fleming Jack Wade Sophia Fox Clair Weinel Olivia Bow Alexandra Turner November 30 Gib Vollmer Ron Cavins Dennis Holdener Leigh Ann Kombrink Angelica Cruz Aubrey Heins December 1 Edith Hock Sarah Heitzman Abbey Holdener Sydney Griffin Savanna Burton Penelope Lewis December 2 Linda Burns Greg Klaus Kent Newbold Brigid Sternberg Olivia Meduga

MASS INTENTION Saturday, November 24 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 5:00 p.m. Clete Schwaegel Melvin Seipp Sunday, November 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 8:30 a.m. Joan Cavins, Mary Kirchgessner Ralph Campbell 10:30 a.m. Vernon Kombrink Monday, November 26 12:00 p.m. Everett and Marie Truttmann Tuesday, November 27 7:30 a.m. William Wessel 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Chapel Wednesday, November 28 - No Mass Thursday, November 29 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Chapel Friday, November 30 Saint Andrew, Apostle 7:30 a.m. Patricia Vollmer Saturday, December 1 First Sunday of Advent 5:00 p.m. Robert LeChien Colin Kennelly Sunday, December 2 First Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. Jim and Betty Gregory Barbara Utnage 10:30 a.m. Dottie Boehmer Readings of the Week Nov. 26 Dec. 2 Monday: Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6; Lk 21:1-4 Tuesday: Rv 14:14-19; Ps 96:10-13; Lk 21:5-11 Wednesday: Rv 15:1-4; Ps 98:1-3ab, 7-9; Lk 21:12-19 Thursday: Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 21:20-28 Friday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Saturday: Rv 22:1-7; Ps 95:1-7ab; Lk 21:34-36 Sunday: Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; 1 Thes 3:12 -- 4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 The New Schedule for Liturgical Ministers was not available at the time of Bulletin Printing. Please watch your email for the new schedule! Mark Your Calendar For These Important Upcoming Events in Our Parish This Weekend: Advent Book Sale Sponsored by the Daughters of St. Paul. An excellent opportunity to buy religious and spiritual works for our loved ones and support an important ministry. The Giving Tree has been a tradition for many years at St. Clare. Each gift goes to a family being helped by our local St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Fontebella Maternity Home. For those who wish to participate, please select a tag from the tree in the gathering space, shop for the gift listed, wrap it (no bows), place the tag securely on the outside of the package and return the gift to the church no later than December 8. This is a great opportunity for a family to give together. Advent Booklets featuring reflections by our parishioners are available for your Advent prayer and meditation time. December 2/3 24 Hour Eucharistic Adoration December 7 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Vigil Mass on Friday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. December 8 Giving Tree gifts returned December 8/9 Altar Sodality Cookie Sale December 13 Parish Reconciliation Service at 7:00 p.m. December 15/16 Fair Trade Sale featuring Handmade Nativity Sets, Coffee, Chocolate and Tea. All proceeds support just wages, dignified work and charitable projects. Christmas Mass Schedule: Monday, December 24 4:30 and 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 25 10:00 a.m. Prelude Music one half hour before each Mass Please pray for the sick, their loved ones and caregivers: Bill Bettorf, Claudene Chunn, Dianne Clark, Joyce Correale, David Dempsey, Tom Dernbach, Jean Green, Rita Haukapp, Margaret Heinke, Tom and Mary Herbert, Kennah Hiestand, Susan Isaak-Lolis, Liz Klingler, Ami Kovach, Babe Papproth, Dawn Papproth Kuhn, Grace Regutti, Paul Riley, Megan Saldanha, Mary Ann Seipp, Ken Sternberg, John Tiemann, Patricia Weiler Please call the parish office or email marciafix@yahoo.com if you have a family member that is homebound or in the hospital and would like their name included in the bulletin. Please pray for our military families, especially those deployed and separated from loved ones.

HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY Wednesday November 28 2 p.m. St. Clare Church Library Our parish is blessed to have two different processional crosses for use at Mass. The carved, wooden cross used most often came from our original church and dates back to the late 1800 s. The other is the large, ornate silver Ethiopian Coptic cross we carry in procession during the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas and Easter. This unique and beautiful piece of religious art will be depicted on our limited-edition parish Christmas ornament this year. You can make this image a part of your own Christmas celebration by taking home one of our beautiful porcelain ornaments depicting the Coptic Cross on the front and this passage from Philippians on the back: Jesus emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, coming in human likeness. The ornament is the 11th in a series of collectors ornaments featuring the art and architecture of our church. Ornaments will be sold for $10 each after weekend Masses starting December 1. A limited number of ornaments from previous years will be available. Proceeds benefit the parish s building fund. For questions or more information, contact Ellen Gravlin at 531-9151. A detailed story on this cross will be featured in our next edition of The Eye Opener! Watch your mail for our newsletter! Hope for the Journey is a ministry reaching out to anyone that has experienced the loss of a loved one, recent or not. We meet for conversation, suggested reading, encouragement, prayer and to walk this journey with you. For more information, please contact the parish office or Ken and Barb Kenney at kj_kenney@sbcglobal.netor 726-7587. The Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal using your gifts to serve one another The ministries and programs that rely on The Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal ensure the healing, teaching and redemptive presence of Jesus Christ for the people of our Belleville Diocese. Yet, their work cannot continue without your help and support. We ask for your continued prayers for the success of The Appeal and, if you are able, please consider making a gift. No amount is too large or small and donations are accepted throughout the year. God bless you! Your Giving November 10/11 Weekly Envelope $ 14,310.00 WeShare $ 5,237.00 Direct Deposit $ 5,195.00 Total Tithe $24,742.00 Church Mortgage $ 2,090.00

December Eucharistic Adoration Sunday, December 2 Following 10:30 Mass Until Monday, December 3 Benediction 11:40 a.m. Mass at Noon To make room in our life for the Eucharistic Lord, so that He can change our life into His...is that asking too much? Saint Edith Stein Don t miss this beautiful prayer opportunity to begin Advent in quiet peace with Jesus. As we anticipate with joyful hearts and prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, come spend time in praise and adoration! To commit to an hour, sign up sheets will be on the round table in the Gathering Space, or drop by anytime during the 24 hours. Advent: Rethinking the Season Advent is an odd season. Unlike most other seasons, it s a season that isn t about itself, but is instead about preparing for Christmas. But that reality often gets lost in the shuffle and stress of trying to find all the right gifts, decorations and dinner ingredients. In this talk, Dr. Tim Gray uses storytelling and the readings of the Old Testament to explain that we need to live the preseason of Advent well, so we can be prepared to welcome and receive the greatest gift God the Father wants to give us at Christmas: His Son, Jesus. Stop by our Lighthouse Kiosk in the Gathering Space to find excellent Catholic CDs and books for gifts! Will be visiting our parish! November 24 & 25 The Daughters of St. Paul are Religious Sisters whose mission is to communicate the Gospel with the media, in the spirit of St. Paul. Their publications of Catholic books, music and DVDs, for both children & adults, will be available for purchase after the weekend Masses. Special request? Call Sr. Laura at 314-965-3512. Advent Booklets, with reflections, written by our own parishioners, will once again be available. Please pick one up Thanksgiving weekend. Please choose a name tag from our giving tree this weekend. Each name belongs to a family or family member being helped by our SVDP or Fontebella Maternity Home. Shop for the gift, wrap it (no bows please), place the identifying tag on the OUTSIDE of the package securely, and return the gift to church by December 8. This is a great way for family members to give together!

Nov 25 Dec 2 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 23 Dec 30 St. Clare Parish School of Religion NO PSR (Thanksgiving Weekend) PSR Class (6th grade Soup Kitchen) First Reconciliation for 2nd Grade 10:00 at Church PSR Class PSR Class No PSR (Christmas Break) No PSR (Christmas Break) Nov 25 Luke 18 Seniors at St. Clare Dec 2 Meeting 6 7:30 in Youth Room Dec 2 Crazy 8 s Christmas Party and Blanket Making 5 7 in FH Dec 9 Advent Anticipation Celebration 6 7:30 in Youth Room Dec 15-16 Pick up study bags after Mass Dec 16 Luke 18 meeting at St. Nicholas Dec 16 Youth Group Study for finals with college helpers 6 7:30 p.m. Dec 23 & 30 No Youth Group Meetings PSR Christmas Project Give a Merry Christmas to some children who really need it! Please help your child choose a toy, book or something fun to bring to PSR on December 2. All gifts should be new. Please do not wrap gifts. Ages from birth to 12 years old. Toys that run on imagination are better than batteries! Catholic Urban Programs (CUP) an agency of the Diocese of Belleville, will distribute the toys. Luke 18 Bringing fun and faith together for an awesome weekend retreat. January 18 20, 2019 at St. Clare School A special invitation to eighth-graders: The annual Luke 18 retreat provides a powerful experience for 8th graders. Luke 18 opens their eyes to the presence and love of our God, who embraces them just as they are. Led by high school and college students from St. Clare, St. Nicholas and Corpus Christi, the retreat features highenergy games, sons, skits, personal sharing and a series of faith and life talks by the high school students. They ll be talking about Luke 18 for years!! 8th graders: Cost is $50 Payable to St. Clare Church (Luke 18) Registration & payment increases to $90 after 11/14 Registration closes on December 11. Register at www.stclarechurch.org or contact your parish youth leader for more information. Crazy 8 s Christmas Games And Blanket Making for all 7th & 8th grade youth Please join with a friend! Bring 1 piece of (1 print or 1 solid) fleece material (2 yards each) and really good scissors OR Some warm snacks to share Games, food, service & fun! Sunday, December 2 from 5 7 pm St. Clare Church Fellowship Hall Blankets will be donated to elderly people in need

ALTAR ANGELS DECEMBER 1 Celerina Collins, Margaret Eros Ely Gillespie, Jeannie Haukapp, Babe Papproth BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS Sunday, December 9 at 1:30 in the Church Library (across from restrooms) for any parents that have not attended a Baptismal prep class and wish to schedule a Baptism. Please call the parish office to RSVP. ST. CLARE SENIORS CHRISTMAS PARTY Monday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Please bring a side dish or dessert and a $5 gift for the gift exchange game. Any parishioner over 55 and their friends from any parish are invited to join the club, which usually meets at 6:30 on the second Monday of the month in the FH for evenings of great food, lots of laughs and a variety of entertainment and guest speakers. The seniors group is strictly social, no work or fundraising is involved. For more information contact Judy at 632-4074. COLLEGE CARE PACKAGE DONATIONS NEEDED!! Bring your donations of packaged snack items to the Fellowship Hall Kitchen by November 28. Help with writing notes of support and putting boxes together at 6 p.m. on November 29. Please contact Jane at janeadotson@yahoo.com to help! DONATIONS FOR INMATES The Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center is asking for donations of soap and deodorant for those unable to afford them. SWICC is a minimum security drug rehabilitation and counseling facility that helps promote life skills, behavioral change, and whenever possible, family reconciliation and reintegration. Please place donations in the baskets across from the restrooms and label SWICC. Altar Sodality Cookie Sale! After Mass on December 8/9 Plates of 3 dozen, homemade, assorted cookies are $12. Some baked goods and candy also may be available for sale. To pre-order, call Mary Ann at 632-7137 Donations of homemade cookies are appreciated. Bring to Fellowship Hall at 8 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 8 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. CLARE SCHOOL Santa s Fun Shop Friday, Nov 30 from 6 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec 1 from 9 a.m. Noon Christmas Band Concert & 1st Grade Music Program Monday, Dec 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Gym Happily Forever A er 3rd & 4th grade musical Dec 13/14 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Gym Catholic Schools Week Sunday, January 27 Saturday, February 2 Open House Sunday, January 27 from 1:30 3:00 p.m.