TODAY S READINGS First Reading One like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship (Daniel 7:13-14). Psalm The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty (Psalm 93). Second Reading Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead (Revelation 1:5-8). Gospel For this I came into the world, to testify to the truth (John 18:33b-37). ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Dennis R. Schaefer Address: 802 Middle Street Prairie du Rocher, IL 62277 Phone: 618-284-3314 Email: sjospdr@htc.net Website: www.stjoespdr.org Diocese website: www.diobelle.org LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Secretary: Jill Whelan Parish Council President: James Popejoy Finance Council President: Roger Henry St. Joseph Cemetery: Jack Laurent St. Leo Cemetery: Steve Gonzalez Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Dennis Schaefer Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Jurek WEEKEND MASSES AT ST. JOSEPH: Saturdays: 6:00 pm (odd months) Sundays: 8:00 am (even months) Ruma Convent: Sunday at 11am Daily Mass varies at both locations Confessions at St. Joseph: Saturday 5-5:40 pm & Sundays 7:15 7:45 am Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 25, 2018 Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:5 CHRIST THE KING On the final Sunday of the liturgical year we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. It s easy to understand today s scriptures as events that happened long ago and far away, or predictions that will come true somewhere, some day. But they invite us to claim Christ as our King here and now. Jesus words to Pilate in the Gospel remind us that his kingdom transcends time and place. And the prophecies from Daniel and Revelation give us reason to be faithful to Christ our King right here and right now. By concluding the year with this feast we are proclaiming our faith that Jesus Christ is the one and only King over all seasons, all peoples, and all of creation. No matter what nation we belong to or what language we speak, he has made us into a kingdom (Revelation 1:6) one people united in love and peace for all eternity. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Although our Puritan forebears at Plymouth Rock were almost a hundred years removed from their Catholic roots, the old liturgical calendar still had an unconscious claim on their hearts. We ve already seen how on Saint Martin s Day, November 11, medieval continental Europe observed a great harvest day of Thanksgiving, with games, dances, parades, and a festive dinner of roast goose. With the goose went ample draughts of Saint Martin s Wine, the first wine of the new harvest. Martinmas celebrated full barns and larders stocked for the winter. Even after the Reformation, the tradition of eating goose on Saint Martin s Day was retained in Holland, and it was there that our Pilgrims encountered this tradition. When Governor Bradford sent four hunters out into the Massachusetts wilderness in the autumn of 1621, they did indeed find some geese and ducks, and were persuaded by the indigenous people to try turkey, too. Just as the liturgical calendar has been tweaked over the years, President Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November in
1939, probably to extend the Christmas shopping season. The protest was so great that in 1941 the day established by President Lincoln, the last Thursday in November, was restored. If the Pilgrims had known of the Martinmas connection, they might never have celebrated at all! Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Robert & Jeanette Ellner Mark & Amy Roider Roy & Joyce Wirth Chad & Kim Deterding May God continue to bless you and your marriage for many more years! NOV. 25 th THROUGH DEC. 2 nd Sat. 5pm(J) Kenny Biethman, Percy & Virginia Reinhold Bob & Gerald Mollet Sun. 11am (C) Living & Deceased Member of the Boeckmann Family Mon. 8:15am (C) Henry & Alice Scherle Tues 4pm(C) S. Catherine Wellinghoff (B-Day) Wed. 8:15am(C) S. Rose Schrage Thurs. 8am(J) Ernie Doiron Thurs 4pm(C) Jeanette Henry Fri. 8:15am S. Mary Jerome Goeckner Sun. 8am(J) Carol DuFrenne Jeanette & Curtis Henry Sun. 11am (C) S. Rosemary Henrichs Rick Thompson Rev. Joe Rascher Claudia Jurek Our Homebound Tony Melliere Neil Mudd All Cancer Patients Rev. Ken Schaefer Nursing Home Residents Robert & Linda Simpson For all abused persons All names of the prayer list will be left on for 4 weeks. Please call the rectory if you would like them to remain on the list. Nov. 26 Andrew Mudd Nov. 27 Kenny Pelate Nov. 28 Debbie Ellner Nov. 30 Adam Walker May your day be filled with Good Wishes, Birthday Greetings and God s Blessings Sat. Nov. 24 th 5pm B Marvin C Carol & Mary Ann L Mary B S Mckenna & Langston G Richard & Laura Mae Chalice & Paten: Carol D. Friday Dec. 7 th 7pm B Marvin C Ava & Carla L Leonard S Volunteers Sun. Dec. 2 nd 8a.m. B Leonard C Audrey & Carla L Becky S Katelyn & Mackenzie G Chad Deterding Fam. Chalice & Paten: Steve G. Nov 18 th Envelopes (38) $903.00 Loose $63..00 All Souls (3) $25.00 Christmas Flowers $150.00 Total (Weekly goal) $1.141.00 $1,700.00 From the Desk of Fr. Dennis On this last Sunday of the Church year we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, acknowledging that Jesus is above all temporal rulers, past, present, or future. We also recognize that Jesus should reign in our lives, guiding us in our thoughts, our decisions and our conduct. In both the universe that is the entire world and
the universe that is our own heart, Jesus Christ is Lord. Knowing this, we need to hear the words Jesus tells Pilate, that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to his voice. May we listen with new hearts and minds to the truth of God's Word. The Advent/Christmas letter will be coming to your mail box this week. In it you will find the schedule for the Advent Penance Services, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses, & the Christmas & New Years Masses. PLEASE post this so you know when services are in our Partnership. Have ablest week! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. Sympathies To all of Godier family and extended family on the recent loss of their mother/grandmother/great grandmother, Betty Godier. Betty passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Her Mass of Christian burial was here on November 21, 2018 with burial in our cemetery. May Betty rest in peace with the Lord and all the angels and saints. Remember, don't worry so much, and know that you are loved! Fr. Dennis 'Tis (almost) The Season We prepare for everything we consider important in life. And that includes Christmas. We visit family and friends, bake cookies, decorate our trees, and shop for gifts until we're ready to drop. This year, prepare for Christmas in a different way. Join our parish for the BEST ADVENT EVER, a free e-mail program from Dynamic Catholic that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during this busy season. Each day of Advent, you'll receive an e-mail with: a) Short inspirational videos from Allen Hunt, Dominick Albano, with guest appearances from Matthew Kelly b) Practical tips for your everyday life c) Real-life stories to encourage you in your faith journey. Plus, every Sunday during the program, you'll receive a thought-provoking video reflection that will help you understand how the Gospel relates to your own life. TO SIGN UP, visit BestAdventEver.com/Christmas. PARTNERSHIP MASS FOR DECEMBER IS: St. Patrick: 6pm Saturday St. Joseph: 8am Sunday THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. ON THE LIGHTER SIDE After their Thanksgiving dinner, every member of the family, one by one, shared something for which they were thankful. When it was little Susie's turn, she folded her hands and bowed her head. "I'm thankful," she said with great emotion that "I'm not the turkey." DID YOU REMEMBER Please contact Deb Ellner at 284-3565 if you or a fellow parishioner are suffering from an injury, illness, or grief and would like a visit. The Prayer chain is in place. If you know of someone who is in need of emergency prayers please call Jeanelle Dinan 284-7788 or the rectory @ 284-3314. Again this year our PSR students will be collecting items to stuff a shoe box to send to children ages 2-14. It cost $9.00 to ship each box if anyone would be willing to help ship the Gift of Joy Boxes please drop an envelope in the collection basket and mark it for gift of joy shipment. If you would like to fill your own box there will also be a list of items that are safe to ship as well as a tag with the age and gender that you will sending to. More information will be in the foyer of church. All donations must be to the rectory by Nov. 21 st at noon. HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK Sat. Mass 6p.m. Tues. PSR @ 7:15 a.m. R&R @ 10:30a.m. Youth group to R&R at 6p.m. to decorate Christmas trees Sun 8a.m. Mass Le Fete de Noel 12-4 at the Legion Open to all students from 7 th grade through senior year in high school. If you are looking for a special gift for a loved one the youth is selling candles made from recycled Easter candles. They are $15 and all proceeds go to the NCYC fund.
RESPECT LIFE CORNER Solidarity Because We Are Yours Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all. St. John Paul II Learn, Act, Connect, Pray: How does this challenge you? How can you join with others to take concrete steps-big or small-to help build a society of solidarity? Visit Catholic Relief Services (CRS) www.crs.org to learn how college students are living out the call to solidarity. Loving God, Father of all people, help sensitize us to the suffering of others so that we can overcome indifference and build up a civilization of love and solidarity. DIOCESAN HAPPENINGS: 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. Thank you and God bless! Red Bud Mattress Fundraiser If you need a new mattress, now is the time to buy! Support SJB Athletic Dept. and purchase a new mattress on Sun., Nov. 25th, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Red Bud Mattress (139 W. Market). Up to 70% off retail! New mattresses; all sizes; pick up, delivery, layaway available. If you are unable to attend this event, mention this blurb at the Red Bud Mattress Company from now until Dec. 16th and receive the same promotion! Belleville "A Musical Gift to the City" WEBSTER UNIVERSITY CHORALE AT CHRISTMAS Sat evening, Dec 8 at 7 PM This "free gift" is open to all! The sounds of the University Chorale will fill St. Peter's Cathedral 200 W. Harrison St. Attention women of St. Joseph St. John s CCW has once again invited us to their Christmas party at Lisa s on December 4 th @ 6:30p.m. The cost is $13.00 in advance and you must RSVP to Jan by Nov.23 rd. Her number is 282-6962, leave a message if she doesn t answer. Evansville Knights of Columbus Fish Buffet Friday 12/7 Serving 4:30-8 pm 4 kinds of fish, chicken strips and 7 sides Adults $12.00 Children 5-12 $5.00 Buffet is Dine-in Only Carryouts available by the Plate, Sandwich or by the Pound. UPCOMING EVENTS: Prairie du Rocher Chamber Lighted Toy Parade Nov. 24 th 6p.m. Prairie du Rocher American Legion: Euchre: American Legion hosting Sunday Tournaments Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17 & Mar. 17 Sign-up after 12 p.m. Play begins at 2pm Lunch is provided FROM PARISH COUNCIL: ANGEL TREE Beginning November 17 th 2018 Ending Dec. 16 th 2018 This year we have expanded our tree to the members of R&R along with our parish nursing home and homebound residents. Please pick a name, give a gift Suggested items: Hair pick/comb, toothbrush & toothpaste, body wash, lotion, after shave, shaving cream, body mist, Kleenex, Chap stick, word search, & books. TRI-CENTENNIAL PLANS As many of you know our 300 th anniversary is fast approaching. If anyone in the parish is will to help plan or has ideas about how to carry out the celebration please call the rectory. Let your talents be seen. Prairie du Rocher Chamber next meeting is at Lisa s on Nov. 13th @ 6pm. The Tri-Centennial Committee will be needing extra help to get things rolling, if you would like to be help with this committee please call the rectory. All help is appreciated! We will begin to collect pictures in January of the old and new church for the memory book that will be displayed. All pictures will scanned and returned to the
owners within one week. Also, if anyone has the names of the first families with in the church I will need them as well. Thanks in advance. If anyone would happen to know where the corner stone from 1858 is placed please let Jill know. According to several stories the stone contains a time capsule of sorts. That would be really neat to find such a big piece of the parish history. DON T FORGET The suggestion box in the back of church is for any and all issues. Parish council will address any and all concerns at each meeting. P.S. it can be anonymous. FAITH FORMATION Matthew 25: 34-36 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a TRIP TO FEED THE HOMELESS A group from St. Joseph's will be making a trip to assist in handing out food and other items to the homeless near the Biddle House in St. Louis. An organized group of volunteers gather every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning to provide a meal to those who are unable to get into the homeless shelter. It is a safe environment that is appropriate for all ages. The first of what will hopefully be many opportunities will be Saturday, December 8th. If you are interested in being a part of this group keep an eye out for more information and a sign-up sheet in the coming weeks. Sign-up sheets will be at all entrances of the church. Please don t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Jesus certainly wasn t! Sometimes change is good! QUILTERS: The quilters Appreciation dinner will be held again at Lisa s on Jan. 10 th at 6p.m. Please watch the bulletin for more updates as time gets closer FYI the totals for the Diocesan tax, Clergy aid, Insurance and Subsidies (Gibault and St. John s) and our total for FY 2018/2019 is $53,194.01. Insurance $10,462.00 Subsidy $27,135.00 Parish Assessment $14,044.26 Clergy Aid Society $ 1,553.10 Please donate generously. FUNDRAISING NEWS We had many generous donations for Mason Jars but we could still use donations of the red and green M&M s to help offset the cost of this fundraiser. Meeting notes: We are now taking orders for cookies and delivery date will be Dec. 9 th at the latest. Order forms are in the back of church and on our Facebook page and website. The mixes will be sold at some craft fairs in the area during Nov. & Dec. SCHEDULES FOR UPCOMING HOLY DAYS & PENANCE SERVICES Holy Day Feast of the Immaculate Conception - December 7/8 Fri. Evening (7 th ) 6 pm St. Patrick's; 7 pm St. Joseph's Sat. Morning (8 th ) 8 am St. John's; 11 am Convent PENANCE SERVICES -ADVENT Sun. Dec. 9th - 2 pm Ruma Convent & St. Joseph's at the Convent Mon. Dec. 10th - 7 pm St. John s & St. Patrick at St. John's Red Bud Tues. Dec. 11th - 7 pm St. Mary's Chester & Ellis Grove at Chester Wed. Dec. 12th - 7 pm St. Boniface Evansville ROSARY: On Dec. 8 th our rosary captain has asked that we say the Rosary together at 1p.m. in our homes. What a perfect way to honor Mary on this feast day.