TODAY S READINGS First Reading David found Saul in a deep sleep, but would not harm him (1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23). Psalm The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103). Second Reading We shall bear the image of the heavenly Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). Gospel Give to everyone who asks of you. Lend expecting nothing back (Luke 6:27-38). 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 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time February 24, 2019 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. Psalm 103:8 DO NO HARM We listen quite a while before we get to the punch line of the first reading today: even though it would be an easy thing to do, David will not harm the anointed one of the Lord. We, of course, know that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one of God, but the Bible uses this term for many different people. It is scripture s way of indicating who has been chosen by God for a special place and mission in salvation history. In today s Gospel, Jesus presents a greatly enlarged list of those who, as children of God, we should not harm, but love instead: our enemies, those who curse us or do us harm, those who owe us money, the ungrateful, the wicked. The point of Jesus teaching is not to encourage these kinds of behaviors in others, but rather to form us in the image of our heavenly Father by increasing our opportunities to love unconditionally, expecting no return; to be merciful and forgiving, even when it would be easier not to. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION When the Roman Empire turned a favorable eye toward the once-persecuted Christians, among the effects was a population explosion in the baptismal font, as Christian sympathizers stepped from the shadows. With more and more people becoming Christians, laws were passed to protect Sunday as a work-free day. Soon, it became possible to celebrate Mass later in the morning, rather than the older custom of gathering before dawn to celebrate Eucharist. Amazingly, despite the increasing numbers of Christians, there was great resistance to adding to the number of worship events; the Eucharist that began as a few friends around a table soon was transformed into a more formal event with throngs crowding a large hall. All the Christians in a city or town would gather around the bishop for the one Sunday Eucharist, and only when the crowds became unmanageable was there an impulse to divide the assembly by splitting off a new bishop and flock. Now, sixteen hundred years later, many parishes see a need to trim or combine Mass schedules.
This is often seen as tough surgery. Yet our forebears in the faith would see it as a gain: a filling up of the Eucharist with a large and vigorous assembly, a fullness of ministry, an opportunity to make the Church more fully visible and stronger for service. Feb. 24 Feb. 28 Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 3 Caden Roy & Roger Henry David Candler Bryan Oettle & Madison Laurent Linda Mudd & Amanda Manning Ed DuFrenne Feb. 24 th THROUGH Mar. 2 nd Sun. 8a.m.(J) Dave Braun Sun. 11am (C) Stanley & Ruth Jurek Mon. 8am (C) Julie & Nathan Stern Tues. 4pm(C) Charlie Steibel Wed. 8:15am(C) Fr. Jack Joyce Thurs. 8am(J) All Souls Day Society Thurs 4pm (C) S. Jacinta Willenborg (B-day) Fri. 8am Bob Chunn & Fr. Gene Linnemann May your day be filled with Good Wishes, Birthday Greetings and God s Blessings! Happy Anniversary! Mar. 1 John & Ava Laurent May the Lord continue to bless your marriage and each of you for many years to come. Sat. 6pm(J) Dave Braun Sun. 11am (C) S. Bertha Fischer Feb. 10, 2019 Envelopes (23) $432.00 Loose none Messenger(2) $50.00 Newman Center $1.00 Total $483.00 Weekly goal $1700.00 Feb. 17, 2019 Envelopes (35) $1055.00 Loose $70.00 Messenger (2) $50.00 Total $1175.00 Weekly goal $1700.00 We are doing great but please remember to donate as generously as possible Leroy Puttkammer Our Homebound Pat Deterding Rev. Ken Schaefer All Cancer Patients Joe Beyer Eric Strate Fr. Don Blaes Daisy Mathews Renee Krebel 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. Sunday Feb. 24 8a.m. B Mary C Audrey & Earleen L Kim S Langston, McKenna G Hooten Fam. Chalice/Paten: Carol D. Sat. March 2 nd 6p.m. B Mary Ann C Ava & Leonard L Mary Braun S G Ron & Paulette Chalice/Paten: John Mattews fam.
From the Desk of Fr. Dennis This weekends readings seem especially pertinent to us living in a climate of sarcasm and insults, offensiveness and bullying, violence and hatred. Sparing - let alone forgiving and loving - one's perceived enemies, or refusing to judge others is hardly "natural" to most of us. But God sees it differently, and we are faced with the choice of whether we will too. Considering what this requires of us is a good way to enter the immanent season of Lent which begins on March 6 th It's not too early to begin our preparations for this great Season! So...let us listen for what God is calling us to do for the people in our lives, both those who treat us kindly in return and those who do not. There are a variety of materials there. If you are looking for something on line, go to DynamicCatholic.com/Lent19. Each day, you'll receive a short inspirational video and some reflections. It's not to early to begin planning. Just a reminder that Friday is the First Friday of March! Adoration will be held from 1-4 p.m. at St. John's. Make time to stop by and pray for our troubled world. You'll be glad you did. Remember, don't worry so much, and know that you are loved! Have a blest week! Fr. Dennis Our Deepest Sympathies to the Lou Ellen Steibel and the family of Charles Steibel on the recent loss of their husband and father. Charles passed away on Feb. 15 th and his Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 19 th. Charles was buried in St. Joseph cemetery. May Charles rest in peace with the saints and angels. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK Sun.: Mass @ 8a.m. Tues.: PSR 7:15a.m Mass with Fr. Dennis R&R @ 10:30a.m. Parish Council Mtg 7p.m. Thurs.: 8a.m. Mass Fri. First Friday Communion Calls with Fr. Dan Adoration from 1-4 p.m. at St. John s - Stop in and spend some time in prayer! Sat. Mass @ 6p.m. QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS Due to the weather being so ornery lately all cancellations for church activities as well as Mass will be posted on Facebook and Channel 5 News Please remember to stay safe and if conditions are bad please stay home. Lenten Topics From Fr. Dan During this Lenten Season we will be celebrating Mass on Thursday Evening at 7p.m. I encourage you to come And listen to the messages that come with the season. March 7 & 14 will be context of the Easter Triduum and Easter Sunday. March 21: the History and Alms of Lent March 28: the Symbols of Lent April 4: Call to holiness and conversion of the heart April 11: Has Lent made a difference in your life. I will be available for confession on Thursdays from 6-6:45p.m. Mass will begin and 7p.m. PARTNERSHIP MASS FOR MARCH IS: St. Patrick: 8am Sunday St. Joseph: 6pm Saturday ON THE LIGHTER SIDE The second grade class were preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. During one of their classes the teacher asked, "And what must we do before our sins can be forgiven?" "That's easy," Little Suzy said from the back of the room. "First, we have to go out and sin!". 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. Parents of the First Communion class please note the retreat will be on March 30 th at the Ruma Convent. 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. Youth group mtg. March 17 th 6pm Rectory RESPECT LIFE CORNER: Black History Month: As Black History Month comes to an end, take a moment to remember those in our parishes and communities that have suffered from racism in history and in the present. We all must ask ourselves; Where have I not lived as an example of Christ s love? Where have my attitudes or perceptions caused me to devalue persons of other cultures or ethnicities? When have I been unnecessarily suspicious or allowed preconceived notion to overshadow the human nature of another? When have I seen the other instead of welcoming an opportunity to listen to the story of that person s life, struggles, or joys? Pray that the Lord my clear our minds and use us for His glory. Remind us Lord that you said, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God and fill our spirits so that we may give services of justice and peace. Amen DIOCESAN HAPPENINGS: St. Libory: Quilt Bingo Sunday March 3 rd American Legion Hall at Saint Libory, IL Lunch at 11a.m. Play at 1p.m St. Joseph Mar. 5 Youth ministry Fat Tuesday pancake and sausage supper 5-8p.m. in the hall $7 adults, $4 kids 7 and under Donations of cash or sausage would be appreciated and will be accepted at the rectory. Proceeds for our trip to NCYC. UPCOMING EVENTS: Prairie du Rocher American Legion: Euchre: American Legion hosting Sunday Tournaments Mar. 17 Sign-up after 12 p.m. Play begins at 2pm Lunch is provided A hearty soup supper: Thursday, Feb. 28 th 4:30-7p.m. All you can eat $5 All proceeds to benefit Prairie du Rocher grade school pre-k program. Sponsored by the school board. Red Bud High School Spanish Club Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser 11a.m. 2p.m. at RBHS cafeteria On Feb. 24 th to benefit Spanish club members (LeAnn Walker) trip to Costa Rica in July 2019 FROM PARISH COUNCIL: Next Parish Council meeting is February 26 @ 7pm. All are welcome to attend, leave a message at the rectory if you would like to attend the meeting or wish to discuss anything at the meeting. PRIORITY LIST: Thank you to all who completed the survey. The results will be discussed at the next council meeting. Results and estimates will be posted as soon as they are available. Again, our goal will be to complete as many of these priorities as possible in time for the 300 year anniversary celebrations in 2021-2022. CEMETERY COMMITTEE: Remember that March 1 st all Christmas décor should be removed to prepare for the upcoming mowing season. Please don t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Jesus certainly wasn t! Sometimes change is good! FROM FINANCE COUNCIL: Our totals for the Diocesan tax, Clergy aid, Insurance and Subsidies (Gibault and St. John s) and our total for FY 2018/2019 is slowly decreasing from 54,179.71 to $46,179.71. Because of your generous donations since
October we have paid off $15,000.00 of the diocesan bills. Please continue donate generously. Most recent payment was to St. John s. Dioceses of Belleville bill for insurance is paid in full! Way to Go! Please continue to donate as generously as possible. Subsidy $25,082.00 Parish Assessment $14,044.26 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE: PLEASE SEE INSERT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT His Excellency, The Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Ph. D., S.T.D., Bishop of Belleville, makes the following announcement which is effective immediately. Leave of Absence of a Priest We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the evens that we host. Knowing that you have our back, gives us the strength to keep searching and learning more about our faith and how to share that faith with others. During the year we deliver gifts to homebound, visit nursing homes and assisted living centers, feed the homeless, and serve food at the sick and aged picnic in Belleville. We also attend Luke 18 retreats and mingle with other youth groups to share ideas and stories about our faith. In November of 2019 we will be attending a very large retreat in Indianapolis. The retreat is called The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). We, along with 20,000+ other teenagers, will celebrate our faith in God, and be a witness to God s presence in our everyday life and be a witness to other teens about God s love for each of us. We ask you to continue praying for us in all that we do. Anyone in grades 7-12 are welcome to join. We meet usually the third Sunday of the month. Upcoming youth events are: March 5: Fat Tuesday Pancake dinner $7 adults & $4 seven & under Mar. 17: Youth group meeting 6-8p.m. rectory Apr. 14: Bunny color run Apr. 19: Good Friday Passion Play 7p.m. Apr. 21: Easter egg Hunt after the 8:30 a.m. Mass The Reverend Benjamin J. Stern, ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 26, 2007 and, until now, Pastor of St. Theresa of Avila Parish in Salem and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Kinmundy, is granted, at his own request, an indefinite leave of absence from the Priesthood. Accordingly, I now withdraw from Father Stern his faculties to preach (canon 764); to hear confessions (canons 967, 2; 974); to celebrate the Eucharist; to Baptize (canon 862); and to preside over the Sacrament of Christian Marriages (canon 1111). These faculties are withdrawn for an indefinite period of time. Please support him with your fervent and frequent prayers. Canonical Administrator (Canon 549) Deacon Steven M. Eischens is appointed Canonical Administrator of St. Theresa of Avila Parish in Salem and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Kinmundy. This appointment is made for the pastoral care of the parishioners in the absence of a priest. Given from the Diocesan Curia on the 8th day of February, the Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin, in the Year of Our Lord 2019. Deacon Doug Boyer: If you are not aware, the Reverend Monsignor James A. Blazine died on Tuesday morning, February 19, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O Fallon Illinois. Monsignor Blazine was born July 30, 1936, having circled the Sun 82 times. He was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ by Bishop Albert R. Zuroweste, DD, on June 2, 1962. At the time of his death he was a resident of the Hincke-Sense Residence. Fr. Blazine helped here a number of times during Fr. Dan s illness. Please remember Fr. Blazine in your prayaers.