TODAY S READINGS First Reading When they had eaten, there was some left over, as the LORD had said (2 Kings 4:42-44). Psalm The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs (Psalm 145). Second Reading Strive to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-6). Gospel Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted (John 6:1-15). 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: Justin Roy 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 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 29, 2018 The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season. Psalm 145:15 REST IN THE LORD This week marks the beginning of a kind of liturgical detour. We have been listening to Saint Mark s Gospel during this liturgical year (Year B). Today we begin to hear a long section from John s Gospel, starting with the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. This miracle story is a prelude to the Lord s statements that we will begin hearing in a few weeks, in which Jesus refers to himself as the bread of life. Each week we witness a miracle at Mass. We do not see a multiplication of loaves before us. What our eyes of faith allow us to see is the miracle of the transformation of common elements bread and wine into the Lord s Body and Blood. Once we have received the Lord, the multiplication begins, for in the Eucharist we are strengthened to multiply our efforts to feed the poor, shelter the homeless, and bring comfort to the despairing. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Last Wednesday, the greatest pilgrimage in our tradition ended with the feast of Saint James at his shrine in Compostela, Spain. Every year, as many as a hundred thousand persons walk a portion of the medieval way of the pilgrim, earning the right to wear the scallop shell symbol of this journey of faith. In legend, this city on the northern coast of Spain is the final resting place of the apostle, and the full name of the cathedral is Saint James of the Field of Stars. There is a tradition that Saint James the Great preached there. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the pilgrimage, like any procession, is a symbol, life s journey distilled, a powerful sign of our journey toward a certain goal. The perils of the road, the support of companions, the contemplative slower pace of life, have the potential to transform and renew the pilgrims in ways that last a lifetime. Along the way, the distinctions between rich and poor fall away, and everyone shares humble rustic food and stops for the night in hostels or under the stars. After a long walk, the experience of entering through the
great doors into the vast cathedral filled with incense, light, and song is a foretaste of heaven. The pilgrims often say that their whole lives are redirected toward that moment of entry into the heavenly Jerusalem. The most memorable feature of the cathedral is called the botofumeiro, an incense burner on pulleys and chains that sweeps through the cathedral in immense circles, swirling clouds of sweet-smelling incense around the vast nave. August 2 Daryl & Rhonda Roy May God continue to bless you and your marriage for many more years! JULY 28 th THROUGH AUG. 5 TH Sat. 4pm (J) For a Safe &Successful picnic Sun. 8am (J) Pauline Schmitz Sun. 11am (C) S. Jenny Sellaro Mon. 8:15am (C) Pat & Yvonne O Hara Tues 4pm (C) Richard & Phyllis Kennedy Wed. 8am(C) Loren & MaryLou Holcomb Thurs. 8am (J) Parish Partnership Thurs. 4pm(C) Jack Jurek Family Fri. 8:15am (C) Leta Rae & Gib Bauer Sun. 8am (J) Aaron, Lucille & Dale Roy Ethel Bievenue Sun. 11am (C) Marlene DeRousse Family July 29 July 30 July 31 Aug. 1 Aug. 3 Aug. 4 Aug. 5 Raymond Reinhold Langston Deterding Wilma Candler, Meredith Hooten, & Greg Reinhold Marvin Roy Joyce Vaughn Diane Walker, Laurie Knop Rhonda Roy May your day be filled with Good Wishes, Birthday Greetings and God s Blessings Collin Kanyuck Dean Peoples Our Homebound Jean Wories Mary Brinkmann Neil Mudd Mike Stevins Danny Steibel Tony Melliere Msgr. Kenneth J. Schaefer Rev. Joe Rascher 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. July 21 th Envelopes (55) $1261.00 Loose $118.00 Sat. July 28 th 4pm July 29 th 8am B Marvin B Steve G C Mary Ann & C Nate & Vince Briahna L Madeline L Lynne S Michael & Katie S Volunteers G Ushers G ushers Chalice & Paten: Chalice & Paten: Steve Deterding Fam. Sun. August 5 th 8am B Paulette A. C Earleen & Ava L Patrick M. S Langston & Mckenna G Justin Roy Fam. Chalice/Paten: Ina Doiron Total (Weekly goal) $1379.00 $1,700.00
From the Desk of Fr. Dennis From now until the end of August, the Gospel will be a selection from the sixth chapter of John - the chapter in which Jesus reveals himself as the Bread of Life, the one whose Body and Blood can bring eternal life. This chapter begins with Jesus feeding thousands by multiplying the loaves and fish, but we begin also today with Elisha, a "man of God," who feeds a hundred people with twenty small loaves. Listening to these readings, did you note all the acts of generosity? In the STEPS I spoke about last week, it turns out that successful discipleship all comes down to simple steps. They're not EASY, but they are entirely SIMPLE, life style choices that are essential to growing and strengthening our faith. They are aimed at simplifying not complicating your life. This week you will do many things that can bring you closer to the Lord. Stop and consider how you are showing the love of Jesus to others. You will be surprised!!! Congratulations to the Red Bud Knights of Columbus 12152 celebrating 20 years of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. Thank you for your support and dedicated service! Friday is the First Friday of August and we will have our afternoon of prayer and Adoration from 1-4 p.m at St. John's. Don't forget to stop by and pray for as long as you wish. Let us not forget the power of prayer!!! BAPTIZED IN CHRIST Congratulations to Nathan & Brooke Schilling of the Baptism of their daughter Claire Renee. Welcome to our parish family! Remember, don't worry so much, and know that you are loved! Have a blest week! Fr. Dennis IT S NOT TOO EARLY! Has someone in your family or a friend said to you they were interested in learning about or joining the Catholic Church? Even though the summer has just begun, it's not too early to let us know that someone has expressed interest. We will begin our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult sessions in September. Please spread the word throughout our parish partnership! Give Fr. Dennis a call at St. John's - 282-3222. Thank You! ON THE LIGHTER SIDE The parish secretary had been complaining for weeks that her computer was unbearably slow and was constantly freezing up. Finally, it died. One of the parish trustees heard what had happened, he called and asked if she had tried mouse-to-mouse resuscitation. There is now and opening for a new trustee THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Always make others feel needed, important, and appreciated and they'll return the same to you. HAPPENINGS NEXT WEEK IN THE PARTNERSHIP Sat.: 4pm Mass @ St. Joseph PICNIC!!!!! All Hands on Deck! Sun.: 8am Mass Clean Up & Take Down. Thur. Meeting at 7 p.m. St. Joseph's with people recommended for the Parish Council at the hall Youth group fun day at Rend Lake. Leaving 8am Fri.: Adoration at St. John s 1-4pm Sun. 8am Mass PARTNERSHIP MASS SCHEDULE AUGUST Saturdays 4 pm St. John's - 6 pm St. Patrick Sundays 8 am St. Joseph - 10 am St. John's - 11 am Ruma Convent DID YOU REMEMBER Please contact Carol Herzog at 284-7215 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. Reminder: If you haven t returned your PSR registration sheet yet please do so by Aug. 1 st
Rend Lake Outing: August 2 nd. Please bring a bag of chips to share, swim suits and towels. Youth group will cover the rest. Leaving PDR at 8am returning around 10pm. RESPECT LIFE CORNER Taking Young Children to Mass As leaders of the domestic church, parents accept the primary responsibility for forming children in the Catholic faith. There is no more important experience to Catholics than the Mass, so it is crucial to help children understand and participate in liturgy as much as they are able. Learn, Act, Connect, Pray: Go to www.foryourmarriage.org How To Take Young Children to Mass to find suggestions to help prepare the children (and yourself) for Mass. Pray for patience and understanding when stressful situations arise for the parents and the parishioners. DIOCESAN HAPPENINGS: INITIAL CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING Anyone interested in helping with any of our children s programs must take an initial child protection class. These are offered at varies dates & locations throughout our diocese. Oh yeah, and they are FREE. This information can be found on the calendar on www.diobelle.org left side of the front page. If you are not tech savvy call the rectory and Jill can help you find a date and location that works for you. RUMA CONVENT "Growing Old Gracefully: Learning to Understand" Presenter: Dr. Gary Behrman, PhD Ruma Center Auditorium, Sat. July 28, 1:00-3:00 pm No fee for the Conference but registration is required by calling: S. Barb Biver (282-3848) by Thurs. July 19. An opportunity to explore what it means to age gracefully, to integrate Spirituality in our human development to utilize a spiritual approach to aging well. NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS 75 th Annual Novena to Our Lady of the Snows Saturday, July 28 through Sunday, August 5 Mass begins at 7:30 p.m. Mary s Journey of Faith Where Am I on the Journey? Each evening of the Novena includes Mass, special music, Scripture reflections and prayers. Each evening concludes with a candlelight rosary procession. For more information, call 618.394.6276. snows.org/novena Tipton: St. Patrick Church Chicken Dinner & Auction August 5, 11am-4pm Auction begins at Noon UPCOMING EVENTS PARTY IN THE PARK August 8 th with Chris Murray Duo Music Start at 7pm Refreshments start at 6pm VITAE FOUNDATION Hosting a Pro-Life Dinner to be held Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Four Points By Sheraton, 319 Fountains Pkwy., Fairview Heights. Our featured speaker is John Foppe. Born without arms, Foppe provides dramatic evidence that every life matters. He travels the globe motivating audiences as the founder of Visionary Velocity Worldwide. Author of the inspirational classic, "What's Your Excuse?" and host of the docu-reality TV series, "The World at My Feet," Foppe's dynamic and entertaining witness will set hearts on fire for LIFE! Tickets are $25 per person. Seating is limited to those with reservations. Reserve your seats by calling 573-634-4316 or online at www.vitaefoundation.org/events. FROM PARISH COUNCIL: 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 is having a meeting on July 30 th. MUNY Aug. 10 th : Muny: Meet me in St. Louis We have 15 people so I have reserved the bus. If more would like to go please call the rectory soon so more tickets can be ordered. 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.
SUMMER SOCIAL PLANS July: 28 th St. Joseph Church picnic August: 10 TH Muny Trip, Meet Me in St. Louis 8:15pm A/C bus to transport to Muny. CLEAN UP Picnic clean-up begins at 7:29am Sunday, July 30 th. All hands are needed to make light the final task. All stand chairman are asked to participate. HOW APPROPRIATE Dining with the crowd. Today and through all the Sundays of August, we are blessed with the Bread of Life interlude from the Gospel of John chapter 6. Today, Jesus, with his disciples, tries to get away from the pursuing crowd. But he cannot do it. Seeing the hunger in them, he feeds the thousands with five loaves and two fish. He feeds them with himself. Then he escapes alone. Why do I keep looking for Jesus? Why do I, Sunday after Sunday, dine on him in this crowd of believers? Because I am fed, who can I feed in turn? PICNIC Welcome to our parish picnic! For many this is a home coming of sorts. For all this is a day to spend saying extra prayers. Praying for good weather, large crowds & that perfect number for a bingo. May God answer your prayers whatever they may be. Enjoy & Thank you!