November 22, 2009 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King page 2 St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois Thanksgiving Day Prayer Dear Lord, on this Thanksgiving Day, please bring us not only good food and memories but help us remember that it is you we are thanking. When we enjoy our meal with our relatives, may we thank you, who brings all food from the earth. When we enjoy the company of relatives and friends, may we thank you, the source of all life and happiness. And when we pray our prayer of blessing, May our hearts be on you, who is the source of all holiness, joy, and every blessing that is showered on us. Amen.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois page 2 From the Pastor Happy Thanksgiving! It is truly wonderful that we can truly celebrate the goodness in our own lives and the lives of our brothers and sisters. It seems to me we can easily become depressed or frustrated when we hear or read about the pain and harm an individual or country inflicts on their neighbors. Also, sometimes in our own lives trials, tribulations, pain and suffering of mind and body almost seem unbearable. Thanksgiving Day for me, and I hope for you, is a day of hope. This day is an opportunity to reflect on our lives and realize that in spite of the evil that exists in our lives there is so much to be thankful for. It is important for each one of us to stop and reflect on the many blessings in our lives and to let those around us know how much we appreciate them and what they mean to us. On top of our list is our Lord and God who gives us so much and asks so little in return. Then there is our family who loves us so much and seeks daily to make us happy. Our fellow parishioners who are always ready to assist us in our time of need. Don t forget our men and women in the armed forces who give of their lives that we might be free and to seek a good life of liberty and pursuit of happiness. Dare we forget our Holy Father, our bishops, priests and religious who provide for our spiritual needs. Let us remember also those men and women who provide for our safety, our policemen and firemen and those who care for us when we are ill, our doctors and nurses. These are just a few people, our list could go on and on, but I am sure you get the idea. Let us give thanks for all of God s people and let us share those blessings with those less fortunate than ourselves. Remember it is in giving that we receive. Be people of hope not of fear. Happy Thanksgiving Peace, Love, Joy Fr. Austin Today s second reading reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ frees us from sin and makes us a royal nation of priests in the service of God. How am I using my gifts to serve God and others? Parish Office 203 E. Main St., P.O. Box 730, Teutopolis, IL 62467-0730 Office Hours: Mon. -Fri. 9:00 am -4:30 pm Phone...(217) 857-6404 Fax...(217) 857-1031 Parish E-mail...stfrancischurch@mchsi.com Parish website: stfrancischurch.com Submit written bulletin notices by noon Monday. Diocesan website: www.dio.org Christ the King I am the Alpha and the Omega. (Revelation 1:8) Today begins the last week of the liturgical year. And what a difficult year it has been! Wars continue in the Middle East. There seems to be no end to abortion. Church attendance continues to decline, and the worldwide financial crisis has hurt millions of families. Yet in the midst of these very real problems, God wants us to know that he is still the Alpha and the Omega. Ministries for Thanksgiving Day Masses On Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, there will be a 7:00 am and a 9:00 am Mass. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, please check in the sacristy before Mass to see if you are needed. Ushers, please check in back of church to see if you are needed. Thank you very much for giving of your time and talent. Thanksgiving Day Note Everyone is encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to the 7:00 am and 9:00 am Thanksgiving Day Masses. Please place your donations in front of the altar before Mass. Also, a monetary collection will be taken for Catholic Charities at these Masses. Just For Fun! Every Catholic home has one, right? A nativity set, that is. We would like to see a picture of the one you display in your home during the Christmas season. How would we do this? We are going to create a photo gallery just featuring nativity scenes on the church s website stfrancischurch.com. You are invited to submit your nativity set picture by e-mailing it to parishoffice@stfrancischurch.com and we ll put it on the website, and you can have fun looking at it and at all the other ones. Some may be quite unique! No names, no votes, no comments Just For FUN! Parish Office Closed The parish office will be closed on Thursday and Friday this coming week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
November 22, 2009 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King page 3 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Liturgy Schedule 34th Week in Ordinary Time November 23 29 St. Clement I Mass at 6:30 am St. Andrew Dung-Lac & companions Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am St. Catherine of Alexandria Mass at 6:30 am No 8:05 am Mass Thanksgiving Day Mass at 7:00 & 9:00 am Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am Mass at 5:30 pm First Sunday Advent Mass at 7:00, 8:45, 10:30 am Confession Schedule Saturday, November 28-3:30-4:30 pm Liturgy of the Hours with Friars Monday-Friday -- 11:45 am & 4:45 pm KC Fifth Sunday Mass/Breakfast The Knights of Columbus 5th Sunday Communion breakfast will be November 29th, 2009, 7:00 Mass at St. Francis Church with breakfast following at the Teutopolis KC Hall. Pray for the Sick Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially: Sidney Horn, Kris Gouchenour, Rebekah Volk, Sr. Clara Esker, Marilyn Smith, Jodi Waymoth, Evelyn Krone, Agnes Kremer, Steve Sehy, Cathy Green, Dorothy and Ermand Thoele, Joyce Vahling, Mardell Weis, Nicholas Rhodes Stewardship of Treasure Sunday Total Fiscal 11/15/2009 Year 320 Adult envelopes $7,304.50 $139,647.80 Other 498.00 11,184.70 TOTAL $7,802.50 $150,832.50 GOAL $9,300.00 $186,000.00 Parish Calendar Monday, November 23 Server s practice, 3:15-4:30 pm Wednesday, November 25 No 8:05 am Mass No choir practices No Religion classes Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving Day, Mass at 7:00 and 9:00 am Parish office closed No adult choir Friday, November 27 Parish office closed Saturday, November 28 Confessions, 3:30-4:30 pm Sunday, November 29 KC Fifth Sunday Mass/Breakfast, 7:00 am Please Note! There will not be an 8:05 Mass on Wednesday. Missalettes will be changed at that time. Planning Marriage Dave Baeres and Christy Pruemer Friday, November 27, 2009 4:00 pm Christmas Note to Parishioners Grade 1 and 2 children and their families have been preparing Christmas wrapped shoeboxes containing small gifts for the poor children of the world. To ship these boxes to those in need costs $5.00 per box. We are asking if any parishioners would be willing to contribute $5.00 to help these boxes get to their destination. If so, please place your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Shoe Box in the collection basket or address it to P.O. Box 746, Teutopolis Il 62467. If writing a check, make it out to Samaritan Purse. Thanks for your kind heartedness! Homebound Ministers Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound for Sunday, November 29th are: Lucy Uptmor 857-3373, Mabel Harris 857-6704, Ruth Drees 217-924-4321, Lori Mette 857-3523
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois page 4 Madrigal Dinner Definition: Madrigal Dinner: an American form of dinner theater often held by schools and church groups during the Christmas season. It is set in the Middle Ages, and is generally comedic in nature. The meal is divided into courses, each of which is heralded with a traditional song. A play is performed between courses and a concert of choral music concludes the festivities. Alternate definition for Madrigal Dinner: A fun evening of food and entertainment to benefit the St. Francis Area youth. Dates: Friday, December 11th doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Saturday, December 12th doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Sunday, December 13th doors open at 12 noon, show starts at 1:00 pm Location: Teutopolis Grade School Auditorium Tickets: Must be purchased in advance-by reservation only ($20.00 per person) On sale thru December 3rd. Call 217-857-6404 ext. 311 to reserve Scrip Cards are on SALE for CHRISTMAS! The St. Francis youth continue to sell the Scrip Gift Cards! It's a great way to use your regular shopping dollars & benefit the youth at the same time!! Since January, we have raised $5646.83 just from people purchasing scrip gift cards to do their regular shopping and gift giving! We have increased our "on hand" cards - ones that you can stop by and pick up. Retailers include: Aeropostle, American Express, American Eagle, Bass Pro Shop, Bath n Body, Cabela, Cracker Barrel, Culvers, Dick Sporting Goods, Dominos, Gap/Old Navy, Hilton Garden Inn, itunes, Joe's Pizza, Kohl's, Long John Silvers, Marathon, Martins IGA, Maurices, Menards, Niemergs, Pizza Man, Splash n Dash, Starbucks, Steak n Shake, Subway, TGI Fridays, Walgreens, and WalMart. With Christmas approaching quickly, consider stopping by to pick up scrip cards on Saturdays 8 am - noon in the entrance of the parish office! Religious Education News Grade School Thanks to the parents and children in grades 1 and 2, for donating a total of 117 shoeboxes filled with gifts for the poor children of the world. They have been delivered to the shipping centers and are on their way oversees. The children should receive the boxes by the week of Christmas. Grade 3 children are continuing to bring in their gifts for the Grade 3 Christmas Store which takes place on Dec. 1, 2, 3 in St. Clare Hall and the Museum Dining Room. There are 3 days this week before Thanksgiving and the Monday after Thanksgiving to bring in your gift donations. Thanks for all that you are doing to make this sale great for the local missionaries and their missions. Grade 6C and 6H will be viewing the Personal Safety video this Monday, Nov. 23 in St. Clare Hall: grades 6R and 6W will be receiving Reconciliation in the Chapel area. PRE/K -Sunday classes take place every Sunday during the 10:30 Mass. Junior High There are no junior high religion classes on Wednesday, Nov. 25, because of Thanksgiving Holidays. HS Religious Ed There are no high school religion classes this Wednesday. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family. Classes resume on Dec 2 nd. Youth In Action! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We had almost 40 kids and adults to come rake yards last Sat. morning for our annual Rake N Run in exchange for prayers for the rakers and chaperons and for those that need it. What an awesome example of service and love on both ends! Question of the Week is back by popular demand. Beginning the First Sunday of Advent there will be a question based on the Sunday readings. It is hoped that the question will be used by any parish organization as the opening prayer for the gathering. It is a great way to enter the Advent spirit talk to your family, neighbors and friends about God s word. Thanksgiving One-Liners The most important prayer in the world is just two words long: Thank you. The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.
November 22, 2009 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King page 5 Polar Express Mark your calendars!!! The Teutopolis Park District will be presenting a Christmas movie on Sunday, December 6, 2009 in the Teutopolis Grade School Auditorium. The movie Polar Express will begin at 1:00 pm, with the doors open to the public at 12:30 pm. Chairs will be available, but feel free to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. There will be designated areas for both (blankets in front, chairs in back) so everyone can see. This will be a professional presentation by Fluid Events from Champaign, IL. The afternoon is FREE!!!! It is our way of saying Thank You to the Teutopolis Community, especially those who participate in our programs. Blood Drive American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus on Monday, November 23rd from 1:00-6:00 pm. Donate the gift of life this holiday season. If you would like to make an appointment call Mandy Wiedman at 217-343-0799. Angel Food Ministries The December, 2009 menu has been received and copies are on the table at the parish office entrance. Last day to order is December 7th with pick up on December 19th. Lost and Found A girls jacket was left in the Sacristy. If you are missing one, please call the parish office to identify and pick up. Parish Mission The rural Quad Parishes of Rev. Robert Bud DeGrand are hosting a 4 day Parish mission. Conducted by the Franciscan Friars, presented by Fr. Dennis Koopman, O.F.M. of the St. Gratian Friary, Countryside, IL The Mission Theme: Awakening Our Faith in Challenging Times. The Mission is from Sunday, November 29 Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 pm each night. Each evening s Mission Service will be held at St. Michael Archangel Church in Sigel, IL. St. Michael s, Sigel ~ St. Mary s, Green Creek ~ Sacred Heart, Lillyville ~ St. Mary s, Neoga invite you to experience this Mission to strengthen, heal and prepare ourselves for our Lord, Jesus. Mark Your Calendars The 20th National Night of Prayer for Life will be December 8th & 9th in St. Anthony s Memorial Hospital Chapel. With over 50 million abortions performed in America since 1973, we will beg our Blessed Mother for her powerful intercession, combining our celebration of the feast of Immaculate Conception with the day Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared to St. Juan Diego. Our Lady changed hearts then! Our Lady could do it now. Please come. Prayers will begin at 9:00 pm on Tuesday, December 8th and will continue until 1:00 am on December 9th.