St. Francis of Assisi Parish November 20, 2011 Teutopolis, Illinois
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois page 2 Meditation When the Son of Man comes in his glory (Matthew 25:31) Today is the last Sunday in the church year. So it s appropriate to reflect on the end of time, on judgment, and on the life to come. These topics can fill us with a number of positive thoughts and a few fearful ones. In our anxious moments, we may worry about whether we or our loved ones will get into heaven. We may worry about death itself or what we will actually be doing for all eternity in heaven. In our more positive moments, we are probably filled with hope and expectation. We trust that the Second Coming will be great. We can t wait to live in a place where there are no wars, poverty, or sickness. We believe that heaven is a far better place than this world, and we greatly look forward to a life filled with peace and happiness. Thinking about the Second Coming can also help remind us of a key truth of our faith. We cannot save ourselves. Only Jesus can do that and he did, when he died on the cross for us. But isn t it ironic that while we cannot save ourselves, God will still judge us based on how we have loved one another and cared for the poor and needy around us? How is that possible? The truth is, our acts of love and charity should be a direct consequence of our realization that Jesus, our King, loves us. The experience of Jesus love should send us to our knees in worship, and it should send us out into the world, eager to spread that love to everyone we come in contact with our loved ones, the needy and even our enemies. So as we contemplate our loving, merciful King today, let s ask him to inspire us to serve his kingdom. And whenever we perform acts of charity, let s see them as a way that we can give our hearts back to Jesus, who gave himself for us. Jesus, give me a generous heart. Teach me how to open my heart and my hands to everyone around me. THE WORD AMONG US 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 Baptisms William Alan Meyer Son of Alan and Michelle (Repking) Meyer Brody Lee Schmidt Son of Brett and Kelly (Woods) Schmidt Welcome to our Faith Family! The Prayer Vigil for Life will be held at St. Anthony Church, Effingham, on Nov. 21. Rosary at 6 pm; Mass will begin at 6:30 pm; business meeting at 7:30 pm. Everyone is invited to join us in prayer. The National Night of Prayer for Life will be observed on December 8-9 at St. Anthony s Memorial Hospital Chapel. Prayers will begin at 9:00 pm and end at 1:00 am. Father Ralph Zetzl, OFM will be celebrant of the 12 am Mass. There have been over 50 million abortions since 1973; There is a great need for sacrifice and prayers. Come join us in begging God s forgiveness for the holocaust of abortions. March For Life Motor coach busses with youth and chaperones from our diocese will depart from Effingham the evening of January 20, and arrive home on the morning of January 24, with two nights on the bus and two in a hotel. The highlight of the weekend is the huge parade protesting abortion starting at the National Mall, past the Capitol, to the Supreme Court Building. This prayerful, informative pro-life pilgrimage also entails several sites such as tour of the monuments, Arlington Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum, a Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and Mass with our own Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. Sign up deadline is November 23rd. For information contact Effingham area bus captain, Diann Ruholl at 217-663-2056. WHY CATHOLIC? groups will begin winding down this next to the last session before the holidays. We hope the sessions have been fruitful and insightful. The last session will begin during Lent. Blessed holidays. Notice: We have extra Why Catholic? books. If you wish to use it for personal prayer, you do not need to belong to a group. Call the parish office for information. Holy Humor Thanksgiving: a holiday instituted by the Pilgrim fathers for the benefit of parents whose sons survived the football season.
November 20, 2011 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time page 3 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Liturgy Schedule 34th Week in Ordinary Time November 21-27 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass at 6:30 am St. Cecilia Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am St. Clement I Mass at 6:30 am Thanksgiving Day St. Andrew Dung-Lac and companions Mass at 7:00 & 9:00 am St. Catherine of Alexandria Mass at 6:30 & 8:05 am Mass at 5:30 pm First Sunday of Advent Mass at 7:00, 8:45, 10:30 am Confession Schedule Saturday, - 3:30-4:30 pm Liturgy of the Hours with Friars Monday-Friday -- 11:45 am & 4:45 pm Please Note! There will not be an 8:05 am Mass on Wednesday. Missalettes will be changed at that time Pray for the Sick Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially: Cathy Green, Nicholas Rhodes, Renae Roepke, Eddie Siemer, Cheryl Ann Huber, Chris Utz, Anna Habing, Kay Schwartz, Dorothy Herboth Stewardship of Treasure Sunday Total Fiscal 11/13/2011 Year 304 Adult envelopes $7,368.50 $155,170.25 Other $516.41 $10,094.40 TOTAL $7,884.91 $165,264.65 GOAL $9,900.00 $198,000.00 Parish Calendar Monday, November 21 Directory photos Tuesday, November 22 Directory photos Wednesday, November 23 No 8:05 Mass Carpet cleaning in church Children s choir, 3:30-4:30 pm Teen Choir, 6:00-7:00 pm Jr. Hi. & H.S. religion, 7:20 pm Thursday, November 24 Parish office closed Friday, November 25 Parish office closed Directory photos Saturday, November 26 Directory Photos Confessions, 3:30-4:30 pm Thanksgiving Day Note Everyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:00 am and 9:00 am Masses on Thanksgiving Day. Please place your donations in front of the altar before Mass. Also, a monetary collection will be taken for Catholic Charities at these Masses. Ministries for Thanksgiving Day Masses We are in need of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Gift Bearers for the 7:00 am Mass and the 9:00 am Mass on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th. Please come to the sacristy before Mass and see where you are needed. Thank you! RCIA continues to meet in St. Clare Hall on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. Our topic this week, Sacraments, will discuss an overview of the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Consider bringing a non-practicing Catholic and expose them to the new teachings of the Catholic Church. All are welcome. There are no commitments. Homebound Ministers Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to the homebound for Sunday, November 27th are: Theresa Funneman 821-4867 and Carlene Rauch 857-6296.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Teutopolis, Illinois page 4 The Giving Trees will be going UP on Thanksgiving! Your gifts will be going to the area nursing homes and group homes for people with developmental disabilities. This project has been going on for at least 15 years with gifts going to a variety of recipients! Each year, the generosity of our parishioners is astounding! How does it work? Take a giving tree gift tag from the tree. Purchase a new gift, wrap it, and tape the tag securely on the top of the gift. The gifts then get placed in front of Mary s altar. Gifts are due back by Sunday, December 11. Anyone who wants to help sort and deliver gifts are welcome to come on December 12 beginning at 9:15 am. Thanks for your continued generosity! HELP NEEDED IN THE GRADE SCHOOL RELIGION PROGRAM. The Grade School religion Program is needing substitute teachers, walkers to Church, video presenters, classroom supervisors for any day of the week taking a turn for one or two days a year. If your work schedule changes every week or month, and you know this ahead of time, call in (857-6477) and let us know which days you are available. We appreciate your considering to help out. You will be given all the help you need. Group Pictures for Pictorial Directory During the remainder of November and the month of December, Kathy Wellbaum and other photographers will be available to take pictures of any parish group or organization for the church directory. Please call her at 217-254-2703 to set up a time. Keep watching the bulletin for scheduled group pictures. Attention: Lectors, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Homebound Ministers, Children s Liturgy Leaders and Sacristans Mark your calendar for December 11, 2011. Group pictures will be taken of you immediately after the 10:30 Mass on this date. Submitted Photos for Pictorial Directory All submitted pictures are due by December 12, 2011. This includes military photos, family portraits for the directory and any snapshots of Church activities during the past year. In order to publish professional family portraits, you will need a copyright release from the photographer or studio who took the picture. All submitted pictures may be sent digitally to sfcpictorial@mediacombb.net or can be dropped off at the parish office. Religious Education News GRADE SCHOOL No School Thursday and Friday Thanksgiving holidays. Grades 4Me and 4Mi will be viewing the personal safety videos in St. Clare Hall on Monday, Nov. 21; Grade 4S will be assembling in the Chapel and will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Grade 3 will be meeting in Room 3S for preparation for renewal of Reconciliation. PRE/KDGN. Sunday morning religion program takes place in the Grade School cafeteria area during the l0:30 Mass. Please enter by the West ramp (John Street) door when weather permits; otherwise, use the upstairs West door. JUNIOR HIGH- There will be NO classes this Wednesday, November23, the beginning of the Thanksgiving holidays. Forms for a Roller Skating trip on Saturday, Dec. 3 were handed out in class last Wednesday. All forms are due at the parish office or in the collection basket by Sunday, November 27. HS Religious ED No HS Religious Ed Classes on November 23rd for Thanksgiving Break! Please enjoy the holiday, and don t forget Mass is at 7:00 and 9:00 am it s a great chance to say THANKS for all of our blessings. Youth Notes: THANKS to all of our rakers this past Saturday! It was an awesome day of service! We re roller skating! Jr. high and high school students are invited to the Silver Star Skating on December 3rd! We ll leave the school parking lot at 6:30 pm and head to Mattoon. We ll be back by 10:00 pm. Cost is $6.00 and forms will be out this week! Christmas Shoe Boxes Grade School Grade 1 and 2 children have brought in 90 Christmas shoe boxes to be mailed to needy children throughout the world. We are needing $630.00 to pay for the mailing of these boxes. If 126 persons place $5.00 in an envelope marked Christmas Shoe box and place in the Sunday collection or mail to St. Francis Church, we would help complete this mission project. (If donating with a check, make out the check to St. Francis Church ) Thanks much!! Holiday Shopping with Scrip! Don t forget your SCRIP cards as you begin your holiday shopping. We have already begun to stock additional cards for your convenience. You will be able to purchase cards after the weekend Masses starting November 26/27.
November 20, 2011 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time page 5 CCW News Thank You Thanks to the men of the Holy Name for the delicious breakfast served to the women of the Parish last Sunday. The meal was enjoyed by all of us in attendance. The Fall decorations given away as door prizes were beautiful! Election of new officers was held at the conclusion of the breakfast. We welcome new officers: Diana Althoff Vice President Lois Meinhart Secretary Joan Buehnerkemper Assistant Secretary. The officers appreciate all help and participation from all the women of our Parish throughout the year!! Thanks for your service in supporting our Church and CCW. Christmas Party The officers of St. Francis CCW wish to extend an invitation to all the women of our Parish to our annual CCW Christmas Party on Monday, Dec.12, 2011. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm at TGS Auditorium. Turkey, dressing, noodles, rolls, drinks and table service will be provided for the dinner. Please bring a covered dish. A $3.00 gift exchange is optional. Please join us for a delicious dinner, fun, and fellowship. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by the Church Basement Ladies! ***Donations for Catholic Charities Food Pantry will be accepted and warmly appreciated!! Christmas Stockings WOW! Ladies of St. Francis Parish, you are amazing! Because of your generous donation of time, fabric and sewing machines; 400 Christmas stockings were donated to the Fish/Catholic Charities Christmas Store. The Spirit of Christmas is alive and well at St. Francis Parish. Elves from the Workshop included the following ladies: Nancy Hoene, June Grunloh, Jane Vogt, Dorothy Halfar, Jeanette Westendorf, Zita Niebrugge, Ann Hotze, Dolores Kroeger, Mary Ann Zerrusen, Clare Swingler, Marisa Schabbing, Jean Habing, Lois Kreke, Dorie Thoele, Connie Rieman, Jane (Robbie) Ruholl, Sandy Fisher, Mona Vahling, Patty Ruholl, Rita Habing, Angie Hotze, Rosie Brumleve, Kathy Willenorg, Margie Meyer, Karen Pruemer, Brenda Henry, Peggy Uthell, Kelsey Swingler, Janet Probst, Penny Beckman, and Louise Sheehan. Please accept our apology if any names were omitted. Used Coat Donation The Girl Scouts are collecting used, winter coats for those in need in our area. If you have any used, winter coats you are willing to donate, please place them in the marked boxes at the two locations in church the front entrance or the east entrance (St. Clare side). The deadline for this coat drive is December 1, 2011. All coats will be picked up on a weekly basis and taken to the cleaners. Any questions, please call Cathy Hoene at 857-1404. Thank you for your donations. Q. What is the history and significance of prayer postures? A. There is a lot of talk these days about body language and how we communicate feelings, thoughts and moods by the way we position our body. Spiritual practices have intentionally used various postures and gestures in prayer. Our physical position and gestures are symbolic as well as efficacious. They not only point to a greater reality (symbolic) but also really help put us in tune with God and our spiritual selves (efficacious). Prayer postures also help us focus on our prayer. Many great spiritual directors saw the connection between the body being at peace and the inner self also being at peace. One necessarily affected the other. The body is part of the expression of prayer. So when we kneel we express reverence. When we pray with open hands, we are in a posture of acceptance and openness. When we are prostrate, we are in a posture of supplication. When we sit, we are in a posture of listening. Dancing expresses great joy while hands folded over one's face focuses our attention and blocks out distractions. Other gestures and positions maybe meaningful as you pray. St. Ignatius said that movement in prayer indicates the moods and changes that occur when a person prays. With prayer, it's not just in our heads, but in and through our whole being-body, mind and soul! 2009 Liturgical Publications Inc Please Note! The parish office will be closed on Thursday and Friday this coming week in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish - Teutopolis, Illinois page 6 Around the Area Bingo every 1st and 3rd Friday every month at St. Thomas Parish Center, Newton. Doors open at 6:00 pm, Bingo starts at 7:00 pm. Holiday Craft Fair today, Sunday, November 20th, 12:00-4:00pm at the Dieterich Unit 30 High School Gym. Sponsored by the Dieterich Women s Club Circle of Friends Pro-Life Fundraiser today, Sunday, November 20th, 8:00am to 1:00pm at the Sacred Heart Parish Center. Check out our website at www.sheff.org for a complete listing of vendors. Proceeds donated to Pro-Life/Family Life Center. Any questions, call Darlene at 217-347-7177. The Teutopolis Alumni and Friends Dance is back by popular demand after almost 20 years. The dance will take place on Wednesday, November 23rd, at the Teutopolis KC Ballroom. Music by One Man Band. Doors open at 7:30pm Music starts at 8:30 pm. Admission is $2.00. All proceeds go to the KC Scholarship Fund and Post Prom. Call your friends and bring a group to have a great time and help a worthy cause! (Remember, you don t have to be a THS alumni the dance is open to everyone!) For more information contact: Dan and Ruth Dust 925-5382, Ted and Karlene Brumleve 857-3537 or Steve and Sandy Gillespie 857-6054. Teutopolis Park District Deadline is December 1st for Grade 3-4 basketball. Forms are available from the TPD website at www.teutopolisparkdistrict.com. A Walk Through the Nativity of Our Lord on Dec. 2, 4-7pm; Dec. 3, 10am to 5pm; and Dec. 4, 1-4pm at the Litchfield Knights of Columbus. There are over 100 nativity sets on display, plus Christmas ornaments. There is a collection of Holy Families, plus the Journey and the Flight. Please join the Knights as we begin Advent. For more information call Linda Thull at 217-851-0448. Christmas Walk hosted by St. Isidore CCW on Sunday, December 4, 1:00-4:00pm. Homes on the walk are Joe & Tina Brummer, Jerry & Alice Goeckner, Rodney & Brandi Lidy, and Sue Sandschafer. The Bishop Hall will also be featuring table settings, nativity sets, decorated Christmas trees, and Villages, plus refreshments and live entertainment. Tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased in advance at the first National Bank of Dieterich, National Trail Bank, Washington Savings Bank, Teutopolis State Bank and Mary Carol in the St. Isidore church office. Proceeds will go to the St. Hedwig Haus in Charleston. For more information call Christy Repking 217-536-6045 or Alice Drees 217-925-5288. Catholic Charities News The week after Thanksgiving, Second Hand Rose will be having a huge silent auction on dozens of items including gift baskets for all occasions that have been made with items from the store, new in the box sets of dishes, and Christmas floral arrangements made by a team of volunteers. Go and check it out! Baptism Prep Scheduled Baptism Prep dates are: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 at St. Isidore Parish, Bishop Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at St. Francis, St. Clare Hall Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 at St. Rose Thursday, Mar. 1, 2012 at St. Francis, St. Clare Hall All classes begin at 7:00 pm. Please call the Parish office to register 857-6404. If you have not registered as a family in St. Francis Parish, a census form needs to be completed prior to the baptism class. Please stop by the parish office to complete/pick up the form. Thank you. Marriage Preparation Requirements Pre-Cana is scheduled for Sunday, January 29, 2012 at St. Francis. Foccus is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, 6:30 pm. Please call the parish office at 857-6404 to register. Thank you. Thanksgiving Prayer We give thee thanks, O Lord of the harvest, for thy abundant blessings and gracious gifts. Thou hast favored our land and provided for us from the never-ending store of thy loving kindness. Guide our steps with thy rod and staff, that our nation may be ever attentive to thy will. Hear the prayer of thy people as we give thee thanks for all which nourishes us: the produce of the land, the meat of farm and field, the fish of the sea, and all which thou hast given as food for our sustenance and strength. Let us not harden our hearts against those in need nor claim for ourselves alone the wealth of thy blessings. May the bounty thou hast showered on our republic be shared in equity by all who dwell therein. Amen.