Passive Aggression or Active Love?

I wonder how many people read today’s Gospel and said, “You expect me to do that?” Aren’t we supposed to resist evil? Yes, we are; but Jesus makes an important distinction between evil acts and the person who commits them. Why? Because God does just that. As Jesus says, God sends sunshine and rain on both good and bad people. So how do we resist evil? We do as Jesus did–we conquer it with love.

When Jesus died on the cross, this was the victory over sin and death because he gave his life for us out of love. This love was for everyone, especially those sinners who need it. You might say he loves sinners most of all. Why? Because they need his love the most. All he asks of us is to show love to everyone, even our enemies.

Now when we read the examples in the Gospel (Matthew 5:39-42), we may be tempted to say that they just encourage people to be bad, that the way to stop evil is to make people suffer for doing evil. But Jesus didn’t say to let people run over you. Instead of a weak passivism, we actively offer the other cheek, hand over the cloak, or go the extra mile. And that’s just for the ones who occasionally annoy us. Later in the same Gospel, Jesus tells us to love and pray for our enemies–those who hate us and continually try to harm us.

But notice what he doesn’t say. He never promises that we will change these people, that our actions will eventually cause them to repent or become our friends. No, he only asks his disciples to change, to become “perfect” as the Father is perfect. Of course, we can never be infinitely good, all-knowing, and all-powerful like God. But Jesus calls us not to perfectionism but to holiness. That kind of holiness comes only from God, just as changing evil-doers or enemies is up to God. God can work through us to change the hearts of others, but God always respects their freedom. Perhaps the love we show to our enemies will at least open their hearts to the possibility of receiving the love of God, who can help them to become holy, too.

Tom Schmidt, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

Download This Week’s Bulletin

From the Desk of Fr. Joseph
From the Desk of Bishop Braxton
From the Desk of Pope Francis
Growing in Faith Newsletter
Memorial Brick Order Form 
Parishioners Serving Schedule – February
Parishioners Serving Schedule – March
YouTube Vatican Channel 

Sacred Heart news on Facebook

Youth collection for Sister Parish in Tanzania

The children can bring their coins up and place in the basket by communion rail steps while the ushers are making the collection.

How can I allow the Spirit to guide me more fully? How will that affect how I treat both those who treat me well and those who mistreat me?

MASS & INTENTIONS
Sacred Heart

Saturday, February 22 – Weekday
THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE
4:30 pm Rosary
4:30 – 4:45 pm – Confession
5:00 pm Mass

• CES Donors
• Sam Riggio by Allen & Sharon Martin

Sunday, February 23
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
8:00 am Rosary
8:00 – 8:15 am Confession
8:30 am Mass

• CES Donors
• Wanda Jones by Betty & Brenda

Monday, February 24 – Weekday
6:45 am Mass

• Wilbur Hemmer by The Parish
• Peggy Slapshak by Tom & Chris Kelley
• Sam Riggio by Roy & Kathryn Jackson

Tuesday, February 25 – Weekday
6:30 am Mass

• Rev. Evan Harkins

Wednesday, February 26
ASH WEDNESDAY
5:30 pm Mass

• Mindy Riggio by Betty & Brenda
• Donna Toler by Dan Fulk

Thursday, February 27
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
6:45 am Mass

• Kathryn Norris by Milton Bowlin

Friday, February 28
Friday after Ash Wednesday
8:00 am Mass

• Clare McLain by Juanita Ray

Saturday, February 29
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
4:30 pm Rosary
4:30 – 4:45 pm – Confession
5:00 pm Mass

• Eugene Majarocon by Tony & Tess Jones
• John Jones by Tony & Tess Jones
• Vincent Solis by Tony & Tess Jones

Sunday, March 1
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
8:00 am Rosary
8:00 – 8:15 am Confession
8:30 am Mass

• Joe Wolfe by Della

LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Sacred Heart

USHERS for the Month of February:

Saturday: Rex Duncan, Allan Reaves, Gary Brock, Jeremy Cornett
Sunday: Joe Lane, Jim Derby, Rockne Berg, Don Harsy

Saturday, February 29th

Gift Bearers: Ron & Donna Mann
Servers: Audrey & Olivia Poiter
Lector: Doris Rottschalk
Extraordinary Ministers: Michael Poiter, Rex Duncan, Cyrilla Prusacki, Pete Riggio©

Sunday, March 1st – Youth Mass

Gift Bearers: Bruce & Harrison Still
Servers: Maggie Kellerman & Ellie Searby/Violet Searby 
Lector: Lexi Cobin
Extraordinary Ministers: Shonna Spencer, Blayke Spencer, John Alongi, David Martin©
Youth Mass Greeters: Lucy Kellerman & Layton Hawkins
Youth Mass Ushers: Owen Cornett, Jesus Sanchez, Addison & Sydney Galbraith

Saturday, February 22
4:00 – 7:00 pm Quarter Auction Pork Steak dinner
7:00 Quarter Auction begins

Sunday, February 23
12:00 – 3:30 pm – Grand Ultreya at St. Joseph, Freeburg

Monday, February 24
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Quilting at Haffner Hall

Tuesday, February 25
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Quilting at Haffner Hall 9:00 am Pickle ball at Haffner Hall gym

Wednesday, February 26
8:00 am Mass at Immaculate Conception

Thursday, February 27
9:00 am Pickle ball at Haffner Hall gym
6:00 pm RCIA – Lent/Rite of Election
7:00 pm Choir practice

Friday, February 28
4:00 – 7:00 pm Fish Fry #2 at Haffner Hall

Saturday, February 29
Second Collection: Social Justice
Presentation of Elect at mass

Sunday, March 1
Second Collection: Social Justice
Coffee & Donuts at Haffner Hall after mass
Rite of Election at Cathedral of St. Peter – Belleville

MASS & INTENTIONS
Immaculate Conception

Saturday, February 22
THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE
4:30 – 4:45 pm – Confession at Sacred Heart
5:00 pm Mass at Sacred Heart

• CES Donors
• Sam Riggio by Allen & Sharon Martin

Sunday, February 23
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
9:35 am Rosary
10:00 am Mass

• CES Donors
• Frances Piotrowski by Tony & Carol Zelasko

Monday, February 24 – Weekday

Tuesday, February 25 – Weekday
6:30 am Mass at Sacred Heart

• Rev. Evan Harkins

Wednesday, February 26
ASH WEDNESDAY
8:00 am Mass at Immaculate Conception

• Frances Piotrowski by Florence Gill
• CES Donors

5:30 pm Mass at Sacred Heart

• Mindy Riggio by Betty & Brenda
• Donna Toler by Dan Fulk

Thursday, February 27
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
6:45 am Mass at Sacred Heart

• Kathryn Norris by Milton Bowlin 

Friday, February 28 
Friday after Ash Wednesday
8:00 am Mass at Sacred Heart

• Clare McLain by Juanita Ray

Saturday, February 29
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
4:30 – 4:45 pm – Confession at Sacred Heart
5:00 pm – Mass at Sacred Heart

• Eugene Majarocon by Tony & Tess Jones
• John Jones by Tony & Tess Jones
• Vincent Solis by Tony & Tess Jones

Sunday, March 1
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Second Collection: Building & Maintenance Fund
9:35 am Rosary
10:00 am Mass: CES Donors

• Vernon Heck by the Heck Family

LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Immaculate Conception

Sunday, March 1

Extraordinary Ministers: Janet Harris, Tiffany Kujuwa, Susan Heape
Lector: Krista Piotrrowski
Sweet Treats: Randee Skorch

IC  NEWS & EVENTS

1. Office Hours: Thursdays from 8AM to 2PM – When office is closed, please call 542-3423 (Sacred Heart) for assistance.

2. Planned Giving: Would you consider Immaculate Conception Church in your will or trust? Do you have an insurance policy that no longer fits your needs? You can donate it to Immaculate Conception Church and receive tax benefits as well as the satisfaction of helping the future of our parishes.

IC Parish Hall Rental Rates

RATE
$25/hr – Parishioner
$40/hr – Non-Parishioner
$100 deposit

PRAYING THE ROSARY …

Beginning Sunday, January 19th, at Immaculate Conception Church, we will begin praying the rosary before each mass at 9:35 am. If you would be willing to lead the prayers, please contact
Diana Majewski at 318- 1306 or
Janet Harris at 318-1649.

Chairs for sale

Immaculate Conception has an excess of good used metal folding chairs which they are ready to part with. If you are interested in buying any of these chairs, please contact Kelly at the office 542-3423 (Thursday – 496-5867) or email your request to sacredheartduquoin@gmail.com. There are around 90 chairs and the cost is $2 each.

Save the date…

March 15th – Save the date for the Immaculate Conception Spring Pancake and Sausage Breakfast – March 15th at 7:00 am until noon. Any donations and door prizes are appreciated. More information in the coming weeks.

Altar Society – Farm Auction Luncheon

March 17 – The Altar Society will be hosting a Farm Auction Lunch on March 17th . Desserts will be needed. All proceeds will benefit the Altar Society Funeral Dinner Fund. Details on farm and address for the auction will be in next weeks bulletin.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary time

“The Lord is kind and merciful” [Psalm 103]. Jesus still teaches on the mount today. He moves from the “blessed are” to the “I say to you.” He says today: Do hot hate. Do not get even. Do not retaliate. Do not insult. Love your neighbor, domestic and foreign. He ends with this: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Clear. To the point. Hard but doable with God’s help.

• How will I be kind, be merciful today?
• Whom shall I stop hating?
• How can I shape my less-than-perfect behavior inthe perfection of God?

New CDs are located in the vestibule at Sacred Heart 

Kindly donate $4 each, or make checks payable to the parish. Please consider sharing your CD once you’ve listened to it! New titles are: Could God Love Someone Like Me?; God’s Family and Ours – The Church and the Trinity; I’m Not Being Fed; Lectio Prayer; Life Changing Stories of the Eucharist; Living the Gospel with the Heart of Pope Francis; Our Lady of Fatima; Shameless: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You; St. Joseph – Patron of the Universal Church; The Miracle of Divine Mercy

KEEP THE FAITH GROWING

The Capital Campaign (Keep The Faith Growing) aims to raise $200,000! As of now we have received $87,981.55 of the pledged amount. Thank you for your generosity.

FREE MAGAZINE

The Winter 2019 issue of Catholic Extension’s magazine, Extension, features Lumen Christi Award recipient and finalists. This award honors amazing individual and groups who are transforming the lives of thousands of people throughout our country in powerful and inspiring ways.

Pick up a free copy of Extension magazine at the entrances of church. Its inspiring stories will help you understand the diversity and scope of the Catholic Church in America – in places where faith is strong, but resources are limited. A digital version of the magazine can be found at www.catholicextension.org/extension-magazine-newest.

Annual Sacred Heart Quarter Auction & Pork Steak Dinner

February 22 – This year’s Annual Sacred Heart Quarter Auction and Pork Steak Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 22! The Pork Steak Dinner will be 4 – 7 pm with the Quarter Auction beginning at 7:00 pm. Vendors will be set up to shop with throughout dinner and the auction. This is a fun, family friendly event!

If you would like to help out by working, collecting donations or making a donation, please contact Elizabeth Benson at 318-9385

St. Vincent de Paul Dinner Theater

February 22 – The St. Vincent de Paul Dinner Theater will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Cathedral’s McCormick Center, West Harrison and South Second Streets, Belleville. Tickets: $40 per person/$300 reserved table of 8. Sponsorships and donations are also needed. Call Pat Hogrebe or Joe Hubbard at 618-394-0126 for additional information or to make reservations. Reservations and ticket purchases can also be made at the SVDP website – svdpsouthil.org. Have a fun evening and help provide food for those who are hungry and served by St. Vincent. This year, more than ever, your help is needed. Please call today. Thank you.

QUILT & CASH BINGO

February 23 – The Newman Auxiliary is having a Quilt & Cash Social Bingo on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Saint John the Baptist Parish in Red Bud IL. Lunch begins at 11:00 am and Bingo starts at 1:00 pm. Win quilts, cash, gift baskets, and door prizes. All proceeds help support the Newman Catholic Student Center at SIU – Carbondale.

FAT TUESDAY – BBQ PORK STEAK DINNER

February 25 -There will be a BBQ Pork Steak Dinner for Fat Tuesday, February 25th at the DuBois Knights of Columbus. Doors open at 3:00 pm and dinner begins at 4:30 pm.

PICKLEBALL

February 25 – Are you interested in learning to play pickleball?? We will have a beginners class on Tuesday, February 25th from 5 – 7 pm at Haffner Hall for anyone 18 years and over. We will be playing pickleball on Monday’s & Thursday’s at Haffner Hall gym at 9:00 am for anyone interested. Cost is $3 per session. Contact Patty Reaves at 357-1321 with any questions.

March 1 –
St. Charles Borromeo Church annual Polishfest on Sunday March 1st starting with a 10 AM Polka Mass. Parade down main street starts at 1 PM. Various food and dinner choices available in the parish hall after mass until gone. Raffles and silent auction in the parish hall too. Polka dance in the hall following the parade. Come and enjoy our Polish heritage!

Annual KC Sausage and Bacon sale

March 12 – The Knights of Columbus will have their Annual Sausage and Bacon Sale on March 12th. The cost for the sausage will be $4.00 a pound and the baconwill be sold in 2 pound packages with charitable goals. To order by phone please call Al Martin 534-5227 or Tom Murray 318-0080.

Polka Dance

April 3 – The Mollie B and Ted Lange Polka Show will be performing at the Du Bois KC hall on April 3rd from 7 – 11 pm with doors opening at 5 pm, and again on April 4th from 2 – 6 pm with doors opening at noon. Tickets are $15 each and go on sale February 2nd at 6:00pm at Du Bois KC Hall.

Grant applications for The Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal Fund for Ministry 2020 program are now available.

May 1 deadline – Grants are offered to Catholic parishes, schools, groups and organization within the Belleville Diocese. These monies fund unique programs and projects that address special needs within the diocese.

In the first week of February, applications and guidelines were sent to parishes, schools and organizations located in the five vicariates via regular mail.

These forms are also available on the diocesan website – www.diobelle.org – under the “The Catholic Service and Ministry” tab

You may also call Kathleen Hunt, 618-722-5012, for additional information. Please note that the deadline for submitting applications is May 1, 2020

Notes…..

If you happen to find a note in a missalette, hymnal or your pew – these are notes from our PSR students to let you know how much you mean to them! Take them home with you and enjoy the love they are sending!

Pilgrimage – Ireland and Scotland

November 4-16 – Fr. Augustine (St. Bruno) will be leading a Pilgrimage to Scotland and Ireland November 4th – 16th, 2020. If anyone has questions or is interested in the pilgrimage they can contact Kacie Davis at the St. Bruno church office. Either at 357-5510 or email stbsmm@yahoo.com

Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors

• Juniors and Seniors:

TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) is an opportunity that provides a space to reflect upon one’s own ideals, hopes, dreams, and problems; to discover a God that you can believe in . . . a Christ you can encounter as risen and alive in your midst.

• Freshman & Sophomores:

Quest is a time to come together to find out about God, friendships, and self in a fun-filled, thoughtful, and carefree surrounding. Quest gives you the chance to search for the real you.

Applications for the TEC & Quest weekends are available at https://bellevilletec.org/applications/ or can be picked up at the church office. They must be completed and submitted a week prior to the weekend.
If you have any further questions call/text Krista @ 318- 7766.

St. Bruno
Catholic School News

Learn more about St. Bruno Catholic School at www.stbrunoschool.com

Calendar:
March 7 – Dueling Pianos
March 13 – Come and See Day

COME AND SEE ST. BRUNO SCHOOL

March 13 – 9:00-11:00 – Come and See Day for all grades. Anyone who wants to come to see what St. Bruno School has to offer may join one of our classrooms. Please call 357-8276 to register for this day.

DUELING PIANOS PERFORMANCE

March 7 – Dueling Pianos by Felix and Fingers will be performing on March 7 at the Columbian Club. This is a very fun event! All proceeds and tips will benefit St. Bruno School. More details coming soon! Join our Facebook event page for instant updates.

Perry County Marketplace Receipts

St. Bruno School is collecting all Perry County Marketplace receipts dated Sept 1 forward to earn prizes. Receipts can be given to any St. Bruno parent or dropped at the rectory.

Thank You for your continued support! Please pray for the success and longevity of St. Bruno Catholic School!

Respect Life Corner

Matthew 4:3, (“If you are the Son of God…”) The devil tried incessantly to shake Jesus’s trust in his Father (Our Father)….but it couldn’t be done. Alone in the wilderness and starving, the devil tried his usual strategies: attempts to sow doubt about God’s love and care, isolation and a feeling of loneliness. It was the same modus operandi that the serpent used against Adam and Eve in the garden, in today’s first reading. While “our first parents” gave into the serpent’s temptation, Jesus succeeded in conquering the devil and all his lies through his faith in God alone; that gives us encouragement and hope that good can triumph over evil… in the end, God wins! The angels and all in heaven sang to Jesus songs of praise for his love and trust in his Father. It’s a gospel reading to think about, pray about and reread time and time again this Lenten season. We too will be tempted this Lent. The evil one will try to tell you that God doesn’t care and is far away…that the commandments don’t matter…Don’t believe the lies!!! 
Learn, Act, Connect, Pray– No matter what, pray faithfully and tell God how you really feel, ask for help where you are falling short. Fortify your spiritual life by trying to add an extra Mass to your week. Seek spiritual cleansing by going to confession…revel in the feeling of knowing that all your sins are forgiven! And if you fall short, remember that you are always a child of God! He loves you and will always help you and strengthen you. He may even send an angel in the form of a person to help you. “Lord, strengthen me with your grace during Lent and always! Help me to overcome any temptation and to ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit all the days of my life.”

Televised Sunday Mass

A televised Sunday Mass is now airing on ABC Family from 5:30 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. each Sunday morning. The Sunday Mass is produced by the Passionist Fathers and Brothers out of New York City and in available nationally on local affiliates. This is a special ministry, particularly for the elderly and the infirmed. It’s also available online:  http://thesundaymass.org

EWTN Global Catholic Network

Originally known as the Eternal Word Television Network, EWTN provides inspirational talk shows, original Catholic teaching series, animated programs for kids, live church coverage and documentaries. Tune in to channel 261 on DISH Network Satellite TV, channel 370 on DirecTV, and channel 94 for NewWave Communications for all EWTN has to offer or go to:  http://www.ewtn.com/tv/

If you know someone who can no longer attend mass, is sick, or homebound but who would like a visit or to receive Communion, please contact Kelly at the rectory office by calling 542-3423, or sending an email to sacredheartduquoin@gmail.com. And if you would like to help by visiting some of those that are homebound, please contact the office also. Together we can celebrate the Year of Mercy!

Parish Staff
for both Churches

Reverend Joseph Oganda
– Pastor of
Sacred Heart Church
Immaculate Conception

Kelly Paxton
– Secretary:
Sacred Heart
Immaculate Conception

Tony Kellerman
– Maintenance:
Sacred Heart
Immaculate Conception

Jeremy Cornett
– Parish Council President
Sacred Heart

Tiffany Kujawa
– Parish Council President
Immaculate Conception

Mary Beth Lane
– Coord. of Religious Education
Sacred Heart

Krista Piotrowski
– Youth Minister
Sacred Heart

Parish Contact Information
for both Churches

Rectory:
17 N. Walnut, Du Quoin, IL 62832
Rectory Phone – 618-542-3423
Rectory Fax – 618-542-5061

Email – sacredheartduquoin@gmail.com

Sacred Heart Catholic Church:
100 West Main St., Du Quoin, IL 62832
Phone – 618-542-3423
Haffner Hall rental – 618-542-3423

Haffner Hall Phone – 618-542-2285
16 N. Walnut, Du Quoin, IL 62832
Parish Council President – 618-542-6298

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
533 W 2nd North St, Tamaroa, IL 62888
Phone – 618-496-5867

Immaculate Conception Hall rental
– 618-496-5867
Parish Council President
– 618-559-1078

Webmaster:
– Suzanne McCrary
sannemc18@mediacombb.net