Leap of Faith

Today’s Gospel could be seen as an example of what St. Paul is explaining in the second reading. First, he tells us that the resurrection of Christ is not the end of God’s reign, but the beginning. Since death came into the world with the sin of Adam, Christ’s death saved us from sin and his resurrection saves us from death. Now that he is risen, he will complete his reign over all creation, meaning that everything in creation that turned away from God will now be subject to God. Since Christ had to die before he could rise, the last enemy to be subjected is death; so too do we have to die before we can rise.

When all this happens, everything will show God’s glory. God will be seen in all of creation. Jesus will be seen as equal to the Father, not just a man, but the Son of God. The Gospel gives us the image of a king on his throne, surrounded by his subjects. And then comes the final judgment.

The rest of the Gospel is symbolic description of that judgment. I always thought the point of this parable was that we recognize God in the poor, the sick, the homeless, prisoners, etc. But the people in the parable who helped all those in need did not recognize Christ in the needy. That’s why he tells them that whatever we do for “these least ones,” we do for Christ.

That is actually good news, because it is not always easy to recognize Christ in others. I used to think that once I start seeing Christ in all people, I’ll be more willing to help them. But it also works the other way. When you help someone in need, you begin to see Christ there, too. This means that we cannot use not seeing Christ in others as an excuse to put off helping them. (“Sure, I’ll help those drug addicts–as soon as I see Jesus in them.”) Whether it is a death-row prisoner or a homeless family, we need to take that leap of faith to help, not knowing if we will ever see Christ in them. Remember, God forgives and saves us because we need God, not because we deserve it.

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

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New Bishop

• Archdiocese of Chicago News Release
• BISHOP April 3 2020

Coronavirus Articles:

• America Article by Patrick O’Neill
• New York Times Article on Flattening the Curve
• What if Public Masses are Cancelled Article
• Sunday Scripture and Prayers
• How to Pray the Rosary
• Summary of COVID-19 Indulgences

Bellville Diocese
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 – October – December
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
YouTube Vatican Channel 

Sacred Heart news on Facebook

What have I ignored or overlooked that I can reach out to now in mercy? At Thanksgiving, who can I thank for reaching out to me in my need this year?

How do I express my gratitude to God, to those I love, and to those who have added joy to my life whom I don’t even know?

MASS & INTENTIONS
Sacred Heart

LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Sacred Heart

USHERS for the Month of November

Thanksgiving Day – 9:00 am
Lector: Tony Kellerman
Extraordinary Ministers: Priest & Tony Kellerman

Saturday, November 28
Lector: Mary Beth Lane 
Extraordinary Ministers: Priest & Mary Beth Lane

Sunday, November 29 
Lector: Cara Alongi
Extraordinary Ministers: Priest & Cara Alongi

CONFESSIONS:

Sacrament of Reconciliation
During this time of uncertainty celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation can be comforting. Confessions will be heard at Haffner Hall on Saturday evening at 4:30 – 4:45 or after mass. On Sunday they can be heard at Haffner Hall from 8:00 – 8:15 am and at Immaculate Conception porch by office after mass. They can also be heard upon request. Please call the rectory at 618-542-3423.

MASS & INTENTIONS
Immaculate Conception

Saturday, November 21 – Weekday
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
4:30 – 4:45 pm Confession at Haffner Hall

Sunday, November 22
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Second Collection: CCHD
10:00 am Mass Intention

• Frances Piotrowski by Krista
• Sponsors of CES

Monday, November 23 – Weekday
Saint Clement I, Pope, Martyr; Saint Columban, Abbot; Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, Priest, Martyr

Tuesday, November 24 – Weekday
Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs

Wednesday, November 25 – Weekday
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr

Thursday, November 26 – Weekday
Happy Thanksgiving!
9:00 am Combined Mass at Sacred Heart

• Ruth Beard by Tom & Chris Kelley
• Sponsors of CES

Friday, November 27; Weekday 

Saturday, November 28 – Weekday
4:30 – 4:45 pm Confession at Haffner Hall

Sunday, November 29
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR OF GRACE, 2021 
10:00 am Mass Intention

• John Pestka
• Sponsors of CES

LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Immaculate Conception

Sunday, November 29 

Lector: Krista Piotrowski
Sweet Treats: Tiffany Kujawa

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

ALL SOULS DAY MEMORIALS

Leo Pestka Sr., Charles Skorcz, Malanowski Family, Zielinski Family, Malinski Family, Joe Majewski, Josephine Majewski, Mark Pestka, Hosea Harris Sr., Hosea Harris Jr., Bill Harris, Keny Kurt, Helen Kurtz

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Solemnity

Six Grows to Nine. We get the start of the Corporal Works of Mercy in Matthew 25. Two more are added over time. Pope Francis adds one more. These are the behaviors by which each will be judged – actions toward others are, in fact, done for and to God. What we think is important. What we may say is also important. But what we do is key, is more important.

Here is the list: Corporal Works of Mercy ̈ Feed the hungry ̈ Give drink to the thirsty ̈ Shelter the homeless ̈ Clothe the naked ̈ Visit the sick ̈ Visit the prisoners ̈ Bury the dead ̈ Give alms to the poor ̈ Care of our Common Home.

• Who does not have enough that I will feed?
• Whom will I welcome?
• How will I be responsible for the earth?

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Please welcome a guest from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development diocesan office to our weekend masses this weekend. They will speak shortly about what the campaign is about and who it helps here in our diocese and nationally. Please thoughtfully consider your generous donation to those in need among us.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)

Please be generous in this week’s special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). In the United States, one in six people lives in poverty. With this collection, you support programs in our diocese and throughout the country that address the causes of poverty and provide a sustainable future for those who struggle, across the country. In addition, 25% of the funds we collect will remain in our diocese to fund local antipoverty initiatives. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection and work on the margins. In addition to giving through the provided CCHD envelope, you may give by debit or credit card at https://stclarechurch.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/CCHD. All funds collected at this site are forwarded on to the diocesan collection.

CDA QUILT RAFFLE

Catholic Daughters will still be holding it’s annual quilt raffle, with the drawing for the quilt and several monetary prizes (provided by the court and other individuals) now planned for the end of December.

Raffle tickets are being distributed with member booklets, through the mail and are also available on the church entrances. Thanks in advance for supporting our court

CDA DUES

Catholic Daughters – we will begin collecting member dues of $25 for 2021. Checks should be payable to CDA court #795 and sent to Lisa Mohr or dropped in the collection box/basket marked to her attention. Her home address is 504 N. Pope St., Du Quoin. Members exempt from paying dues are those with 50+ yrs. of service and those in assisted living or healthcare facilities. Thank you in advance!

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

The Dead Matter. It is a good and holy thing to pray for the dead as it is to console those who mourn the death of ones they love. For they are as much a part of the Kingdom of God as those alive on earth and those alive in heaven.

Vocations Corner …

This coming week we celebrate a National day of Thanksgiving. We Catholics, give even greater thanks for all the gifts God Has bestowed on us and for us to share. Each one of us has been given a unique calling to Holiness. Each one is to serve the Lord in her/his own “called” way. A vocational calling is asking us to surrender our talents to God so that they may be sanctified and produce fruit for the Kingdom.

ADOPT A SEMINARIAN!

How can I adopt a Seminarian? There are lots of ways!

• Remember his birthday-send him a card or gift on his birthday.
• Become his prayer warrior – Remember your seminarian in your daily prayers. Send him an occasional note to addure him of your prayers for him.
• Send a Care Package. Seminarians are college students and always appreciate a care package, whether it’s a pair of warm socks on a cold winter’s day or Ramen Noodles or cookies or whatever creative idea you may have!
• Remember him at Christmas on your parish giving tree or with a gift or card.
• Send notes of encouragement and support at any time
• Our best “adoptive” practice – prayer!
  There are prayer cards located at the entrances of the church. Please take one and ‘adopt a seminarian’!

KEEP THE FAITH GROWING

The Sacred Heart Capital Campaign (Keep The Faith Growing) aims to raise $200,000! As of now we have received $151,700 of the pledged amount. Thank you for your generosity.

Prayer for Inner Peace

Holy Spirit, please encircle me. Come hold me safe and secure in your love. Wrap my mind in your promise and truth. Guide my thoughts. Calm my fears. Steady my emotions. Lord, that you would guide my feelings. May I not be overcome by upset, but rather, sustained in my soul with hope in you.

ST. ANDREW DINNERS

Bishop Michael McGovern and Fr. Nick Junker, Diocesan Vocation Director, are inviting young men interested in learning more about the Catholic priesthood to participate in a St. Andrew Dinner. Young men, ages 14 thru 25, are invited to attend; parents are also welcome. If you are interested in attending one of the upcoming dinners, please contact Fr. Nick Junker at (618) 722-5035 or e-mail njunker@diobelle.org.

Additional St. Andrew dinners will be offered in October and November. Please pray for vocations.

Table of Thanksgiving Blessing…

There will be a table in front of the Communion rail at the Thanksgiving day mass for anyone who would like to bring an item to be blessed that will be enjoyed at their Thanksgiving feast. Please place on the table before mass begins.

St. Bruno
Catholic School News

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

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

Box Tops For Education App!

Box Tops for Education is an easy way to support our school! Just download the app, scan paper receipts, and email digital receipts. If you have box tops clips you can continue to send them to school. Thanks!

15th Annual St. Bruno Auction!

Seeking donations for the 15th annual St. Bruno Auction! No donation too big or small! Please contact any St. Bruno School parent or the school @ 357-8721 to donate items or make a monetary donation.

Due to Covid-19 we will not be able to meet in person like we have in the past. This year we will be holding our event online! You can shop and bid on items from the comfort of your own home! The 50/50 and raffle items are set to go live on Sunday, November 1st. The auction items will go live Sunday, November 15th and close on Friday, November 20th.

GUN OF THE MONTH CLUB

St Bruno School Gun of the Month & DAILY cash drawing! $20 will get you 365 chances to win! Each ticket enters you in a DAILY drawing to win $20 cash AND a monthly drawing to win a gun or $400. Contact any St Bruno School family or the school for your tickets! Thank you for your continued support!

SCRIP Cards available…

It was requested by several St. Bruno School families to make scrip available at Sacred Heart masses, we had people volunteer to help out, so we are making it happen. What is Scrip? Scrip is a gift card fundraiser that supports St. Bruno School. We sell gift cards at face value for you to use as gifts or everyday purchases, the company supplies the rebate to the school. NO EXTRA COST to you, but the school benefits! Please see Kellie May, Adrienne Pfeiffer, Christa McIntire or Victoria Elder in the vestibule after masses starting next week! We have local restaurants, chain restaurants, Walmart, Amazon, Old Navy/Gap and many, many more on hand, just in time to start your holiday shopping!

Respect Life Corner:

In Matthew’s Gospel, Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus talks to his disciples in the form of a simple story: a shepherd separating animals at the end of the day in the Middle East. The sheep and goat tend to mingle easily with one another -until the end. The sheep represent those who will share eternal life with Christ, the goats represent those who will suffer eternal punishment. Jesus tells the disciples that however you treated the least of people, you treated me. This highlights the significance that we are Jesus’s arms, his voice, his heart and we are his co- workers in the kingdom on earth.

Learn, Act, Connect and Pray– let’s use this time to examine our lives as we listen to the readings that represent the end of the Liturgical year. How are we doing? Are we providing for those who are in prison by writing letters of encouragement through our diocese pen pal ministry through Prison Ministry? Are we getting involved in Respect Life efforts in our diocese to help the abortion vulnerable as well as the marginalized? We must look at and respect the dignity of all human life -in every stage and situation- and then we will know we are working for Christ.

Televised Sunday Mass

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

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 & Immaculate Conception

Krista Piotrowski
– Youth Minister
Sacred Heart & Immaculate Conception

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