Sacred Heart Parish of Du Quoin - News and Events
Here you can keep up with our news and updates for events at Sacred Heart Parish of Du Quoin in Illinois.
Posted February 9, 2012
Sacred Heart Annual Lenten Fish Fry
A good start for the first night!
Desserts!
Fr. Nick mingling!
Allan Reaves on dirty pots and pans detail!
Inline for some super delicious fish!
Servers!
More servers
cake server
Beverage servers
serving line
cookers
dish washers and dryers
Phone orders
Take out servers
Take out money takers
Youth group doing a 50/50
Quilt raffle
Eat in money takers
our diners!!!
fish fryers
the fish-frying mobile! :)
Posted for December 2012
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
Posted for October 2012
Trunk or Treat
Posted October 21, 2012
Sacred Heart's Annual Chicken and Dumpling Dinner
Waiting for the crowd
the desserts:
cooking the chicken and dumplings
dishing our the delicisous food
cooking the vegetables
terrific shot of the kitchen staff hard at it!
carry-outs crew
dessert crew
taking tickets/money for the dinner
They're here!!!
Quilt drawing
drink staff
drink staff cheezin' for the camera!
full house!
filling up the bowls for a 'famiy style dinner'
cleaning up the high chair
Fr. Nick doing a little mingling
waiting in line for Sacred Heart's delicious chicken and dumplins!
taking carry-outs
satisfied customers
more customers coming in!
parishioners busy at it, keeping bowls full, cleaning off dirty plates, resetting table for next
set of guests
Table watcher! Looking for empty seats
another seat watcher in the middle of the gym
the feast: chicken & dumplings, green beans, corn, slaw, bread, drinks, and of course homemade
delicious desserts
the Fontana family celebrating Mom/Grandma's birthday
the birthday day girl - Ms. Sally. Happy Birthday!!!
Living Rosary 2012 - October 14 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
The 2012 Confirmation class for Sacred Heart PSR Students was Monday, April 16th at 7pm at St. Brunos in Pinckneyville.
Bishop Braxton did something very different during his Confirmation homily at St. Bruno last Monday. After our kids spent lots of time learning all about their Confirmation Saints, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the readings, etc, they were ready to answer any question the bishop had. Much to their surprise, however, the Bishop asked them hardly any questions. Instead, he spent a great deal of time addressing the rest of the congregation. "Parents, Sponsors, Grandparents, Godparents, Brothers and Sisters, and friends, you are not merely observers in this celebration. You are participants," he said. He went on to remind us all that the religious education the kids receive at Church is wonderful, but in the end most will not end up listening to the priest or teacher. What they are really going to do follow is your example. If we go to confession regularly, they will go. If we take the time to discuss the faith of the Church and the scriptures with them, they will listen. If we provide a good example of Christian living, they will take notice. If we pray with them, they will pray.
Posted April 21, 2012
Easter Sunday
Sacred Heart had a wonderful crowd on Easter Sunday!!!
Also, the Easter Bunny stopped by to see the children:
Posted April 18, 2012
A big thank you to Brenda Sims, for loaning me her copies to scan of the Sacred Heart 2012 Fat Tuesday Potluck! I too took a ton of pictures that night - note to self - be sure the card is in the camera . . . sigh. Thank you again Brenda!!!
This year's Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday at Sacred Heart was a huge success! We had a bigger crowd this year. Tables and tables of food. Games for children, 5 card draw for adults, and a private auction that had a wonderful turn out. There were 51 items on the silent auction table which all items were donated. The silent auction brought in $957.00, kids games $39.00 & poker $106.50 for a total of $1,102.50. This triples last years total of $336.25. The food was wonderful and everyone coming together to share this day a blessing to all. A special thanks to Suzanne Majewski and all her helpers for a job well done!
Posted December 28, 2011
CELEBRATING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
There was a wonderful - full house - I understand, Children's Mass at 5pm on the 25th. [I'd be happy to post pictures if someone had some to share!]
Then at midnight - Sacred Heart - once again celebrated the Midnight Mass - by having it at midnight - like they used to do in the past! It wasn't a full house, but it was certainly an impressive group. Father says we doubled from last year!
Church lights were out, prior to the Mass . . . it's hard to tell in this picture, but it was just beautiful!
Close-up of one of the beautifully decorated trees.
Family photos were taken by several families with the beautiful decorations for the background.
Balcony - the choir had already came down . . .
Following Mass, Fr. Nick wishing everyone a Merry Christmas as they were leaving.
Posted October 20, 2011
Trunk or Treat at Sacred Heart
Trunk or Treat at Sacred Heart will be on Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30 PM in the parking lot following the Youth Mass at 5:30 PM. We will have a bonfire and refreshments. Come join the fun and decorate your trunk. Hand out treats to the youth as they trick or treat from trunk to trunk!
Two pictures from last year's fun times, courtesy of Rachel Brock:
Posted October 5, 2011
Sacred Heart Chicken & Dumpling Dinner
(click on title to see pictures of this year's dinner)
Sunday, October 23, 2011, in Haffner Hall.
The Sacred Heart Chicken & Dumpling Dinner will be held Sunday, October 23, 2011, in Haffner Hall. Serving will be 11
a.m. until 2 p.m. We will need lots of desserts, especially pies. If you have a high-chair or booster seat you are willing to lend or donate to the parish, please call the rectory. If you would like to make a donation to the Chicken & Dumpling
dinner, it would be most appreciated. Monetary donations may be placed in a marked envelope and placed in the weekly collection basket or sent to the rectory.
Vocation Awareness Day & Living Rosary
October 9, 2011
When Bishop Braxton visited us last December, he reminded us of the need to continually work and pray for vocations to the priesthood. On October 9, Vocation Awareness Da,. Sacred Heart created a Living Rosary. Representatives from each parish committee, religious education, youth group, Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Daughters was present. Follow the link an enjoy pictures taken during the event. http://sacredheart-duquoin.org/living_rosary_2011.html
Youth Trip to the Sparta World Shooting and Recreational Complex
October 8, 2011
Next Saturday, meet at 9am in the Church parking lot. Joe Riggio has invited us to the complex for to watch some fierce shooting competition! We will also be given the opportunity to shoot as well! Please bring lunch money. Call the rectory
by Monday to sign up - all peoples and ages are welcome.
Blessing of the Pets
Saturday, October 1, 9am in the School Parking Lot.
Fall CCW Meeting
Parish ladies, your South Deanery of the Belleville Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women will hold their Fall meeting on Sunday, September 25 at Sacred Heart Church in Du Quoin. Registration is at 1 PM. Fee $5. Refreshments will be provided, guest speaker Dawn O'Leary her topic: Everyday Evangelization.
BACK TO SCHOOL YOUTH RETREAT
Camp Ondessonk, September 24-25
We have reserved a camping unit just for the youth of our two parishes. There'll be time for hiking, horseback riding, ropes challenge course, prayer and reflection, and much more! This is the first opportunity for our young people to meet our new youth minister, Melissa Pearson. Junior high and above are welcome....please call to sign up by September 12!
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS POT-LUCK
SEPTEMBER 12 AT 6PM
The Catholic Daughters is starting its new year with a Potluck Supper at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 12 in Haffner Hall. All members are asked to bring a guest and all new prospective members are invited to come and bring a guest also, if they so wish. The meat and drinks will be furnished by the officers and the court. We ask all members to bring a dish and a few school supplies to decorate the tables with and these supplies will be taken to St. Bruno's later in the week. Anyone that would like to join Catholic Daughters is welcome to come to this meeting. See you, September 12 at 6:00 PM. Liz Wynn, Regent
Sacred Heart Rummage Sale
September 9th & 10th at Haffner Hall
Rummage Sale will be September 9th & 10th.The date available to drop off any items you would like to donate September 3 from 9am-12pm.
RCIA Classes have started.
If you or anyone you know would like to become Catholic please contact Fr. Nick at the rectory 542-3423.
Posted: September 1, 2011
Weekend Warrior Program
Sacred Heart started helping with the Weekend Warrior Program in September 2010. This program helps provide food for school children in the Du Quoin Community. The food items are placed in their back packs on Friday before they leave school. This food is to help ensure that these children have food to eat during the weekend when they are not at school receiving 1 hot meal a day. We provide 15 bags of food that have meals of 3 dinner, 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 snacks, 1 fruit and a bottle of water. With our donation of the bags we help 15 pre-school age children every weekend. The food items have to be microwavable so that the young children can fix them their self. There are between 130-150 students in our district that are in need of this program. Churches in the community have committed to 10-30 bags a week. If there should be an extra day on the weekend because of school not in session, food is adjusted accordingly. There are two social workers in the school system that identify the students and interact with the students of need.
Sacred Heart has containers for monetary donations to the Weekend Warrior Program at each church entry on the last weekend of every month. A tub for food items is placed at the main front entry of church. Food or cash donations are accepted and appreciated. We have volunteers that make sure we have the proper food items needed to fill the bags. Volunteers also come in once a week to fill the bags. Sacks will be delivered to the school by 3:30 PM on Thursday. They are distributed on Fridays by school personnel. If there is no school on Friday the bags have to be delivered on Wednesday. Contact the Rectory office 542-3423 if you would be interested in volunteering for the program. A committee of volunteers meet once each school semester to schedule work times.
Suggested items: NO PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS!!!!
Microwave meals (ravioli, spaghetti etc.)
Easy Mac (packets or tubs)
Pop Tarts
Granola Bars
Ramen Noodle (soup cup, NOT squares)
Pudding cups
Individual wrapped snacks
Cereal (small individual boxes)
Instant oatmeal packets
Cereal Bars
Microwave popcorn
Individual Fruit Cups
Canned sausages
Posted: March, 2011
Sacred Heart Alumni Basketball Game
All alumni of the school, regardless of year, will be invited to play. This memorable event will take place on Easter weekend when many graduates who no longer live in the area will be home for the holiday. If you have kids who live away please let them know. Even if you don’t plan to play, please mark Saturday, April 23 at 4pm down on your calendars. For more information please contact Craig Smith at shsalumnigame@gmail.com or check the bulletin and the website for more details to come. This will be a great opportunity for our alumni to see former teachers, reconnect with their parish and with each other!
Sacred Heart Softball
We are joining the Du Quoin Church Slow pitch Softball League this summer. Registration is $20 a person and is open to any men or women of the parish going into high school or older. We have nearly 20 signed up so far! Please call the rectory for more information.
Posted: March 10th, 2011
Now an update from Father Nick
As I begin to think about Spring and the weather getting warmer, the first thing that comes to mind is being outside and playing sports, particularly baseball. Being such a big sports fanatic is probably part of the reason why I feel at home here in Du Quoin! If you aren’t aware, there has been a Church Softball League in existence for several years now. After making some inquiries, it looks like there is enough interest for Sacred Heart to field a team. I attended a meeting Monday evening to get more information:
- It is open to men and women, but players must be at least going into high school to be eligible to play. Anyone under 18 years of age must have a parental consent form signed.
- The roster size is unlimited, however a player must be verified by the pastor as being a member of the church before being allowed to play.
- Games will begin in mid-May, and will be played on various weeknights through the Spring and Summer. You don’t have to make every game…we just need 8 players to play each game without forfeiting. So the more we have on the roster the better off we’ll be.
- We will ask a registration fee of $20 for each player to cover costs.
We are in need of players, coaches and umpires. Please pass the word along and call the rectory to register before April.
Staying on the theme of sports, I am also excited to announce the upcoming inaugural Sacred Heart Alumni Basketball Game. All alumni of the school, regardless of year, will be invited to play. This memorable event will take place on Easter weekend when many graduates who no longer live here will be home for the holiday. If you have kids who live away please let them know. Even if you don’t plan to play, please mark Saturday, April 23 at 4pm down on your calendars. For more in for-mat ion please you can contact Craig Smith at shsalum-nigame@gmail.com or check the bulletin and the website for more details to come. This will be a great opportunity for our alumni to see old teachers, reconnect with their parish and with each other!
Please continue to pray for Molly Kern and Lindsay Schubert who will be Confirmed at the Easter Vigil in April. We will have a Rite of Sending for them during the 9am Mass this weekend, and then that afternoon we will be heading to the Cathedral to meet with Bishop Braxton for the Rite of Election.
Have a great week!Father Nick
Sacred Heart Lenten Fish Fry
Sacred Heart fish dinners, includes drink and one (1) dessert. We will be serving every Friday during Lent from 4-7 PM in Haffner Hall. Come join us!
Fish Fry Desserts needed. Please remember to drop off your desserts (especially PIES) at Haffner Hall. Thank you to all who donate.
Posted: March 3rd, 2011
Events and Happenings Update- Tue, March 8th - Fat Tuesday Potluck
- Wed, March 9th - Ash Wednesday - Mass at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Fri, March 11th - Fish Fry
Sacred Heart Fat Tuesday Potluck
Sacred Heart Fat Tuesday Potluck in Haffner Hall on Tuesday evening March 8th at 6:00 PM. All parish members are invited to come celebrate the beginning of our Lenten season. We will have a potluck dinner, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a few games. We ask that you please bring a covered dish of either meat, vegetable, salad, pasta or dessert. Tableware and drinks will be provided. Don’t miss the fun, fellowship and fabu-lous food.
Donations needed Fat Tuesday Silent Auction. If any-one would like to donate an item for our Fat Tuesday silent auc-tion, it would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you have a New gift you don’t want or it’s in your way taking up closet space. Maybe a quilt or afghan, painted picture or a hand crafted item. Think about it and if you would like to donate call Suzanne Majewski 496-5595.
The season of Lent extends this year from Ash Wednesday, March 9, to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 21, inclusive.
- 1. Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent.
- 2. Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is also bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
- 3. On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meal is allowed. The other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but altogether they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the obligation of the law is modified. Because Lent is a special season for all Christians, we should not lightly excuse ourselves from these penitential practices.
- 4. To completely disregard the law of fast and abstinence is seriously sinful.
St. Bruno Catholic School Kindergarten Come and See Day
St. Bruno Catholic School Kindergarten Come and See Day is March 18 from 8:30-10:30 AM. This is an opportunity for the children to meet the teacher and to participate in a Kindergarten environment. For more information, please call the school at (618) 357-8276.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One of the first things I noticed when I first arrived at Sacred Heart was that we are in need of a new parish picture directory. The last one we made was back in 2004. Since last Fall I have been corresponding with Jim Pearl, a consultant from My Church Family Album. He met with the Pastoral Council and we agreed on dates. Photographers will be here May 10 – 14 and 17 – 21. I'm giving everyone the dates early so you can make sure to put them on your calendar. Special make-up days can be scheduled if there are enough people that cannot make it on any of the days during those weeks. When we met, Mr. Pearl explained how assembling a Church directory has become much less labor intensive than it had been even a few years ago. The company will assist with sign-ups (now available online), reminder calls, etc. And the best part is that it's completely free of charge to the parish and to you, unless of course you wish to order portraits. That being said, we are still in need of volunteers to help with organization and greeters for the picture days. Debbie Mannino has graciously volunteered to lead the committee. Your help would be most appreciated. Please call the rectory if interested.
This week Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Why do we put Ashes on our forehead? We do this because it's a reminder of where we came from and where we are going: "Out of the ground you were taken ... remember you are dust and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:10). Remembering our humble beginnings and our mortality helps us to enter into the sea-son and to rely on God to grant us life through his death and resurrection. What the ashes do also is give us the opportunity to show our faith to others. Our Ash Wednesday Schedule for Masses is 9am and 6pm. In addition to the Masses, I will also be making visits to each nursing home and to all of our shut-ins to distribute ashes. If you or someone you know cannot make Mass but still would like to receive ashes I would be more than happy to come to your home or place of work, or you may stop by the rectory. Just let me know in advance.
Please look over the comprehensive schedule that we put together regarding Lenten/Holy Week Mass times, services, and events. The most notable change from last year is the Stations of the Cross. They will be held before Wednesday evening Mass beginning on March 16 and continuing through each Wednesday of Lent until Holy Week. My hope is that this will allow more people to attend without the interference and commotion of the fish fry. Stations will be at 5:30 each Wednesday with Mass following at 6pm. Another addition this Lent will be Sunday Confessions. Reconciliation will now be offered Saturday from 4:15-4:45pm as well as Sunday before Mass, from 8:15-8:45am. Please refer to the calendar throughout the Season.
Peace, Fr. NickAsh Wednesday March 9, 6:00PM
Servers: David Martin & Cameron Spencer
Lector: Allen Martin
Communion Ministers: Allen Martin, Marlene Wolfe, Toni Haner
Du Quoin Food Pantry Hours are: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 am and Thursday evenings form 6:00 to 8:00pm.
Donations can be delivered during these times as well.
For more information and pictures go to: www.facebook.com/DuQuoinFoodPantry
Or Google Du Quoin Food Pantry.
Here is the Update from Father Nick.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings!
A big THANK YOU goes out to Henry Born, who I'm told by so many did a fantastic job leading the Sunday celebration in the absence of a priest when Fr. Lou was unable to make the trip down due to inclement weather. Many of you know that Henry is trained and certified by the Church to conduct these communion services should a priest be unavailable. We are always open to training more people if this is some-thing you think you might be called to do.
On my trip I explored Southern California for the first time. It didn't take long for me to take note of how fast the Church is growing in this area and how vibrant the parishes are. It seemed each parish had an abundance of priests and deacons, Masses nearly on the hour, and standing room only crowds in church. I am told it is like this in much of the southwestern United States. Unfortunately, this is not the state of the Church in the entire country, including here in the Midwest and in the Diocese of Belleville. Due to the size of many parishes and the number of priests retiring exceeding the number being ordained, as well as other factors, there will be a need for merging and even suppressing parishes down the road. Hence, Sunday celebrations in the absence of a priest will be a more common occurrence in many parishes. So we are grateful that people like Henry have stepped up and have attended Diocesan sponsored orientation sessions and ongoing training for these and similar services. Perhaps this experience can serve as a wake-up call for all of us and be an opportunity to discern how each and every one of us are called to roles of service and leadership in the Church.
Be on the lookout in next week’s bulletin for a letter com-posed by the Capital Planning Committee about capital pro-jects that will need to be undertaken to improve and main-tain our physical property.
Also, don’t forget:
Diocesan Youth Conference - March 5-6, for Freshmen - Seniors
Erica Shepard and I will be leading a team in an overnight experience in Collinsville, IL at DYC. DYC gathers youth from all around the Diocese. This yearly event is one you won’t want to miss! Exciting and youth friendly speakers will be present, along with workshops, games, a visit from Bishop Braxton, and lots more! This is THE Catholic Youth event of the year in the Diocese. Join former Brit rock star Sal Solo and hundreds of other youth in celebrating our common faith and identity! We have a few signed up so far and need more names! Join us.
Fr. NickPosted: Feb 17th, 2011
Belleville Diocesan Youth Conference Video
Diocesan Youth Conference - March 5-6, for Freshmen - Seniors. I was asked to upload this video from the promotional DVD so that it can be viewed on the web. The original video was produced by the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Marketing Department and the Office of Youth Ministry - Diocese of Belleville.
Local Note - Father Brian Barker from St Bruno Parish in Pinckneyville in the video at 3:30.
Posted: Feb 17th, 2011
Events and Happenings Update- Mon, Feb 21th - Office Closed - President's Day
- Tues, Feb 22th - Finance Committee Meeting
- Weekend of Feb 26-27th - Weekend Warrior Collection
- Sat, Feb 26th - Youth Mass and Faith, Family Fun-Filled Night. Youth Mass at 5 PM, Family Fun in Haffner at 6 PM.
- Fri, March 4th - 2011 Lenten Fish Fries Start - Run through April 15th.
Posted: January 26, 2011
2011 Lenten Fish Fries
Sacred Heart annual Lenten fish fries will be held this year beginning Friday, March 4, the Friday prior to Ash Wednesday and continue through Friday, April 15. Our fish fries have been successful for many years, and we hope this year will be another fun-filled and successful one for our parish. There are always so many wonderful parishioners who give of their time and talents each week during Lent. We are grateful to those individuals who faithfully are a Haffner Hall every Friday to assist with the fish fries as well as those who help whenever they can. We are very thankful to everyone who provides the home-made dessert each week. People love them, especially the pies. We want to involve as many parishioners as possible this year. There is an insert in this week’s bulletin that we ask you to fill out and return ASAP or contact any of the committee and let us know you can help. Thanking you in advance: Lindon & Kelly Paxton, Ron & Linda Sherman, Marlene Wolfe, and Henry Born.
St. Bruno School is requesting donations for the upcoming Spring Raffle and Spaghetti supper to be held on March 26 at the KC Hall in Pinckneyville. Donors can offer monetary gifts, crafts, of services to be randomly drawn at the supper. All funds raised from ticket sales go to support the school. For question, please contact Sheila Beltz 618-924-1228 or Billie Phillips 618-7904454.
St. Bruno Catholic School is looking for a bus driver to run daily, morning and afternoon routes to Du Quoin. Monday, Wednesday and Friday band routes at 9:45 AM and the occasional field trip. Applications can be found online at stbrunoschool.com Interested persons should contact the school office at 357-8276. We are willing to train applicants.
Posted: January 26, 2011
Upcoming Events for the Week at Sacred Heart Parish
- St. Bruno School PTO Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, January 30 at the KC Hall in Pinckneyville. Menu incudes: eggs, sausage, biscuits and gray, pancakes, milk, juice and coffee. Adults $7 age 4-12 yrs. $4.
- Monday, January 31 - 7:00 PM KC 4th Degree Meeting at Christopher
- Tuesday, February 1 - 7:00 PM KC Meeting in Du Quoin
- Saturday, February 5 - 9:00–12 noon PSR
- Saturday, February 5 and Sunday - Blessing of the throats after Mass
- USHERS for the Month of February 2011: Sat., 5:00 PM: Rex Duncan, Jim Campanella, George Ciganovich. Sun., 9:00 AM: Steve Marek, Joe Lane, John Iffert
Here is the Update from Father Nick.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
There are Dos and there are Don’ts to most situations in life. From games, to rules imposed on us as a child, to expectations of behavior at work and in social situations, they seem to be always with us. I remember when word got out that I would be coming to Sacred Heart from St. Teresa. After just a few days, I found a pamphlet someone had laid on my desk for me titled: The Dos and Don’ts of Your First Pastorate. Still to this day I don’t know who placed it there. Do listen to the input of parish leaders. Do make yourself available. Don’t make any significant changes in your first year. Don’t compare and contrast yourself with previous pastors, etc.In our faith and in our biblical tradition, we can perhaps say the Don’ts are the 10 commandments, which consist mostly of things we’re not supposed to do. But then what are the Dos? I think we find the answer in the Beatitudes presented to us in the Gospel today. By taking his disciples up the mountain, having them sit down while teaching them, and giving them God’s program for the spiritual life and for a fulfilling existence, Jesus is presenting himself as the new Moses. Just like Moses, who went up Mount Sanai and came down with God’s law to give to the people, Jesus gives us something wonderful from God in the Sermon on the Mount. What Jesus gives us is a compilation of all of his teachings. What he gives us are the 10 commandments expanded upon - broken open if you will.
One of the many reasons people get frustrated with Christianity and organized religion in particular is that they think it consists of just a bunch of rules – just a bunch of things we can’t do. Many of you I’m sure still remember our parents or the nuns and Sacred Heart School emphatically imposing these rules on us. At the heart of it all, though, we sometimes forget Catholicism is not a NO. It’s a YES. It’s an affirmation of God and human life and goodness, which comes from Him. It’s a YES to everything that is beautiful, noble, exciting and liberating in the human drama.
So what does Jesus tell us? What do we DO? Be a peacemaker - a reconciler of people to each other and to God. Be poor in spirit. In other words, instead of making wealth a priority or exulting yourself as the most important thing, love simple things and be humble (or meek). Have a hunger and a thirst for righteousness - for what is good and holy and beautiful in the world. Blessed are those who mourn. In other words, blessed are you who can sympathize with others and walk with them in their pain and suffering. Take some time this week to sit with the Beatitudes and see how God is inviting us into a new way of joyful living through them.
As I mentioned last week, I will be leaving tomorrow to inspect the palms. The guest celebrant for the next two weekends will be a retired priest, Fr. Lou Koehr. Fr. Lou is the former pastor of St. Mary parish in Sesser. Please welcome him!
With Prayers,
Fr. Nick
New translation of the Roman Missal Update: Preface Dialogue
Old Translation:
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
New Translation:
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your Spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right and just.
Posted: January 16, 2011
Upcoming Events for the Week at Sacred Heart Parish
- Church Parish Bulletin is Posted for January 16th, 2011. Mass is Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
- RCIA is back at St. Bruno Parish for Month of Jan. Thursdays at 6:30 PM
- Monday, January 17th - Officed Closed - Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Tuesday, January 18th - Parish Council Meeting
- Wednesday, January 20th - 6:30 PM - Weekend Warrior Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, January 20th - 7:00 PM - Choir Practice
- Saturday, January 22nd - 5:00 PM - Youth Mass
- Saturday, January 22nd - 6:00 PM - Family Fun in Haffner Hall
Here is the Update from Father Nick.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I had mentioned last week in my homily that we have to do more to reach out to our teenagers. So we got together and came up with several things to offer for this new year, exclusively for high school freshmen and above. Here they are:1) Young Adult Faith Forum
These monthly sessions with Fr. Nick will begin in February. I’m not calling this “High School PSR” because this will be much different than the typical classroom experience. Sessions will revolve around discussion, questions and answers, movies, books, what scripture and tradition tell us about who God is, how we live a moral life in today’s world, guest speakers, comparing/ contrasting religions, how do we discuss and defend our faith, what do we believe and how do we explain it to people practically, etc. And through it all I would see myself not so much a teacher but a moderator. And I'd also be willing to listen to what the young people would want to do.2) Diocesan Youth Conference – March 5-6
An overnight experience in Collinsville, IL gathers youth from all around the Diocese. This yearly event is one you won’t want to miss! Exciting and youth friendly speaker will be present, along with workshops, games, a visit from Bishop Braxton, and lots more! This is THE Catholic Youth event of the year in the Diocese. Join former Brit rock star Sal Solo and hundreds of other youth in celebrating our common faith and identity! Erica and I are looking forward to it!3) Mission Trip with St. Bruno – June 5 – 11, Chicago, IL
Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and sheltering the homeless, and visiting the sick are just some of the Corporal Works of Mercy. You will get a chance to do these things for a few days in the city, where there is great need. Enjoy also a free day at the end of the week to see Chicago. All youth entering 9th grade in fall 2011 and above are welcome. The last day is a free day for our group to do something in the city. We will teaming up with St. Bruno's youth for this trip. The cost is $320 per person. However, the student is only responsible for the $75 deposit and money for the free day. THE DEPOSIT IS DUE ASAP so we can reserve our spot at this mission. For more information go to http://www.heartworkcamp.com and click on the Chicago mission trip. It will be a great experience and great way for us to help others less fortunate. So call Erica 534-1787 or the rectory if you want to go. Send money to the rectory or put in collection basket with note for the youth mission trip. It will be GREAT!!!4) Mass – Every Sunday Be there! Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for adults and senior citizens. Christ offers his life and love in the Word broken open and the Eucharist for all peoples of all ages. How could we refuse?
Have a great week!
Fr. Nick
Posted: January 15, 2011
Keep the Box Tops Coming!
Box Tops for Education Program – St. Bruno Catholic School received a check totaling $778.66 from the program.
Please clip and save Box Tops form participating products along with Campbell’s Soup Labels and Coke Rewards. Your support is appreciated.
Posted: January 5, 2011
Upcoming Events for the Week at Sacred Heart Parish
- Church Parish Bulletin is Posted for January 9th, 2011. Mass is Baptism of the Lord in the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
- Wednesday, January 5th - Weekend Warrior Committee Meeting
- RCIA is back at St. Bruno Parish for Month of Jan. Thursdays at 6:30 PM
- Monday, January 10th - CDA Meeting
- Tuesday, January 11th - Finance Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, January 11th - School Board Meeting at St. Bruno
- Wednesday, January 12th - Capital Planning Meeting
- The Weekend of Jan 15th-16th - Food Pantry Collection Weekend
Here is the Update from Father Nick.
Friends,
Ordinarily, Christmas decorations are taken down before this weekend's feast of the Baptism of the Lord because today marks the first Sunday of Ordinary Time. Because Christmas was on a Saturday this year, hence giving us about the shortest Christmas season possible, we are leaving the decorations up this weekend so we can enjoy them one last time this year. This Monday, January 10, we will be taking down decorations at 5pm. This is a big job. Please stop by and help Rita Harsy if you can. It would be great to get as much assistance as we did when they were put up.You may have noticed that since Advent, we have reinstituted the ministry of 'gift bearer.' I feel this is an important ministry, not only because it helps get more people involved in the liturgy, but also because it reinforces the idea of 'offering'. This is an especially appropriate time to reflect on this having just celebrated the Epiphany. Each Mass, we present to God the gifts we have been given (i.e. bread, wine, money), but we also present ourselves. This is what is expressed in the presentation that takes place at offertory and why we physically walk up the aisle with the gifts. I understand that in years past, it has been custom to go down the parish registry and have each family take turns for the presentation of gifts. This time around, however, we are simply asking for volunteers. Please call Rachel at the rectory and indicate what Mass time you would like to be scheduled for and we will place you on the list. Also, training for altar servers will begin soon. Please encourage your son or daughter to consider being a server. I would like to see us have a more extensive list of young servers. Adults are always welcome as well.
After taking the month of December off, regular committee meetings will resume with Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Endowment Board and Capital Planning Committees due to meet within the next few weeks. Please check the weekly church bulletin and our website (www.sacredheart-duquoin.org) periodically for updates. I enjoyed finishing out 2010 by hosting an open house at the rectory for all parishioners who have served on these committees during the past year as a way to express my appreciation for their hard work. I hope to make this an annual tradition.
May this celebration of the Baptism of our Lord help us to renew our own Baptismal promises and remember that through Jesus Christ we are God's chosen sons and daughters. That is what he sacrament is all about.
In Christ,
Fr. Nick
Posted: December 28, 2010
YOUTH MISSION TRIP: JUNE 5-11 IN CHICAGO
All youth entering 9th grade in fall 2011 and above are welcome. The last day is a free day for our group to do something in the city. We will combining with St. Bruno's youth for this trip. The cost is $320 per person. However, the student is only responsible for the $75 desposit and money for the free day. THE DEPOSIT IS DUE ASAP so we can reserve our spot at this mission. For more information go to http://www.heartworkcamp.com and click on the Chicago mission trip. It will be a great experience and great way for us to help others less fortune. I would love to see our youth step up and say they will go. So call Erica 534-1787 or the rectory if you want to go. Send money to the rectory or put in collection basket with note for the youth mission trip. It will be GREAT!!!
Posted: December 21, 2010
Sacred Heart Parish Youth and PSR go Caroling
The Sacred Heart PSR and Youth went Christmas Caroling to both Du Quoin Nursing homes on Saturday, December the 18th. Gifts were given to the residents and we hope we brightened up their day with a little Christmas music. Afterwards, a party at Alongi's Restaurant was a great way for the families to spend time together. Thank you to Alongi's Italian Restaurant of Du Quoin for hosting this event. We greatly appreciate it!
Included is video from the event ... we hope it brings cheer to you. Merry Christmas!
Posted: December 20, 2010
A Letter from Bishop Braxton
Dear Father Junker
Members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church:
The December 11 & 12 Parish Pastoral Visitation to your parish was a very positive experience. I appreciated the opportunity to be the celebrant at each of the weekend masses. The conversation during the dialogue homily was not only informative and inspiring for me, but also, it was an inspiration for the Christian Faithful, who had the chance to hear some of the many ways in which the parish supports them in their life of faith. The visits to a number of weekend parish activities and the meeting with parishioners after Mass added a further dimension to my appreciation of the Catholic faith that is lived out each day in your Christian community.As I told you during our dialogue, Jesus of Nazareth is the reason why the Catholic Church and your parish exist. I thank you for your dedication to your life of faith. I encourage you to continue to strive each day to learn your faith, love your faith, and live your faith! May God continue to bless each of you and your families in the years ahead.
Prayerfully Yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton
Bishop of Belleville
Posted: December 09, 2010
P is for Pizza, at Alongi's
Field Trip to Alongi's Pizza to make Pizzas on Letter P day. Fr. Nick at Alongi's with the St Bruno School Kindergarden class making pizzas. Thank you to Alongi's for the St Bruno School kindergarden class field trip for the letter P. P is for Pizza. The kids made some mighty tasty pizza and Father Nick was there to help out and do some cooking of his own.
Posted: December 04, 2010
Seeking Gift Bearers
Hey everybody! Starting in December we're going to be reinstituting gift bearers (the people that bring the bread and wine up the aisle at offertory, usually done only by the ushers) in an attempt to get more people involved in the Mass. If you and/or your spouse or children (if applicable) would be interested in participating once every 6-8 weeks or so, just let me know if you would prefer 5pm or 9am and we'll sign you up. I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks.