Immaculate Heart of Mary Church New Melle, Missouri

Sacraments and Devotions

Reconciliation Wednesday in church, 7:30 pm Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass Marriage Contact the parish office at least six months prior to the wedding. Baptism Contact the parish office to register for Baptism class and to arrange for the Baptism. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Contact Shawn Mueller in the parish office Eucharistic Adoration St. Joseph Chapel is open for adoration 24 hours daily from Monday after Mass to Friday benediction. Code: 145

Celebration of the Mass Weekend Masses in the Church Vigil 4:00 pm Sunday 7:30 am 9:30 am 11:15 am

Daily Mass Monday through Friday 8:00 am, Chapel Saturday 8:00 am, Church

Devotions and Prayers, St. Joseph Chapel Rosary following 8:00 Mass Rosary at noon on Wednesday Tuesday after Mass– Perpetual Help devotions Thursday after Mass- Respect Life prayers Friday at 11:30 am– Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction

December 14, 2014

Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice in the Lord always;

again I say, rejoice.

Indeed, the Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5

Immaculate Heart of Mary Mailing address :

PO Box 100 New Melle, MO 63365

Deliveries only address:

8 West Highway D New Melle, MO 63365

Parish Office Phone: 636-398-5270

Fax: 636-398-5577

Website: www.ihm-newmelle.org

Parish Staff Contact Information

Parish Office 636-398-5270 Pastor Fr. Tom Miller Fr. Tom’s cell phone; for emergency only

314-303-2428

askpadre@aol.com Permanent Deacon Deacon Chris Ast chrisast@archstl.org Permanent Deacon Deacon Tony Falbo tony.2011@centurylink.net Director of Religious Education/ PSR Shawn Mueller smueller@ihm-newmelle.org Business Manager Laura Orf lorf@ihm-newmelle.org Secretary Marilyn O’Neill secretary@ihm-newmelle.org Office Assistant Sarah Aulbach saulbach@ihm-newmelle.org Young Adult Coordinator Julie Lassiter julie.r.lassiter@gmail.com Music Director Marilyn O’Neill secretary@ihm-newmelle.org Safe Environment Coordinator Jeanne Smith jsmith@ihm-newmelle.org Parish Nurse Linda Ginther lagg1787@gmail.com

Weddings, Receptions, Events Hall Rental Information Pat Gentry 636-398-5270 Wedding Coordinators Irene Caldwell 636-398-4311 Carolyn Schellert 636-398-5139 Event Coordinators Joan Marren-Slaughter 636-398-5270 Mary Keune 636-398-5270

Religious Education Parish School of Religion (Grades 1 through 8) September through May on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm Confirmation Preparation (8th grade) September through May on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm Children’s Liturgy of the Word September through May on Sundays during the 9:30 am Mass Adult Education Wednesdays at 8:45 am and 6:00 pm.

This Week’s Events Sunday, December 14 8:00 am Knights of Columbus Breakfast with Santa ; Founders Hall Santa will arrive at about 9:00 am 9:30 am Children’s liturgy during Mass 10:30 am Children’s Choir after Mass, in the church by the piano 7:00 pm Reconciliation, church Monday, December 15 8:00 am Mass, church 6:30 pm Scouts, Founders Hall 7:00 pm Bell choir rehearsal, church 7:00 pm Reconciliation, church Tuesday, December 16 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Exercise classes, Grand Hall Foyer 6:00 pm Holiday Dinner for the Men of the Parish, Grand Hall 7:00 pm No reconciliation this evening Wednesday, December 17 6:00 pm PSR Classes, Founders Hall and Weber Hall 6:00 pm Acts of the Apostles, Bible Study, Grand Hall 7:00 pm Reconciliation, church Thursday, December 18 8:30 am Legion of Mary, Founders Hall 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Exercise classes, Grand Hall Foyer 6:30 pm Symbolon Group, Weber Hall 7:00 pm Choir rehearsal, Church 7:00 pm Venturing Crew, trailer Friday, December 19 8:30 am Quilters, Weber Hall 6:30 pm Children’s Bell choir and Children’s choir rehearsal; church Followed by an ice cream party in Weber Hall Saturday, December 20 8:00 am Mass followed by confession, church Sunday, December 21 9:30 am Children’s liturgy during Mass 10:30 am Children’s Bell Choir after Mass, in the church by the piano 7:00 pm Reconciliation, church

Welcome!

Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, December 13 8:00 am Ed Szostek + 4:00 pm People of the Parish Sunday, December 14 7:30 am Bob and Rose Almeling + 9:30 am Erma Guinn + John Watts + 11:15 am The Lassiter Family Monday, December 15 8:00 am All Souls Intentions Tuesday, December 16 8:00 am Bud Messig + Special Intention Wednesday, December 17 8:00 am Helen Orf + Mary Beth Ligibel Thursday, December 18 8:00 am Clara Roberts + Special Intention Friday, December 19 8:00 am Fr. Klaric + Joseph Sinopole + Saturday, December 20 8:00 am Patricia Hubecky + 4:00 pm Carol Simon + Sunday, December 21 7:30 am People of the Parish 9:30 am Rosemary Ralls + Grant Smith, Sr. + 11:15 am Jim Weiskopf +

Join the Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions

for December Christmas, hope for humanity. That the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will. Parents. That par-ents may be true evangelizers, passing on to

their children the precious gift of faith Readings for the Week Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Thursday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Friday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Saturday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

Parish Organizations Scouting Units Parish Rep (All Units) Jerry Hespen; 636-236-1955 Cub Pack Karen Williams; 636-699-7517 Scout Troop Chad Peters; 314-807-7177 Venture Crew Dana Hoffman; 636-734-8423 Budget and Finance John Wappelhorst 636-398-5786 Cemetery Committee Mark Keune 314-220-7075 Dinner Committee Richard Lalonde 636-798-2511 Knights of Columbus Mike Reel, Grand Knight 314-581-6797 Legion of Mary Nancy Hollenstein 636-798-2105 Marian Council Carolyn Schellert, President 314-232-2042 Meals on Wheels Bob Rapp 636-398-4776 Prayer Shawl Ministry Julia Kettler 314-616-0096 Pro-Life Committee Bill Winters 636-828-4133 Quilters Eleanor Sadlo 636-398-5595 Mary Ann Brakensiek 636-828-5776 St. Vincent DePaul For information or assistance, call 636-398-5270 , ex. 225

MEDITATION ON TODAY’S GOSPEL

God sent...a man named John, who came to tell the people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. John 1:6-7 W. C. Fields was a great film comedian. A story, probably apocryphal says that near the end of his life he spent a lot of time reading the Bible. Someone asked him about this, and Fields replied, "I'm look-ing for any loopholes I can find." The implication was that Fields knew that he had not lived his life in full accord with Jesus' teaching. Now he was look-ing for a way to excuse himself for this failure when he appeared before God. If I died and appeared be-fore God tonight, what excuse would I give for not having lived in fuller accord with Jesus' teaching?

If Christ were standing before me now, what would I feel, not about him, but about myself?

SAINT AUGUSTINE (slightly adapted) Mark Link, S.J. “Mission”

Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing! In all circumstances gives thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Dear Parishioners, Taking our cues from the rose-colored (they look pink) vestments, Gaudete Sunday invites us to rejoice that our redemption is near at hand. Our focus in prayer and worship shifts from preparing for the Lord’s coming in glory to a remembrance of the prophecies that told of His first coming. While the third Sunday of Advent marks this change in focus, it becomes more evident on the 17th of December when we begin using the “O Antiphons” at Mass. As Advent approaches its final days we are invited each day to prayerfully reflect upon specific titles of the Messiah. Salvation history is centered on the person of Jesus Christ, and the Church constantly invites and exhorts us to make Jesus the center of our lives. The importance of the “O Antiphons” is twofold. Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia - the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now says to us, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Aren’t those monks clever? So the “O Antiphons” not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion. Jesus speaks to us, to prepare us to receive Him with hearts enlarged by gratitude and emptied of selfish preoccupation. May these final days of Advent help you to recognize and welcome Jesus more completely in your life and especially in the sanctuary of your heart. These are busy days, and often feel like a race against the clock. In the midst of our hustle and bustle, may there be moments (however brief) of stillness and serenity. In those moments we will remember that Jesus is our Way, our Truth and our Life. Blessed Advent, Fr. Tom

"Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing;

without the Life there is no living." -Thomas A Kempis

THE GIVING TREE Please return your Giving Tree gifts to the narthex no later than December 14 (TODAY). Attach the paper angel to the gift so it will be delivered to the correct person. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Please try to return your gifts to the narthex by December 14. The deadline helps the SVdP society deliver the gifts in time for Christmas!

Upcoming: December 17: Class. Parents are asked to pick up report cards at the end of class and have a brief exchange with the catechist. Note: The 2nd graders will have their first reconcilia on on December 17. There will be no classes on December 24 and December 31. We will be back on January 6.

NEWS FROM THE RELIGIOUS

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK:

Dave Hendrix Maria Miller Al Bamert Terri Guernsey Ted Feldewerth Steve Geldien Charlie Grady Jack Hitt Walt Ketts and family Diane Bocklage Janet Hespen’s Dad Shirley McDonald Jane Holstein’s sister Patricia Rudolf John, who has had back surgery Patti Kendrick Ann Fitzgerald Marion Mueller Keri and Jesse Knopp and their unborn baby

AN INVITATION The Legion meets every Thursday after Mass in Founders Hall except on the 4th week of the month. Then we meet on Tuesdays, at St. Gianna Church at 6pm. ALSO- Please join us on the first Friday of each month at IHOP in Wentzville at 9:00 am. Dutch Treat! What a wonderful way to catch up with other parish members. This is not a meeting of anything just a nice way to talk with your church family. Hope to see you there. Please call Nancy Hollenstein at 636 -798- 2105.

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE: Confessions during Advent– from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; see the weekly bulletin for any changes. Christmas Eve Mass—5:00 pm Midnight Mass will begin at midnight; prelude music will begin at 11:30 pm Christmas Day Mass—10:00 am New Year’s Eve Mass —5:00 pm New Year’s Day Mass—10:00 am New Melle Epiphany Concert— 2:00 pm on Jan. 4, 2015

Stewardship December 14, 2014

St. Joseph Chapel “Heavenly Dusters”

Carol Ostermeyer The “Heavenly Dusters” schedule can be found on

the bulletin board in the narthex. The “Heavenly Dusters” schedule needs to be

updated. Please see the bulletin insert for more information.

Collection figures for Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 General Offertory: $9,648.50 Online Donations: $3,076.00

Total: $12,724.50

Try Electronic Offertory Those who are pledging for the “Many Gifts. One Heart” new debt reduction campaign should mark

their envelopes with the correct campaign title. Pink debt reduction envelopes are included in the monthly envelope mailing. There are options for

giving. Use weekly envelopes or check out On-Line giving at www.ihm-newmelle.org

St. Vincent DePaul Society Items needed for the food pantry: Jelly, chili beans, canned meats, Coffee, sugar, oil, bleach, trash bags, Kleenex, paper towels, shave cream. Memorial tribute and healing cards are available. The order forms can be found on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

QUILT WINNER The December winner of the Marian Council bi-monthly quilt raffle is Ruth Willis. Congratulations!

FROM THE SINOPOLE FAMILY

We thank you. May God bless you for all that you did to make Joe’s day such a grand and glorious celebration of his life. We appreciate your participation in the Mass and the wonderful meal that was served afterward. Joe truly loved IHM. It was home. He looked forward to daily Mass, participating as lector or Eucharistic minister, praying the rosary afterward and our hour of adoration. We wish to thank Father Tom, Deacon Chris, Marilyn, Mary Ann, Laura, Shawn and Bud. We appreciate all that you have done for us. May IHM be home to all.

SAVE THE DATES: Catholic Women for Christ; 6th Annual Conference; Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the St. Charles Convention Center Catholic Men for Christ, 8th Annual Conference; Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Peabody Opera House in St. Louis

What’s Your Catholic IQ? During this third week of Advent, we “rejoice” looking ahead to the Feast of Christmas. Since people often rejoice by singing, this week’s puzzle is all about Christmas music. Can you identify the songs from these short excerpts? 1. He rules the world with truth and grace and Makes the nations prove, the glories of his righteousness and won-ders of his love 2. Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sac-rifice, Heaven sings “Alleluia,” Alleluia the earth replies. 3. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay, Close by me forever, and love me I pray. 4. Good Christian, fear, for sinners here, The silent word is pleading. Nails, spear, shall pierce him through, the cross be borne, for me, for you. 5. Fear not, then said the angel, Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, To free all those who trust in him, From Satan’s power and might. 6. O Holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. Numbers 7 through 10 are synonyms for song titles. Can you figure out the correct names for these Christmas songs? 7. 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. without noise 8. Listen, aerial spirits harmonizing 9. Assemble, everyone who believes 10. Hallowed post meridian Answers on the next page

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

The tradition of anointing the sick with blessed oil is very old, but developed slowly and unevenly in the first eight centuries of the church’s life. St. Augustine, who wrote volumes of homilies from his thriving church in North Africa, plus pastoral direc-tives, letters, and memoirs, never mentions it at all. We know from ancient prayers that it did happen in Rome, Milan, Gaul, and the British Isles. In Rome the bishop blessed the oil of the sick, but it could be applied by a priest, deacon, or a layperson. By the year 800, dioceses everywhere were organizing ritu-als for priestly anointing. Although anointing of the sick is reserved to priests today, perhaps this treas-ured memory will enrich the future of the sacra-ment.—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

CATHOLICS COME HOME Do you know anyone, a family member or friend, who has fallen away from the Church? Do you wish and pray they would return? During the season of Advent we are asking you to identify them by placing their FIRST names or INITIALS on the printed copy of praying hands located on the table in the narthex. Place the paper in the basket. Please commit to praying one “Our Father”, one “Hail Mary” and one “Glory Be” each day of Advent. We will join you in praying for them to return to church. Prayer is powerful and God hears each of us. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to inspire them to return to Church and God during this Holy time of the year.

CHECK IT OUT ...for youth and young adults YDinner—YDisciple Group Meeting- in the Grand Hall on

Wednesday, January 7, 2015, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. CROSSROADS AT CULPEPPER’S on Highway K in O’Fallon (close to hwy 40); 7:00 pm for anyone, married or single, in their 20’s or 30’s; Tuesday, December 16.

ST. PATRICK’S CENTER CHRISTMAS WISHES St. Patrick Center is in need of people to adopt clients through our Christmas Wishes sponsorship program. Sponsors are asked to purchase a minimum of two gifts, usually in the $15 to $20 range, per person. If you would like to sponsor a family, contact Katie Joseph at 314-802-1976or kjoseph@stpatrickcenter.org.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

...a time to die…

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Wade Mathes,

son-in-law of Bill and Sue Yates; and Catherine Marquart,

Sister-in-law of Frank and Rosemary Marquart. May they rest in the peace of Christ.

...a time to be born…

Emma Elizabeth Hagan, daughter of Jennifer and Richard Hagan,

was baptized last weekend. May she always live in the light of Christ!

Knights of Columbus

Holiday Dinner ALL MEN OF THE PARISH ARE INVITED TO

ATTEND, FREE OF CHARGE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Prime rib, baked potato, salad, dessert

Drinks included Doors open at 6:00 pm; dinner at 7:30 pm

Founders Hall Please sign up on the clipboard in the narthex

so we know how many people to expect

Do you get emails from the “Church of IHM New Melle”?

Constant Contact has been a great, powerful and inexpensive way to communicate with members of the parish regarding upcoming events, obituary no ces, general news and more. As always, such

email addresses are blind copied to respect privacy, and there is also an op on to unsubscribe on the email itself. But given this gi of communica on, would you like to be added to the list? Just send an email to the parish office at smueller@ihm-newmelle.org

ANSWERS TO CATHOLIC IQ

1. Joy to the World 2. We Three Kings 3. Away in a Manger 4. What Child is This 5. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen 6. O Little Town of Bethlehem 7. Silent Night; 8. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing 9. O Come All Ye Faithful 10. O Holy Night

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles that one has overcome while trying to succeed. —Booker T. Washington

Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they can’t understand; but . . . I have noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most are those I do understand. —Mark Twain

Let us not be justices of the peace, but angels of peace. —St. Thérèse of Lisieux

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA The Knights of Columbus

are sponsoring Breakfast with Santa

today in Founders Hall.

Breakfast will be served from 8:00 to 11:00 with Santa arriving at about 9:00, depending on the

speed of his reindeer. See you there!

From the Lighthouse Catholic CD – Pamphlet Rack: Narthex During Advent, Fr. Tom is offering the Sacrament of

Reconciliation every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 -8:30 PM. The author of the pamphlet writes that after months of prayer, “it struck me that there should be a booklet of this kind which doesn’t simply focus on sin (just

about everybody already knows why they need repentance and healing on some deep level), but

rather, be strongly focused on the supernatural event that takes place during Confession: namely, absolution--the transformation of the soul to its baptismal state of unity with God. Even many devout Catholics have received little catechesis on this crucial

aspect of the sacrament. Going Back to Confession then follows through with the practical aspects on how to get back to

Confession (finding Confession times online, making appointments); the spiritual warfare involved (our need to resist the evil one's attempts to stop us from following through on the

decision to go); what to expect from our priests (compassion upon your return), and even basic advice on how specific one needs to be when confessing after a long time. Step by step, it

includes the actually words used by the priest during absolution and how to make an Act of Contrition.”

From the Lighthouse Catholic CD – Pamphlet Rack: Narthex

About This Booklet This 24-page extended length booklet is designed to persuade a fallen-

away Catholic who harbors strong negative feel-ings about religion to return to the practice of the faith through the Sacrament of Confession. While

never confrontational in tone, the booklet implicitly presents to the reader a direct

challenge to reconsider foundational truths—something non-practicing Catholic rarely

encounter. The mere act of beginning to read this booklet is therefore a rare opportunity for a reader to respond to God's

grace and reconsider his or her entire life path.

St. Paul Library / Lighthouse CD Resources (Note: With close to 3000 items, the Parish Library is located in the Grand Hall past the restrooms. It is open during the week-normal business hours-and works on an honor system. Items from the Lighthouse CD rack are lo-

cated and available in the Narthex.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND December 20 4:00 EM: Jan Messig, Bob & Judy Cova, Kathy Lalonde, Ed Etzkorn, Loretta Bruns L: Larry Graves, Karen Wilson GB: Dianne & Alicia Dickherber S: Elli Russell, Jessica Spivey U: Stan Nikonowicz, Jerry Braden, Chris Cuddihee December 21 7:30 EM: Ed & Carol Rabbitt, John Fiacco, Rich Molitor, Michelle Greiwe, Denise Pool L: Karen Wappelhorst, Peggy Dupree GB: Tim & Kathy Feldewerth S: Paige & Genny Greiwe U: Walt Reel, Gary Potter, Mike Hardesty, Frank Marquart December 21 9:30 EM: Tom & Laura Holstein, Terry & Marcia Schneider, John Grady, Debi Orf, Donna Wolff, Darlene Smith L: Susan & Don Hladky GB: Gerard & Janet Hespen S: Liam Grady, Sarah White, Jennifer Bossert U: Stan Kostecki, Ben Wappelhorst, Nick Wappelhorst, Curt Eccardt, Charles Hinkle, George Stark December 21 11:15 EM: Joan Marren-Slaughter, Patrice Riley, Nancy Ast, Pat Roche, Jane Holstein, Jo Hailey L: Jim & Theresa Risch GB: Brice Family S: Maggie Molitor, Madison Skambraks U: Ron Riley, Todd Neihouse, Glen Taylor

LITURGICAL MINISTERS, PLEASE NOTE: THE NEW LECTOR WORKBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE IN

THE NARTHEX. THE SIGN-UP SHEETS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S ARE ALSO IN THE

NARTHEX.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

DONATIONS FROM RESTAURANT-

Bob Evans Restaurant in Wentzville will donate 15% of

their proceeds to hospitalized children and the Special

Olympics on the second Thursday of the month. The next

date for this generous donation will be December 18. If

you have a meal at Bob Evans that day mention the

Knights of Columbus and the restaurant’s generosity and

they will make the donation.

Future Events Children’s choir rehearsal today after the 9:30 Mass; by the piano Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 14 in Founders Hall; The K of C will host their usual breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 am and Santa will arrive at 9:00 am. Knights of Columbus December dinner for all men of the parish; Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the Grand Hall; please sign the clipboard in the narthex no later than

today if you want to attend. Crossroads, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:00 pm at Culpeppers in O’Fallon Children’s Chimes and Choir rehearsal; Friday, December 19 at 6:30 in the church; followed by an ice cream party Baptism class, originally scheduled for Monday, Dec. 22 has been cancelled The parish office will be closed on Thursday, December 25 (Christmas) and Friday, December 26. Annual Ecumenical Epiphany Concert; here at IHM; 2:00 pm. Please bring finger food to share. All are invited, free of charge! Blood Drive, Thursday, Jan. 8 from 2:30 to 6:30 pm in Founders Hall Marian Council Meeting, open to all women of the parish; Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 pm in Weber Hall Baptism Class; Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:00 pm in Weber Hall. Please call the parish office to register. New Parishioner Wine and Cheese Party; Friday, Feb. 6 at Father Tom’s house; more information will follow

Parish Office: 636-398-5270

PRAYER FOR THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT I lift my heart up to you, Lord, to thank you for the blessings you shower on me each day.

You are the 'joy of my soul.' I know that in your great love, I am held and protected by you.

I pray and listen to the good news you send; I ask and feel the healing. I am freed by you from the things in this world that let me hide from you.

I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul. Help me to prepare my heart to be open and able to receive your immense love. http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/Daily-prayers.html

Liturgical Ministers: Christmas

December 24 5:00 pm EM: Donna Cuddihee, Bryan Potter, Ed Etzkorn, Dave Hendrix, Judy Hendrix, Vanita Joerling, Chris Richter, Pam DeBold, Dave DeBold, Pat Roche L: Emily Jaeckle, Michelle Greiwe GB: Jamie Joerling, Vanita Joerling S: Jessica Spivey, Daniel Vehige, Andy Vehige U: Joe Spiess, Jerry Braden, Chris Cuddihee, Jordan Hespen December 24 Midnight EM: Ann Zaleuke, Carol Rabbitt, Ed Rabbitt, John Grady, Kat Menne, Donna Wolff, Bob King L: Suzanne Michaelree, Tim Michaelree GB: Eric Bogart, Jean and Bill Bammann S: Liam Grady, Jennifer Bossert, Megan Tersteeg,

Andy Vehige U: Larry Graves, Stan Kostecki, Gary Struckhoff, one more needed please December 25 10:00 am EM: Patrice Riley, Walt Reel, Jean Reel, Carolyn Schellert, Theresa Risch, Jim Risch L: Patrice Riley, Chuck Kettler GB: Flo Joerling, Carolyn Schellert S: Adam Molitor, Connor Jaeckle, Daniel Mallinckrodt U: George Stark, Curt Eccardt, Chris Molitor, Larry Gassei

ST. LOUIS FAITH JOURNEYS is a new program on AM 1460 KHOJ Catholic radio every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. and Satur-day at 3:30 p.m. The show highlights converts and reverts to the Catholic faith in St. Louis. For a program schedule call toll-free 1-877-305-1234.

Out and About

Opportunities • WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS; Please join Fr. Bill Debo from Hermann, Mo. on a pilgrimage to the Holy

Land Feb. 3 - Feb. 12, 2015. We will visit Nazareth, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Mt Beatitudes, Capernaum, Sea of Gali-lee, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Mt. of Olives and much more. All accommodations are in first class hotels. Please call Travel Tyme 636-391-1000

• MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Couples –Do you want to give each other something REALLY special for the holidays this year? How about a gift filled with romance and excitement? Make reservations to attend one of the Marriage En-counter weekends in 2015 on February 6-8 or April 24-26. Just pick up the phone for more information and call 314.469.7317 or see the web page at www.stl-wwme.org.

• YOU ARE NOT ALONE. YOU CAN SURVIVE AND THRIVE AFTER DIVORCE. Decide to start the new year with hope and healing by attending The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide program. The 12-week DVD program features Catho-lic experts, and lay men and women who have been where you are. Topics include denial, anger, grief, guilt, for-giveness, money, the kids, the ex-spouse, spirituality, annulment and much more. Immaculate Conception Parish – Dardenne is hosting the program beginning January 8, 2015. There is a $25 fee which will cover all materials need-ed. (Scholarships are available for anyone who cannot afford the fee). Contact Debi at debijo@att.net or 314-276-3859 for more information.

• EXPERIENCE THE LORD'S CONSOLATION AND HOPE: Our Infertility Support Group gathers each year for celebration of the Mass and fellowship on or around St. Valentine's Day. The Mass this year will be celebrated by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of the Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbish-op May Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119. Light refreshments followed in the Sister Ebo room. If you would like more information, please contact the Archdiocesan Office of Natural Family Planning 314.997.7576 or e-mail melissa.barnason@mercy.net orlucy.harris@mercy.net.

Benefits and Faith Events • PRO-LIFE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED Mary Queen of Angels is in desperate need of financial assis-

tance. Checks must be made out to "Mary Queen of Angels" and mailed to 827 West Terra Ln., O'Fallon, MO 63366. We can be reached at 636-379-5070 or 636-634-7243.

• 16TH Annual St. Louis Marian Conference; Jan. 9-10-11, 2015 at HILTON ST. LOUIS at the Ballpark. A Catholic Event for the Entire Family. Confirmed speakers are: Bishop Robert J. Hermann, DD; Fr. Charles Becker; Msgr. John J. Hickel; Fr. James Kubicki, SJ; Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ; Fr. Tom Sullivan, CPM; Dale Ahlquist; Deacon Jack

Sullivan; Kaye Park-Hinckley; Annie Karto. For more details please call 314 423-1075 • CPPS PARTNERS IN MISSION is a relationship with the community of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of

O’Fallon, Missouri. Partnership with the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood community provides an opportunity for others to share in the mission of the sisters, while at the same time maintaining their own living and working situations. Religious and lay men and women working together for the building up of God’s kingdom is a mutual-ly beneficial endeavor. If you would like to know more about the specifics of this relationship, call Sr. Carol Orf at 314.560.1028 by Friday, December 19, 2014

Just for Fun • RECOMMENDED HOLIDAY VIEWING – Take a moment to sit back, put up your feet, and enjoy The Forsaken on Tues-

day, December 30 on EWTN at 5:30 pm. This thirty minute documentary, featuring the Archdiocese of St. Louis mission program Pan y Amor, will open your eyes to the lives of children who have been rescued from living on the streets of Cochabamba and La Paz, Bolivia. Prior to being rescued, these children barely survived and often went to sleep hungry and on the streets. Emmy award winner Chuck Neff does an extraordinary job of capturing the struggles of these innocent children and their quest for a brighter future. This is a show you don’t want to miss!!