Fifth Sunday of Lent Fifth Sunday of lent, march 17 & 18, 2018 When I am driving throughout the United States, I enjoy seeing the bill- boards that dot the highways speaking for God. A couple of my favorites: “Life is short. Eternity is not. – God;” and “Let’s meet at my house this ENCOUNTER ALEFA —We Sunday, before the game. – God.” encounter Alefa in Malawi, where One billboard I saw read, “You asked God for a sign, and here it is!” After seeds are helping her family survive an a chuckle, I realized that we are always looking for a sign. We say we uncertain climate. How can you care believe, but sometimes, we act like we just want to be sure. for God ’s creation this Lent? How can In the , Jesus performs miracles and healings so that people you support those, worldwide, who would believe. The healing of Lazarus was surely a profound moment for are forced to flee their homes to find all who were there. Jesus was able to show that He has power over even safety or better opportunities? death itself, a foreshadowing to his Resurrection that will occur in the not too distant future. This Lent, commit to being a compan- For all who doubt, be assured that Jesus is the giver of life. He has given ion on the journey to your neighbor — living water to the woman at the well, sight to the blind, and now has both near and far. raised a man from the grave. As Easter draws ever closer, how many Visit crsricebowl.org for more. more signs do you need? What else can Jesus do to convince you that His call on your life comes from the source of all life? As the US Bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship lays this out, we have For inspiration during the Lenten season, listen to radio on Nicholas - Pocahontas —Pierron Saint Gertrude—Grantfork been challenged, we are asked to choose, and then our lives will be trans- AM 1080. Listen to daily Holy Mass, the , and the Divine formed. May all the signs of God around us, even billboards on the side of Mercy Chaplet, along with other inspiring programs. For a program the road, move us to choose a path of giving of ourselves like Jesus. schedule and a free CD, please call 314-752-7000. +Bishop Thomas John Paprocki CALLING ALL WOMEN OF THE St. Teresa Church, Marydale Chicken Dinner on Sunday, March 18th Diocese of springfield “CELEBRATE LENT: FROM WILDERNESS TO WONDER” serving 11am to 5pm; featuring fried chicken, dressing & desserts. in illinois the theme of a spiritual nourishment day on Adults $11 & Kids $5 — Special 11AM Mass that day; Located 6 miles March 24th from 9:00AM~3:00PM at north of Carlyle on Route 127 (18021 Marydale Road, Carlyle) † Parish in Granite City, IL Rev. Scott A. Snider Pastor Come to explore your inner wilderness, the Lenten landscape, Chicken Dinner — St. Felicitas Church, Beaver Prairie

and the wonder & possibility of new growth and life. 13322 Church Road, Carlyle. March 25th Palm Sunday Sonya Curry Sr. Barbara McMullen will feed your soul and Fr. Jeff will 11:00am to 5:00pm. Carry-outs available. Cafeteria Style. Adults $10 & provide your lunch! You’ll have a great day!! secretary children (6-12) $5 (Look for signs on New Rt. 50 west of Carlyle and on You must register by March 15, 2018 Mailing Address: Rt. 127, six miles north of Carlyle. PO Box 410 Call Holy Family parish office (618-877-7158) and let Pierron, IL 62273 them know if you will be coming~ they need a count so Father Conference Opportunity – Our Sacred Earth, Our Common Jeff knows how much to cook. Home: Reflection & Action on Laudato Si. Saturday, April 21, 9:00 am – E-mail Address: Suggested donation ~ $20.00 per person 12:30 pm, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. Keynote [email protected] Speaker: Mary Evelyn Tucker, PhD. Cost $25 for adults, $15 for students. www.icstnstg.org The Ministry of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Collinsville will present Registration: Call 618-394-6270. For more information go to: Office: 618- 669-2391 a 1/2-day retreat on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 8 am until 12:15 pm in https://snows.org/events-2/our-sacred-earth-our-common-home/ Fr. Snider home phone the church. The retreat, entitled “No greater Love Than This . . .” will take 618-654-2789 you on a journey with Jesus from His agony in the garden all the way to the Koinonia Retreat Weekend for Divorced or Separated Catholics tomb. We are inviting all surrounding parishes. Come alone or bring your Office Address: (“DASK”) and other Christians, Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29, 2018 401 E State Street, family and friends. There is no cost or registration required for the at Todd Hall Retreat Center, 320 Todd Hall Center Drive, Columbia, IL ; Pocahontas retreat. We are asking participants to bring a toiletry item or dish Cost $110 includes room, double occupancy, & six meals. Call Jean Office Hours: detergent to donate to our St. Vincent DePaul Society. For more at 314-704-1870 or Carol at 314-775-1253 for brochure & Mon.—Thurs. 9am to 4pm information email [email protected]. registration. $50 deposit will reserve a space. Fridays 9am to 1pm

Seeking Learners & Tutors for the “Reading Link” at Kaskaskia College. Mass Times Learners: Free tutoring to help adults learn to read or improve existing Immaculate Conception skills. One on one sessions available with caring staff. Sessions close to Mon-Wed.-Fri.—8:00am home & students can work at their own pace. Sunday—9:30 am

Tutors: Help adults 17 or over learn to read or improve existing skills. Saint Nicholas Free Training. Work in your community. Volunteer to make difference in Thursday— 8:00am someone’s life in only 2 hours a week. Saturday—4:30pm For more information call Kaskaskia College at 1-800-642-0853 Ext 3115 OR 618-545-3119 Saint Gertrude Tuesday— 8:00 am Adult Confirmation at Pentecost - Bishop Paprocki invites Catholics who are Sunday — 8:00am catechized but not confirmed (i.e., who have received catechetical formation & the sacraments of Penance & Holy Eucharist) to complete the Sacraments of Sacrament of Initiation by celebrating Confirmation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Reconciliation Conception in Springfield. Confirmation of catechized Catholics will be cele- IC—Wed. 7:15—7:45am brated on Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018. The registration form along with STN— Sat. 3:45—4:15pm an original baptismal certificate should be returned to the Office for Catechesis STG— Sun. 7:15— 7:45am by May 10, 2018. Please speak with your pastor for further information. IC Parish Support STN Parish Support FAITHFUL DEPARTED Thank you for your support of our PAPAYA Youth March 11 Regular Collection March 10 Regular Collection Prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Group Fundraiser! 50 envelopes $ 1,832.00 22 envelopes $ 701.00 Norbert “Hants” Knebel, grandfather of Loose $ 191.00 Loose $ 30.00 Robin Knebel, Bill (Kristy) Knebel Jr., The fundraiser was a success thanks to all of our generous Total $ 2,023.00 Total $ 731.00 Nick (Erica) Knebel, Shannon (Matt) Chase, supporters. We had 27 more items ordered than last year! Orders Dylan & Drew Knebel & of that were placed through a PAPAYA Youth Member will be delivered CRS $351.00 Building Fund $18.00 Easter Flowers $65.00 Delmar (Loretta) Knebel of our parish family. by the youth member. Orders that were placed before or after week- Holy Land $5.00 CRS $125.00 And also, for Archie D’Amico, step-father of Catholic Charities $100.00 Holy Land $10.00 Sister Parish $5.00 Easter Flowers $ 55.00 Sister Parish $55.00 Bill Trickey and step-grandfather of end Masses can be picked up at the parish hall in Pierron on th Regular Support Weekly Goal (Budget) $2134.00 Dennis Trickey & Justin Overby. Saturday March 17 after 4:30pm Mass (the 4:30 Mass is in Weekly surplus/deficit -111.00 Regular Support Weekly Goal (Budget) $912.00 We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Hants’ & Pocahontas, although orders can be picked up in Pierron) or on Cumulative Support Needed (Budget) $78,958.00 Weekly surplus/deficit -$181.00 Archie’s family and friends. Eternal life grant unto Sunday March 18th after 9:30am Mass. Please feel free to contact Cumulative Support Actual $89,491.50 Cumulative Support Needed (Budget) $33,744.00 them, O Lord… Surplus/Deficit (YTD) +$10,533.50 Cumulative Support Actual $37,179.53 Billy Luitjohan- Youth Group Leader at (618) 407-4947, or Surplus/Deficit (YTD) +$3,435.53 Denise Trickey- Youth Group Treasurer at (314) 495-9080 with any St. Gertrude Altar Society meeting Monday STG Parish Support questions. Thanks so much for your generous support! March 26 at 7 PM . All ladies of the parish March 11 Regular Collection Please remember in your prayers are invited to join us Please keep in your prayers those catechumens and candidates 34 envelopes $ 1,060.50 Members of our parish families who are recovering journeying toward the Easter sacraments, especially Tessa Beard, Loose $ 32.00 in the hospital & at home, for their strength and James Beard, and Alayna Beard of our parish family. Total $1,092.50 patience each day, and for all those who ask for The new parish website is now up and our prayers for health or financial issues. running— check it out at: icstnstg.org St. Gertrude Chicken Dinner Raffle —Donations for the chicken Sister Parish $25.00 Holy Land $25.00 CRS $165.00 Dan Albers, Mary Jo Bielong, Ana Cantrell, dinner raffle are now being accepted; please contact Linda Margaret Daiber, Don Dapkus, Teresa Dickman, Hunsche at 618-675-3874 if you would like to make a donation. Easter Flowers $100.00 Maintenance Fund $ 45.00 Other Area Penance Services Jean Fields, Gabriel Frey, Karen Grabowski, Betty Haberer, Cory Humphrey, Gene Jolliff, Monday, March 19– 7:00 p.m. — St. Lawrence, Greenville “Heart, Soul, Strength, Mind: Loving God with Everything We Are” Regular Support Weekly Goal (Budget) $1,032.00 Randy Korte, David Kuehn, Clara Liening, We will once again be offering Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction Weekly surplus/deficit +60.50 Wednesday, March 21 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~ St. Paul, Highland during the season of Lent. Evening Prayer, Scripture reflections and Cumulative Support Needed (Budget) $38,184.00 Frances Luitjohan, Alex McCall, Cody Neal, Wednesday, March 21 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~ St. Mary, Edwardsville music will be included in this special time of prayer in the presence of Cumulative Support Actual $43,028.50 Gary Plog, Barb Rakers, Marcia Rowe, our Eucharistic Lord. Dates: March 18th __March 25th Time:7:00PM Surplus/Deficit (YTD) +$4,844.50 Verneda Rowe, Keita Salantai, Abby Schrage, Randy Schrage, Ted Schrage, Linda Schwierjohn, Liturgical Ministers for March 24 & 25, 2018 Marie Weis, Neal Weiss, Todd Zucca. Sat. Mar. 24 @ 4:30 pm @ St. Nicholas For Our parishioners in nursing homes: The community is Lenten & Easter Celebrations Stations of the Cross every Friday at Reader: Barb Kniepmann & Barb Zaloga invited to celebrate Doris Buske, Vince Klostermann, IC after 8AM Mass and on Wed. Servers: Jane Dapkus The washing of the feet during the Holy Thursday Evening Mass the Feast of St. Joseph Offertory: Barb & Larry Weiss Dolores Weis & special people in our families. evening, March 28th at 6:30PM For those currently serving in the of the Lord’ s Supper reminds us all of the necessary humility & at HSHS St. Joseph’s Euch. Min.: Pat Kalous & Annette Bleisch On Wednesday, March 21st Ushers: Tom Kalous & Gary Plog military: Adam Canfield, Tim Doll, Quinn Frey, service manifested by all the Christian faithful. Those who Hospital Breese on Parish Reconciliation Service at IC Greeters: Pat Kalous & Kathy Frey Tom Frey, 1st Lt. Adam Kalous, Chad Knebel, volunteer for this rite are a reminder to us all: love tenderly, act Mon., March 19th. We 6:30PM Michael Knebel, Dustin Korte, Connor Kutz, humbly, do mercy. Let these actions be done to me so I can then will have mass in The Sun., Mar. 25 @ 8:00am @ St. Gertrude Solon McGill, Jimmy O’Boyle, do them for others. A sign-up sheet is available at each parish for Heritage Room at 11 Reader: Rene Barr & Jerry Vosholler Servers: Carlie Mettler & Laila Barr Sgt. Joseph Patterson, Rickie Quinones, volunteering for feet washing. Would like 4 from each parish. a.m. with The Most Offertory: Marlene Korsmeyer & Karen Straube Joseph Schatte, John H. Schuster, Greg Spina, Reverend Bishop Euch. Min.: Shirley Schwarz & Mary Ann Frueh T.J. Waddington, Sgt. Tyler Wegman, Jessie Weiss, The Alton Deanery Council of Catholic Women will hold their Schlarman. Ushers/Greeters: Bryan Rutz & Dean Sauls Sgt. Zach Weiss. meeting on Tuesday April 10, 2018 , at Mother of Perpetual Help Sacristan: Dianne Leitschuh If you would like to have someone added to the Church, 200 N. Lange St., Maryville, IL 62062. Mass will be A simple soup/salad prayer list please call the parish office. celebrated by Fr. Joseph Havrilka, at 8 a.m., followed with a light lunch in the cafeteria Sun., Mar. 25 @ 9:30am @ Immaculate Conception breakfast & the meeting. Carol Mechler will do a presentation will also be served Reader: Denise & Dennis Trickey Sunday Scriptures about the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement, which is a Roman from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Catholic Marion Movement founded by Fr. Joseph Kentenick in Servers: Nicholas James & Mason Frank A $5 donation per Offertory: Gregg & Lisa Sutterfield Family March 25, 2018 Germany on 1914 . All women of the deanery parishes are Euch. Min.: Rick & Ruth Zurliene & Cindy T. Knebel **Palm Sunday** welcome to attend. Join us for a morning of faith, food & person is encouraged Ushers: Joe Goebel, Steve Knebel, Terry Knebel & 1st Reading: Is 50:4-7; fellowship. to go toward local Henry Korte 2nd Reading: Phil 2:6-11; If there are questions contact Marie food pantries. Rosary Leader: Rick & Ruth Zurliene : Mk 14:1—15:47 or 15:1-39 Kladar, Alton DeaneryPresident, at 618-254-0405 For more information, contact Sue Darr at St. Gertrude Chicken Dinner raffle ticket envelopes are now Daily Readings: Mar.19 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a; Lk 2:41-51a Thanks to the PAPAYA Youth Group for their Mar.20 Nm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30 performance of the Shadow Stations after the Soup (618) 526 - 5451. Holy Thursday, March 29th at available at the back of STG—Please remember to pick yours up!! Mar. 21 Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42 Supper this week & to all who helped!! Special thanks to St. Nicholas 7:00PM Mar. 22 Gn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59 Mary Jo Luitjohan for putting it all together!! Mar. 23 Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42 Night Watch—Holy Thursday at St. Nicholas 8PM to Midnight Good Friday March 30th Stations of † Mass Intentions † the Cross at St. Nicholas 3:00PM † Lenten Speaker Series —hosted by St. Jerome (Troy), Mon. (Mar.19) 8:00am (IC) Melvin & Marian Utechtt — Int. of Lowell & Denise Wellen Good Friday Liturgy March 30th at † St. James (St. Jacob) and St. Elizabeth (Marine) Tues. (Mar.20) 8:00am (St.G) All Souls EASTER FLOWERS St. Gertrude 7:00PM Journey through Lent with the Scriptures Wed. (Mar.21)8:00am (IC) No Mass 6:00 - 6:45 meal & fellowship; 6:45- 8:00 Presentation Please remember to Easter Vigil Saturday, March 31st at Thur. (Mar.22) 8:00am (St.N) † Jerome Schleper — Int. of Linda Schleper & Family add names in memory IC 8:00PM † March 22: Mark 14:1—15:47 The Passion According to St. Fri. (Mar.23) 8:00am (IC) Darlene D’Amico —Int. of Norman & Mary Ann Wirz Mark: A Soldier's Epiphany—at St. Jerome; Presenter: Fr. or in honor of a loved Easter Sunday, April 1st Sat. (Mar.24) 4:30pm (St.N) † Jennifer Wesselmann — Int. of Barb & Frank Zaloga Richard Chiola one if you would like 8:00AM at St. Gertrude Sun. (Mar.25) 8:00am (St.G) † Kenny Rutz —Int. of Norman & Mary Ann Wirz RSVP to stjeromeparish.org or call 618-667-6571 them to be listed in the 8:00AM St. Nicholas Sun. (Mar.25) 9:30am (IC) Special Intentions — Int. of Eleanor Munie & Family to register. bulletin. 9:30AM Immaculate Conception Fifth Sunday of Lent March 17 & 18, 2018 Fifth Sunday of Lent March 17 & 18, 2018