2nd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday THANK YOU—We changed lives this Sunday OF DIVINE MERCY , April 7 & 8, 2018 Should we be a little easier on Thomas? The last few days have been a whirlwind. On Thursday, a Passover celebration went horribly awry Lent, thanks to YOU! Don’t forget to as Jesus was betrayed and taken into custody for unstated crimes. turn in your CRS Rice Bowl . Less than 24 hours later, the simple arrest has turned into a death sentence to be carried out that very afternoon. Most of the disciples Together We…Eat, Drink & Be Giving - On May 5, 2018, fled, including Thomas. He would have heard of the events of Good Springfield Charities invites you to join them for the Friday secondhand, in shock over the death of his Lord and Master. opportunity to change lives. What better way to work together Then Sunday morning arrives with joy from a few disciples-Jesus is then by having dinner, drinks & delightful entertainment? risen! But there is no persistent sight of him, only Mary Magdalene's Entertainment includes a live auction and local celebrity karaoke quick moment in the garden and an empty tomb. Another day passes. competition. Evening begins at 6 p.m. at Crowne Plaza. Tickets are The Apostles are gathered that Monday night, but Thomas is absent. $65 to April 1st and $75 after, so get your tickets now. Can’t He returns to a jubilant report of the risen Lord. make the event? Purchase a raffle ticket to win $10,000 and take a Again, Thomas has seen nothing. chance to change lives. Raffle tickets are $20 or 6 for $100. Tickets The experience must have been surreal. Did Jesus really appear can be purchased online at cc.dio.org questions call Amber at raised from the dead? Did he really suffer and die? Has all of this been some strange hoax? Desperate for an answer, Thomas insists, 217-321-8304 "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into PRAYING THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET Nicholas - Pocahontas —Pierron Saint Gertrude—Grantfork the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Begin with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles Creed. Using regular After his resurrection, Jesus' body--mangled and bloody from the beads, work your way around the five decades with the crucifixion--is restored. Did it need the scars? A perfected body would prayers below. +Bishop have taught us one lesson: everything is renewed as it once was, the On the standalone beads, pray: "Eternal Father, I offer you the body, blood, Thomas John Paprocki past erased. Jesus chooses another lesson, however. He retains his soul, and divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in Diocese of springfield scars that we might know him. In the whirlwind of our lives, we make atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." in illinois our own mistakes, our own betrayals and compromises. In the On the decade beads, pray: "For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have resurrected Jesus, we see a God who does not forget his own sorrow. mercy on us and on the whole world." † We are invited to meet him--wound for wound--and place our hand At the end, pray the following three times: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Rev. Scott A. Snider on his own nail-scarred palm, the eternal sign of his Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." Pastor

everlasting mercy. It is typical to conclude the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the words: Sonya Curry What does it take to believe that something is real? We live in an "Jesus, I trust in you." secretary age of computer technology complete with things like Photoshop Mailing Address: and other programs that can enhance photographs, create The Heartland Community Chorus will present its spring PO Box 410 realistic images, and mimic artistic renderings. When looking at a Pierron, IL 62273 choral concert, Five Choral Treasures, on Saturday, April picture of something, we find ourselves wondering if what we are 14, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Jerome at 511 South E-mail Address: seeing is real or just the result of technological creativity. Early Main Street in Troy, Illinois, and again on Sunday, April 15, at [email protected] believers came to believe because of what they witnessed in these www.icstnstg.org 3p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland. new communities of faith. They saw people authentically living out Office: 618- 669-2391 Tickets for the concert are now available at FCB Bank at 111 Walnut Fr. Snider home phone Jesus' command to love and to show mercy. What do people 618-654-2789 Street in Highland. Chorus members are also selling tickets. witness when they see us in action? Individual tickets for each concert are $15. Office Address: 401 E State Street, Pocahontas Father McGivney Catholic High School Trivia Night - April 14th Office Hours: Always a lot of fun with lots of laughs, the annual McGivney Trivia Night will Mon.—Thurs. 9am to 4pm be held on Saturday, April 14th at 7 PM. Play trivia, visit, eat, and play our Fridays 9am to 1pm Employment Opportunity raffles. This year’s trivia night will be held at St. Elizabeth School, 2300 Father McGivney is seeking to hire a full-time mathematics/physics Pontoon Road, Granite City, IL 62040. Reservation forms and sponsorship teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. Experience teaching in the information can be found at http://mcgivneygriffins.com/event/annual- Mass Times mcgivney-trivia-night/. Immaculate Conception content area, including Calculus would be preferred. Please send Mon-Wed.-Fri.—8:00am resumes via email to Mr. Joe Lombardi at Sunday—9:30 am National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows – Shrine Visitors Center [email protected] or by mail to Father McGivney Our Sacred Earth, Our Common Home: Reflection and Action On Catholic High School, 7190 Bouse Road, Glen Carbon, IL 62034 by Saint Nicholas Laudato Si'—Saturday, April 21, 9 am – 12:30 p.m. Thursday— 8:00am Friday, April 13th. Presenter: Mary Evelyn Tucker, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Yale Divinity Saturday—4:30pm

Adult Confirmation at Pentecost - Bishop Paprocki invites Catholics School The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mary Evelyn Saint Gertrude who are catechized but not confirmed (i.e., who have received Tucker, who collaborated for many years with eco-theologian and Tuesday— 8:00 am catechetical formation & the sacraments of Penance & Holy Earth scholar Fr. Thomas Berry. The participants will then take part in a Sunday — 8:00am Eucharist) to complete the Sacraments of Initiation by celebrating series of “hands-on” break-out sessions. The morning will conclude Confirmation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in with a feedback and takeaway session. This event devoted to the Sacrament of Reconciliation Springfield. Confirmation of catechized Catholics will be celebrated on study and implementation of Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ is Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018. The registration form along with an intended for individuals and groups looking for practical ways IC—Wed. 7:15—7:45am original baptismal certificate should be returned to the Office for to care for our common home, our sacred Earth. STN— Sat. 3:45—4:15pm Catechesis by May 10, 2018. Please speak with your pastor Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for students - Registration required. STG— Sun. 7:15— 7:45am for further information. For more information, call 618-394-6270 or go to snows.org/programs IC Parish Support STN Parish Support WHY DO WE DO THAT? - CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED St. Gertrude’s Altar society will go to Diamond Mineral Springs for dinner April 1 Regular Collection April 1 Regular Collection Question: What is the story behind Divine Mercy Sunday? on Thursday April 19 . Meet at the hall at 6 pm. Dinner will be at 6:30. A 63 envelopes $ 2,955.00 25 envelopes $1,025.00 Answer: In Poland during the early 1930s, Jesus appeared to a short meeting will follow at the hall. For reservations call Judy Gruner @ Loose $ 377.00 Loose $ 109.00 religious sister, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska. These private 675-3578 by April 15. All ladies of the parish are invited. Total $ 3,332.00 Total $1,134.00 revelations had one key theme: the love and mercy of God. The

relevance of this message was evident then and would continue to The Alton Deanery Council of Catholic Women will hold their meeting CRS $100.00 Building Fund $133.00 Sister Parish $5.00 HACSM (Holy Thursday) $149.00 Holy Land $210.00 resound in importance throughout the social and political upheaval on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 , at Mother of Perpetual Help Church, 200 Holy Land $256.00 Seminarians $920.00 Seminarians $360.00 of the 20th century. N. Lange St., Maryville, IL 62062. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Easter Flowers $5.00 Joseph Havrilka, at 8a.m., followed with a light breakfast & Regular Support Weekly Goal (Budget) $912.00 One of Jesus' requests was the institution of a feast of God's mercy. Regular Support Weekly Goal (Budget) $2134.00 the meeting. Carol Mechler will do a presentation Weekly surplus/deficit +$222.00 St. Faustina records in her diary, "I desire that the Feast of mercy Weekly surplus/deficit +1,198.00 about the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement, which is a Cumulative Support Needed (Budget) $36,480.00 Marion Movement founded by Fr. Joseph Kentenick in Germany on Cumulative Support Needed (Budget) $85,360.00 be a refuge and shelter for souls ? let no soul fear to draw near to Cumulative Support Actual $40,545.53 1914 . All women of the deanery parishes are welcome to attend. Join us Cumulative Support Actual $97,698.50 me ? It is my desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Surplus/Deficit (YTD) +$4,065.53 for a morning of faith, food & fellowship. Surplus/Deficit (YTD) +$12,338.50 Sunday after Easter" (Diary, no. 699). After St. Faustina's canonization in 2000, the Vatican declared that the Second Sun- St. Gertrude Chicken Dinner—The Chicken Dinner sign-up STG Parish Support Please remember in your prayers day of Easter would be known as Divine Mercy Sunday. sheets are available in the entryway to the church. Please April 1 Regular Collection Members of our parish families who are recovering sign up to work a shift on Sunday and also volunteer with the 48 envelopes $ 2,232.50 in the hospital & at home, for their strength and cleaning. To sign up or if you have any questions, please call Loose $ 101.00 patience each day, and for all those who ask for or text Tina Luitjohan at 972-7905, or e-mail at our prayers for health or other issues. Total $2,333.50 [email protected] Dan Albers, Mary Jo Bielong, Ana Cantrell, We congratulate the parents of and Margaret Daiber, Don Dapkus, Teresa Dickman, welcome Please mark your calendar to help do the annual hall cleaning before Holy Land $295.00 Sister Parish $25.00 Jean Fields, Gabriel Frey, Karen Grabowski, Home Missions $25.00 Seminarians $193.00 Hadley Marie Richardson, the chicken dinner - Tuesday May 22nd at 6:00 PM. Betty Haberer, Cory Humphrey, Gene Jolliff, daughter of Dustin & Kelsey Maintenance Fund $182.00 Val King, Randy Korte, David Kuehn, Clara Liening, April 11th PSR (Leitschuh) Richardson who will be Frances Luitjohan, Alex McCall, Teri Munie, baptized at St. Gertrude Church Closing Mass @ IC Regular Support Weekly Goal (Budget) $1,032.00 Cody Neal, Barb Rakers, Marcia Rowe, this Sunday, April 8th, 2018. 6:30PM — All PSR at Weekly surplus/deficit +1,301.50 Verneda Rowe, Keita Salantai, Abby Schrage, Cumulative Support Needed (Budget) $41,280.00 Godparents are Lindsey Skogley & IC — All are invited!! Randy Schrage, Ted Schrage, Linda Schwierjohn, Brad Leitschuh. Cumulative Support Actual $48,206.05 Marie Weis, Neal Weiss, Todd Zucca. Surplus/Deficit (YTD) +$6,926.05 For Our parishioners in nursing homes: The flowers at the statue of Our Lady at St. Gertrude Church are in 8th Graders from IC/STN and STG will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wed., Liturgical Ministers for April 14 & 15, 2018 Doris Buske, Dolores Weis & special people in our honor of Baby Hadley’s . April 25th at IC Church 7:00PM. Most Rev. Bishop Paprocki will celebrate this Mass. Sat. Apr. 14 @ 4:30pm @ St. Nicholas families. Reader: Mary Jo Bielong For those currently serving in the Confirmandis Servers: Grant Knebel & Ben Hutchinson military: Adam Canfield, Tim Doll, Quinn Frey, Offertory: Barbara & Larry Weiss from IC/STN : Euch. Min.: Jane Dapkus & Pat Kalous Tom Frey, 1st Lt. Adam Kalous, Chad Knebel, James Beard, Ushers: Don Cureton & Denny Gobble Michael Knebel, Dustin Korte, Connor Kutz, Dylan Breiner, Greeters: Helen Kuehn & Barbara Weiss Solon McGill, Jimmy O’Boyle, Cole Knebel, Sgt. Joseph Patterson, Rickie Quinones, Paige Overby, Sun., Apr. 15 @ 8:00am @ St. Gertrude Joseph Schatte, John H. Schuster, Greg Spina, Reader: Carole Sauls T.J. Waddington, Sgt. Tyler Wegman, Jessie Weiss, Kennedy Prange Servers: Jacob Lewis & Taylor Dressler Sgt. Zach Weiss. & Joey Offertory: 1st Communion Class If you would like to have someone added to the VonBokel Euch. Min.: Judi Rode & Carly Ann Maurer prayer list please call the parish office. Ushers/Greeters: Terry Dickman & Skip Dickshot From STG: Cole Brown, Sacristan: Dianne Leitschuh Sunday Scriptures Corrine Heilig, Sun., Apr. 15 @ 9:30am @ Immaculate Conception April 15, 2018 Olivia Keiser, Reader: PAPAYA Youth Group **Third Sunday of Easter** Brady Knackstedt, Servers: PAPAYA Youth Group Offertory: PAPAYA Youth Group 1st Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Bryce Knackstedt, Euch. Min.: Billy & Seth Luitjohan & Denise Richter 2nd Reading: 1 Jn 2: 1-5a; Our 2nd Graders will celebrate and receive their Katrina Ushers: PAPAYA Youth Group l : Lk 24:35-48 First Holy Communion at IC this Sunday, April 8th and at Korsmeyer, Next St. Gertrude Pastoral/Finance Council Meeting Rosary Leader: Denise Richter Daily Readings: Apr.9 Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Lk 1:26-38 St. Gertrude on April 15th. Mackenzie will be held on Tuesday, April 17th at 7:00PM. Apr.10 Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15 Landmann & Please keep the children in your prayers. The greatest attribute of God is love and mercy. Apr. 11 Acts 5:17-26;Jn 3:16-21 Nathaniel Straube -St. Faustina Kowalska Apr. 12 Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36 St. Nicholas Altar Society Meeting will Apr.13 Acts 5:34-42;Jn 6:1-15 be held on Mon. April 16th at 7:00PM.

Children’s Letters of Desire † Mass Intentions † for First Eucharist: Playing at the Lory Theatre in Highland Mon. (Apr. 9) 8:00am (IC) † Norbert “Hants” Knebel — Int. of Herb & Shirley Weis “I Can Only Imagine” Based on the incredible Tues. (Apr.10) 8:00am (St.G) Mass for the People of IC, STG & STN My name is Kaylee true-life story that inspired the beloved, chart-topping Wed. (Apr.11) 8:00am (IC) Orion Walker — Int. of Engie Walker & Family Knebel. I am 8 years old. My interests and hobbies song, I Can Only Imagine is a song that brings Thur. (Apr.12) 8:00am (St.N) † Bill & Dolores Kalous — Int. of Pat Kalous ultimate hope to so many - often in the midst of life's † are tumbling, math, Fri. (Apr.13) 8:00am (IC) Carl Gnaedinger — Int. of Teresa Gnaedinger IC 2nd Graders : Kaylee Knebel soccer and P.E. I am most challenging moments. Amazingly, the song was Sat. (Apr.14)4:30pm (St.N) † Gary Kniepmann — Int. of Charles & Robin Elliott looking forward to written in mere minutes by Mercy Me lead singer Bart Sun. (Apr.15) 8:00am (St.G) 2018 First Communion Class STG 2nd Graders : Ethan Henschen, making my First Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft. Sun. (Apr.15) 9:30am (IC) † John Alberternst Sr. & Kevin Alberternst — Int. of the Makayla Korsmeyer, Jase Reinacher & Communion because I April 7 & 8 3:45, 6:15, & 8:45 will have Jesus in side Alberternst Family Nevin Straube of me. April 9, 10, 11,12 3:45 & 6:15. Sunday of Divine Mercy April 7 & 8, 2018 Sunday of Divine Mercy April 7 & 8, 2018