Sts. Joachim and Ann PSR Newsletter
Prayer: Faith Expressed
or
Volume 17 Issue 5 November 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER-We are collecting new & used coats, hats, gloves & scarves
Nov 7 PSR Class, Safe Touch 8th grade, report cards, Last night to collect for Pro-Life
Nov 14 PSR Class
Nov 21 PSR Class
Nov 28 PSR Class, Reconciliation for Grade 3
DECEMBER-We will be collecting for the Adopt a Family on Dec 5
Dec 2 8th grade Confirmation Retreat 4:30-9:30PM Care Service Building
Dec 4 Women’s Advent Tea 4-6PM Celebration Room in the Care Service Building
Dec 5 PSR Class, Advent Prayer Service 7PM in Church-Adopt-a-family items brought to the altar
Dec 8 Holy Day-Feast of the Immaculate Conception – 8AM, 10AM, 7PM Masses
Pray for Our Future Leaders and Our Country
As we begin the month of November with All Saints Day we remember the holy men and women who have come before us as examples of faith. We honor all of the Saints who pray for us and with us in helping guide us to heaven. As we honor and remember the saints and all who have died in faith, we can learn from them how to pray and trust in God. Election Day is November 8. Please take the time to vote and please pray for all of our leaders and elected officials that they may seek God in their lives and the decisions that they make. Prayer is so powerful and can change hearts and situations. We need to continue to keep our leaders and everyone who make decisions that affect so many people’s lives in our prayers each day.
Later this month we will gather with family and friends and give thanks for the people, things and situations in our lives which we are grateful. Sometimes we may forget to thank God for the ordinary everyday things in life such as our warm home, clothing, utilities and food that many people around the world do not have and are so easy to take for granted. Our parish works in partnership with the Care Service and has many resources and support groups. If you are experiencing difficulties in your life or feeling overwhelmed because of recent events or tragedies please call 441-1302 for a confidential appointment to help with rent, utilities, food and employment.
We will be collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets during the month of November. Looking ahead, our Advent Prayer Service will be on December 5. All families are invited to bring items for the Adopt a Family that evening to be brought to the altar during the service. Adults, teens and families are invited and encouraged to help at the Adopt-A-Family weekend December 10 & 11 at the Community College.
May God bless you and your family,
Rose Wieschhaus, Director of Religious Education for Children
A Pastor’s Perspective… AS WE APPROACH THANKSGIVING….IT’S TIME TO REFLECT AGAIN ON OUR BLESSINGS STEWARDSHIP – A WAY OF LIFE It is a part of the responsibility of every disciple to express our gratitude to God for the ways that He blesses us each and every day – beginning with the most fundamental act of His providence, which is to keep us in mind and sustain us in being with each and every breath with take.
PERSONAL PRAYER IS NEEDED My parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. It will be holy, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will be prayerful, if I pray. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring others into worship, if I invite and bring them. It will be a parish of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, of compassion, charity and mercy, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with the help of God, I now dedicate myself to the task of being all things that I want my parish to be. Amen.
Jacob’s Ladder
During the month of November anyone who has lost a loved one can bring their framed portrait to the church sacristy or rectory office and we will include it in the Jacob’s ladder. Please be sure to put your name and phone number on the back of the photo.
Collecting for the Homeless
During the month of November, we will be collecting new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves and socks. Donations can be brought to the PSR office.
Change for Life
The children have been collecting money during October for the Pro-Life group’s many programs. Our final collection will be November 7. The money raised will benefit the Pro-Life Trip, Crisis Nursery, Theology of the Body for junior high, and many written materials used to promote pro-life. Since class sizes are different we will base the winner on the amount of money brought in per student in each class. That class will be notified and will receive pizza on November 14. Thank you for your generosity and in teaching your children what it means to be pro-life. A chart of each class and the amount collected is in each building.
Adult Faith Formation-Our Father's Plan
If you wanted to join an adult faith group this fall but didn't, a group will be meeting on Sunday afternoons at 3PM to watch the DVD Our Father's Plan. This thirteen program series featuring Dr. Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins, walks through salvation history from Genesis to the Catholic Church using the chronological narrative of the Bible. In each session, Jeff Cavins gives the broad overview of Bible history by breaking the Scriptures into 12 understandable periods. This portion of the program is followed by an in-depth discussion with Scott Hahn on a theme pertinent to the Bible period. Some key themes discussed are the expanding plan of salvation from one family to one Church, what is the law of Moses, the Davidic kingdom, how Jesus fulfills the law, the primacy of Peter and the teachings of Paul. The group will begin soon. Contact Bernie Marquart at (636) 299-6477 to join or for more information. Study guides will be available for purchase at the first meeting.
PRAYER VIDEO FOR PARENTS-November 21
Parents are invited to the Adult Ed Room on November 21 to watch the third in a series on prayer. I realize times are busy, which is even a better reason to stop and simply be still and listen to God in the quietness of meditation and peaceful reflection. No group discussion, just time for yourself. 6:30-7:15PM. Please RSVP if you plan on attending at or 926-0021.
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
The 8th grade Confirmation Retreat is Friday, December 2 from 4:30-9:30PM in the Care Service building. It is important that the students arrive by 4:30PM so we can begin on time. The registration form is due on Nov 28. If you have not turned in the retreat form and $15, please turn it into the PSR office this week. If your child is not able to attend the retreat, he/she will need to attend a neighboring parish retreat. Please call the PSR office for alternate dates and times at 926-0021 or email .
Catholic Book Club
Catholic Book Club During the month of November we will be reading the book Why Worry, A Catholic's Guide to Learning to Let Go, by Jeff Dunn. The average person spends 14.3 hours a week worrying. We can’t easily dismiss our anxieties, but we can find some powerful allies in people who have walked the journey. With empathy and just the right touch of humor, Jeff Dunn shows us how saints from Paul to Pio weren't immune to struggles and difficulties. But there are no easy answers here. Instead, you'll find wisdom, support, and guidance as you travel from worry, fear, and anxiety to the peace of God; a peace stronger than anything that would cause our hearts to be troubled or afraid. Any adult is welcome to read the book ahead of time and join us on November 29th at 7PM to discuss. We will meet in the Jr. High, Room 100. For more info, contact Rose Wieschhaus at 636 926- 0021 or
Parking Lot Schedule
Monday 6:15PM 7:00PM
11/7 Salzman, Sansone, Scaturro, Schaefermeier Ausbury
11/14 Edwards, Schisler, Schuler, Seville Biederman
11/21 Skeen, Smith, Smyth, Spies Blount
11/28 Sprouse, Stetson, Stock, Teuscher Kesel
12/5 Theobald, Thomas, Tracy, Troncoso Clifton
Parking Lot
When it is your time to work, please come to the PSR office to sign in next to your name, and pick up a flashlight and orange vest. Your children can stay with their teacher while you work the parking lot. Parents: Please do not ask your child to meet you in the lower lot in front of Church or on the Care Service lot. We cannot monitor your child in these locations, and they could be hit by cars backing up. Because of safety reasons, children will not be released from the upper lot without a parent present.
A Night at the Races!
Saturday, November 12th, 2016 Sts. Joachim & Ann Parish Center, 4112 McClay Road, St. Charles, MO 63304. Doors open: 6:15pm. Post time for First Race: 7:00pm. Wager on action-packed, heart pounding, videotaped horse racing (using J&A bucks). $25 track money will be provided with each ticket sold. Gift baskets and other prizes will be awarded to winners. Beer, soda, wine and light snacks will be served at the event. Feel free to bring in additional food/snacks on race night. Contact Mark Willard @ 314.276.5269 or for additional information. Not able to attend? Please consider naming a horse for just a $10.00 donation. To purchase tickets on line or for more information, please visit: www.SupportJandA.org.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Our Annual Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 3rd in the Cafeteria. There are two seatings-one at 8:30 and one at 10:30. Costs for advanced sale tickets (purchased on/before November 17th) are $5 per child (12 and under), $6 per adult, with a maximum cost of $30 per family. Sign-ups will also be available after 5pm, 9:30 and 11:30 Masses the weekends of November 12th/13th and November 19th/20th. We also have a link for volunteers set up on Sign up Genie. We are in need of adult volunteers for set up, during the event, and for clean-up. This is also a great way for students to get service hours! The link to sign up as a volunteer, along with a listing of items that would be helpful for the event, is: http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/4090f4facab2fa6ff2-stsjoachim. If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Megan Gilfoil (314-401-9432) or Mrs. Jenny Baumann (636-244-2946). Any donations of items or time will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there!
Adopt-A-Family
We will be collecting for the Adopt-a-Family during the Advent Prayer Service on December 7. The children will bring their items to the altar during the service. A list of items needed is included in this Kidmail. Adopt-a-Family Weekend is Dec 12/13 and many adult and teen volunteers are needed on Saturday to help. This is a great way to earn service hours for 7th and 8th graders.
Youth Ministry Events
Wednesdays in the Youth Ministry Room - from 7-9pm Nov 9-Speaker & Eucharistic Adoration
Nov16-Movie Night, Nov 23-Bible Study, Nov 30-Game Night. For more information, contact Phillip Uro, 314-614-4901.
WOMEN’S ADVENT TEA
All women of the parish are invited to attend the Advent Tea on Sunday, December 4 from 4-6PM in the Celebration Room located in the Care Service building. Gather your friends and join other women for an afternoon of fellowship, food and spiritual renewal during the Advent season. Table leaders are to bring a dessert or snack. There is no cost but all are asked to bring a personal care item for the Care Service. To register or for more information contact Velma McCann at 314 856-3037 or or 926-0021.
Wanted: Children’s Bicycles & Volunteers
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service is looking for bicycle donations to provide to needy children participating in the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas program. Last year, more than 350 bikes were given to children in the area for Christmas. The Loyal Order of the Squirrels will refurbish, fix and clean the bikes that are donated. The children’s bikes can be dropped off at the garage located behind the Care Service at 4116 McClay Road in St. Charles. Please do not drop bikes off at the Ministry Building (former Care Service building). For more information, contact Yvonne Tihen at 636-441-1302, ext. 224.
Wanted: Volunteers to fix donated bikes
The Loyal Order of the Squirrels is looking for volunteers to help repair, refurbish and clean bicycles donated for the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas program. More than 350 bikes were donated last year, and help is needed to get these bicycles ready for Christmas. If interested, please contact Bernie at 636-345- 3369.
Children’s Liturgy
Children in Kindergarten through 4th grade are invited to attend each week during the 9:30AM Mass. Because of the large number of children who attend each Sunday, we ask that children in pre-school attend the Sunday morning pre-school program instead. Adults are needed to help assist in the classroom. Teens from 7th grade-high school can earn service hours aiding. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Kathy Bendyk at 441-5336.
Shop for Our Schools
The holidays are a great time to purchase Shop for Our School certificates for relatives, friends and neighbors. All PSR families are asked to purchase $30 worth of profit from certificates to offset the cost of PSR to the parish. A family will have until March 1, 2016 to reach their goal. If you haven’t tried Shop for Our Schools, please give it a try. Shop and Save, Dierbergs, Walmart, Home Depot, Kohls, many fast foods and restaurants and gas stations can earn money for the PSR program. Certificates are available before and during PSR each week, and after Mass on Saturday and Sunday. A Shop for Our Schools order form is in this packet. If you are heading to Wal-Mart or Walgreens during PSR, please stop by and purchase the certificates before heading out. You can also drop off your order form when dropping off your child and pick it up at the end of PSR.