COVID Archive 2021

July 2021 Updates
- July 24, 2021 - Mask Mandate
  Update from the Pastor
  
  Saturday, July 24, 2021
  
  Mask Mandate
  
  In a memo I received late Friday evening, the Archdiocese has asked that all St. Louis City and St. Louis County parishes follow the mask mandate of the City or County, which will be requiring both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals over the age of 5 to wear masks in indoor public places.
  
  Even though the mandate goes into effect on Monday, July 26, I ask that you wear a mask this weekend, since we will have around 150 people attending each of our three weekend Masses.
  
  The “good news” as of today (Saturday 1100am) is that at this time we are not being asked to social distance, have limitations in attendance or return to using Sign Up Genius. It’s the small victories that count also!
  
  For those who participate in the liturgy via livestream, I am going to experiment by using a mask and the standing microphone rather than my shield and the wireless ear microphone. I had heard that the shield distorted the sound because it acted like an echo chamber. Please let me know if you are not able to understand me speaking with the mask on.
- July 3, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #87
  Staying Connected #87
  
  Saturday, July 3, 2021
  
  Three Paths Intersected…
  
  Path #1: The 4th of July Weekend
  As we gather this weekend with family and friends to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our nation, please travel safely and don’t forget to keep a mask handy! There will be one patriotic song (“America the Beautiful”) sung at each of the weekend Masses. More patriotic songs will be sung at our Mass on Monday morning, which will be at 9:00 am.
  
  One of my favorite Americana pieces is to hear / read the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. Ms. Lazarus crafted this poem for the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. I invite you to sit and savor these words and then listen to this beautiful rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”
  
  The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus
  (Liberty Enlightening the World)
  
  Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
  With conquering limbs astride from land to land:
  Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
  A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
  Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
  Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
  Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
  The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
  “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
  With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
  Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
  The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
  Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me,
  I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
  
  Video
  
  Path #2: A Few Changes
  
  in the “How” We Celebrate the Liturgy
  This is the weekend when we incorporate a few changes in our parish’s celebration of the Eucharist. Some of the changes simply are returning to the way we use to do things, such as we are no longer sitting socially distanced, no longer do we need to RSVP via Sign Up Genius and walking forward for the communion procession.
  
  There are some changes made from the past 15 months that we are continuing.
  
  Those who are distributing Holy Communion will continue to wear their masks at this time.
  
  There are two baskets in the back of Church in which you can place your Sunday stewardship offering.
  
  The greeting of peace with non-family members is to be a verbal greeting.
  
  Now that we are sitting closer together, if you choose to hold hands for the praying of the Our Father, again I ask that you only hold hands with family members.
  
  When the communion song begins, please stand in preparation to come forward to receive Communion. This is a new change.
  
  Although we are using a worship aid for one song in Church, this weekend we begin to use our parish hymnal again. For those joining us via livestream, a worship aid will continue to be prepared for you. A link to the worship aid will be found on the left side of your TV or computer screen when you click on the livestream link. This is also where the Middle School and Children’s Bulletins will be found.
  
  Path #3: Staying Connected
  This edition of Staying Connected will be the last for a while. For practical reasons, I will be gone for the next 10 days as we gather in Georgia for a family wedding. The purpose of this Flocknote was simple: Because people were asked to be both pro-active and prudent during the peak of the pandemic, it was also a time when folks were often isolated at home. This Flocknote was one way to help folks stay connected.
  
  Our next staying connected focus will be our various upcoming Jubilee celebrations. There are 4 upcoming:
  
  Pictorial Directory photos,
  
  Mass with Archbishop Rozanski,
  
  the Oktoberfest Homecoming
  
  the Mission.
  
  Remember to sign up for the reception after Mass with Archbishop Rozanski on Saturday, July 31. As of 10:30am today, July 3, there are only 40 of 300 slots available.
  
  Day Is Done
  
  Just Curious…
  Early on, different parishioners said that they especially looked forward to the prayer thoughts and music from the Day is Done section that I included with the Flocknote. They even called those selections “The Nightly Lullaby from Fr. Chuck.”
  
  Of all the videos you saw these past 15 months - there are at least 75 - which would you choose as your 3 favorites? Just curious …
  
  Today’s selection is another encore: “Shelter Me” by Michael Joncas. As you listen to / maybe even sing along with this powerful song of hope, I would invite you to focus on the 3 ^rd verse.
  
  At the end of this day,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  The Lyrics for Shelter Me Shelter Me Video
  by J. Michael Joncas
  
  Shepherd and sheep, my God and I,
  
  to fresh green fields you led my steps in days gone by
  
  You gave me rest by quiet springs
  
  and filled my soul with peace your loving presence brings.
  
  REFRAIN
  
  O shelter me, O shelter me/ The way ahead is dark and difficult to see.
  
  O shelter me, O shelter me/ All will be well if only you will shelter me.
  
  Yet now I tread a diff’rent way
  
  Death dogs my path with stealthy steps from day to day
  
  I cannot find your peaceful place
  
  But dwell in dreary darkness, longing for your face.
  
  REFRAIN
  
  I will look back in days to come
  
  and realize your faithfulness has led me home
  
  Within your house I’ll find my peace
  
  trusting that in your mercy you have sheltered me.
  
  REFRAIN
  
  (Copyright 2020. The Jan Michael Joncas Trust.
  
  All rights reserved.)
- June 25, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #86
  Staying Connected #86
  Friday, June 25, 2021
  
  Planning Ahead
  
  As I write in this week’s bulletin, next weekend marks our “official” return to celebrating the Eucharist here at our Parish as we had been celebrating prior to March 14 /15, 2020. In my article, I draw your attention to 16 changes in what we have been doing before, during and after our celebration of the Eucharist over the past 15 months. Rather than reprint what I wrote in the bulletin, here is a copy of my bulletin article. A second phase of changes will take place in the beginning of August with the return of our liturgical ministers.
  
  welcome back changes
  
  However, there is one additional “change” that I didn’t have enough bulletin space to include in my article. Beginning next weekend, the assembly will return to processing forward to receive Holy Communion. You may not realize this but in addition to singing a common song, the communion procession is also a secondary way in which people can experience communion with a small “c” during the Communion Rite. Although I won’t miss hitting my knee on the corner of a pew as I walked in the vacant pews distributing Holy Communion, I will miss everyone standing together and waiting to receive Communion, which gave me a sense of the Body of Christ being in communion with each other.
  
  What I would like to invite you to do is for the whole assembly to stand when the Communion song begins, rather than some people kneeling and others sitting, with some people singing and others praying quietly. Since we take great pride in our singing, we would all join in the song as another expression of communion as we exit our pew and process forward. It may feel awkward, but it really is something we have been doing for the past 15 months. There is no need to panic about forgetting what to do and when. I will remind you.
  
  Attachments
  
  I received about 100 replies to my 4-question survey on worship aids found last week’s Flocknote. Thanks for your input!
  
  In addition to the attachment for my bulletin article, there are 1 Worship Aid and 2 Student Bulletins with this Flocknote. (find these on our Livestream page)
  
  Day Is Done
  
  Words have meaning. Words have power. Amen!
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  video - the Power of Words
- June 18, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #85
  Staying Connected #85
  
  Friday, June 18, 2021
  
  "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
  
  "Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?' ”
  
  Although these thoughts are from another time and place,
  for me, they certainly are life lessons my dad taught me.
  
  To all
  the Dads
  Uncles
  Godfathers
  Father-figures:
  
  Happy Father’s Day!
  
  More Changes in How We Celebrate Mass
  
  Here at the Parish
  Other pastors and parishes have already begun implementing changes / returning to the celebration of the Eucharist in the ways they were celebrating prior to the pandemic. I have chosen July 1 as the date when we would implement the first of two more phases in our changes here at the parish. There are two reasons for that decision. Primarily, I wanted to make sure that we reviewed every possible scenario / question that we could think of before we began to make the changes. Secondly, as great as it is to see people without masks and gathering with others in public settings, the virus is still with us and so we proceed with some caution. In next week’s bulletin, I will present many of the specific changes we will be making. The implementation will begin the following week.
  
  One change that we have implemented because of the pandemic has been the livestreaming of our liturgies. We will continue to livestream for the immediate future.
  
  Brief Survey
  In this edition of Staying Connected, I am looking for your input on a series of questions that I have concerning the Worship Aids and those who use them at home. Beginning July 1, the Breaking Bread Hymnals will be in the book racks of the pews, which means we won’t be using Worship Aids in Church, save for a special occasion or song. I am trying to discover if the folks at home still need / want the Worship Aids. Please fill out this brief “yes – no” survey.
  
  To take the survey, you needed to respond to our Flocknote message
  
  Day Is Done
  
  My dad and I enjoyed watching M*A*S*H together. One reason might have been the fact that he served in the Korean War and the things that occurred on the show reminded him of some of the crazy things his unit would do. In his honor, enjoy this M*A*S*H clip which surfaced a year ago as the pandemic was beginning.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  M A S H video
- June 11, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #84
  Staying Connected #84
  
  June 11, 2021
  
  Community News
  
  Ending the Dispensation to Not Attend Mass
  
  As you may have heard by now, Archbishop Rozanski is lifting the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the faithful in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, beginning July 1, 2021. The normal dispensation for those with illness, homebound or the vulnerable will remain in effect.
  
  We are finalizing our plans on what our return will look like, and we will begin with the changes on that first weekend in July. In the meantime, I invite you to listen to Archbishop Rozanski’s invitation to return to full participation in the Eucharist.
  
  Watch Video
  
  Restore the Hyde Amendment to the Federal Budget
  In my homily on Sunday, June 6, I invited parishioners to contact President Biden and members of Congress asking them to restore the Hyde Amendment to the upcoming federal budget. The Hyde Amendment has been in effect since 1976 with bipartisan support. It prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Some parishioners asked what the web address was for sending that message. Here is the link to the USCCB website for contacting our President, our Senators and our Representatives.
  USCCB Website
  
  Parish News
  
  Attachments
  
  2 Worship Aids and 2 Student Bulletins (please access these on the LIvesteam webpage)
  
  Day Is Done
  
  This weekend marks the return to the Sundays of Ordinary Time, specifically the 11 ^th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This means that for the next 6 weeks we will be listening to a passage from the Gospel of St. Mark. For the Sundays of Ordinary Time, the Gospel passage is chosen first. The first reading is then chosen because of some type of connection to the gospel passage. Finally, the second reading is an excerpt from one of the epistles and have no intentional connection to the Gospel as they do in the other liturgical seasons. Our second reading is taken from Chapter 5 of the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
  
  This weekend’s first reading and Gospel speak about being surprised by God. This evening’s video is an encore of one of my favorite stories about that message.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  Video
- June 4, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #83
  Staying Connected #83
  
  Friday, Jun 4, 2021
  
  (A brief update this week by Ann, while Father is away)
  
  Reminders
  
  If you are fully vaccinated, you are no longer required to wear a mask for any event on our campus. Masks are to be worn by those adults and children not yet vaccinated. Obviously, you can still wear your mask if you feel more comfortable doing that.
  
  Although we still are leaving an empty pew between pews, we have reduced our social distance to 3 ft. and have increased our seating capacity in Church to 175.
  
  You no longer need to use Sign-Up Genius for weekday Masses. We do ask that you continue to use Sign-Up Genius for the weekend liturgies in case we have to do any contact tracing. It also gives our hospitality ministers a sense of how to best seat anyone attending Mass.
  
  Worth Repeating ...
  
  PSR Registration
  Attached is our revised ’20 ’21 PSR registration form. As has been our practice in the past, PSR for Grades 1-8 will be held once again on both Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm. Please keep in mind the following points from our conversations:
  
  A minimum of 5 students are needed in order to have a designated classroom.
  
  Because second and eighth grades are sacramental years, the children in these grades need to attend in-person classes for sacramental preparation.
  
  A perk of Confirmation preparation is that the 8th grade community prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation together in a less structured environment. Cheryl Degenhart will be communicating with 8th grade families at a later date regarding Confirmation preparation.
  
  Catechists will be needed. If we do not have enough catechists, then all of one grade level will need to meet on one night or combine with another grade level.
  
  2021-2022 Registration.pdf
  
  Attachments
  
  Worship Aid & 2 Student Bulletins
  
  Worship Aid -Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.pdf
  
  Catholic Kids Bulletin-060621-Corpus Christi.pdf
  
  Middle School bulletin-060621-Corpus Christi.pdf
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Ann (for Fr. Chuck)
May 2021 updates
- May 28, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #82
  Staying Connected #82
  
  Friday, May 28, 2021
  
  Pastor News
  
  On Sunday, I am heading to Johns Creek, GA, a suburb of Atlanta, to visit my sister and her family for a week. Part of the time will be spent doing some wedding prep with my nephew Mitch and his fiancé Jessica. Their wedding is in July. Fr. Tom Donaldson C.Ss.R. will be the presider on Sunday and Fr. Rich Heman will be the presider Monday through Saturday.
  
  Reminders
  
  If you are fully vaccinated, you are no longer required to wear a mask for any event on our campus. Masks are to be worn by those adults and children not yet vaccinated. Obviously, you can still wear your mask if you feel more comfortable doing that.
  
  Although we still are leaving an empty pew between pews, we have reduced our social distance to 3 ft. and have increased our seating capacity in Church to 175.
  
  You no longer need to use Sign-Up Genius for weekday Masses. We do ask that you continue to use Sign-Up Genius for the weekend liturgies in case we have to do any contact tracing. It also gives our hospitality ministers a sense of how to best seat anyone attending Mass.
  
  PSR Registration
  
  Attached is our revised ’20 ’21 PSR registration form. As has been our practice in the past, PSR for Grades 1-8 will be held once again on both Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm. Please keep in mind the following points from our conversations:
  
  A minimum of 5 students are needed in order to have a designated classroom.
  
  Because second and eighth grades are sacramental years, the children in these grades need to attend in-person classes for sacramental preparation.
  
  A perk of Confirmation preparation is that the 8th grade community prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation together in a less structured environment. Cheryl Degenhart will be communicating with 8th grade families at a later date regarding Confirmation preparation.
  
  Catechists will be needed. If we do not have enough catechists, then all of one grade level will need to meet on one night or combine with another grade level.
  
  2021-2022 Registration.pdf
  
  Attachments
  
  3 Worship Aids & 2 Student Bulletins
  
  (These can be found on our Livestream page.)
  
  Memorial Day
  
  Although this weekend the Church’s focus is on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, our national focus tends to be on Memorial Day. Of the three summer national holidays, Memorial Day is my favorite and I will miss not being with you for Monday’s liturgy.
  
  In preparing this Flocknote, I discovered something I never knew, which is that there are lyrics that can accompany the playing of Taps. Actually, there are quite a few variations of lyrics. I have settled on the following. The official military Taps is played by a single bugle or trumpet at dusk, during flag ceremonies and at military funerals by the United States Armed Forces.
  
  Day is done, gone the sun,
  From the hills, from the lake,
  from the skies.
  All is well, safely rest,
  God is nigh.
  
  Fading light dims the sight
  And a star gems the sky,
  gleaming bright from afar,
  drawing near falls the night.
  
  Thanks and praise, for our days,
  'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
  'Neath the sky,
  As we go, this we know,
  God is nigh.
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  O God,
  By whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on our departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country.
  
  Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son
  they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever.
  
  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
  Sent by Fr Chuck Barthel on Friday, May 28 at 9:12PM
- May 23, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #81
  Worship Aid for Monday / Prayer Card for Tuesday
  
  There are two attachments with this Flocknote.
  
  Attachment #1 is a worship aid for our Parish Feast Day Mass on Monday, May 24, which is at the usual time of 8:30am.
  
  Attachment #2 is an edited copy of the prayers to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Beginning this Tuesday, May 25, we will resume praying these prayers. The prayers will be led by a parishioner at the end of the 8:30am Mass. You might want to print a copy of this attachment and put it in a place where you can easily access it each Tuesday.
  
  Fr. Chuck Barthel
  
  (attachments can be found at our Parish Livestream page in the "Documents" section)
- May 21, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #80
  Staying Connected #80
  
  Friday, May 21, 2021
  
  Parish News
  This edition of Staying Connected will be a little different than most other issues inasmuch as I will be including more attachments and links than I usually do.
  Mask Mandates – Social Distancing
  
  Attendance Capacity – Sign-Up Genius
  In light of the recent changes in the CDC guidelines, the Archbishop asked each pastor to implement changes that reflect those CDC changes. Here is a summary of the changes:
  
  If you are fully vaccinated, you are not required to wear a mask for any event on our campus. Masks are to worn by those adults and children not yet vaccinated. Obviously, you can still wear your mask if you feel more comfortable doing that.
  
  Although we still are leaving an empty pew between pews, we have reduced our social distance to 3 ft. and have increased our seating capacity in Church to 175.
  
  You no longer need to use Sign-Up Genius for weekday Masses. We do ask that you continue to Sign-Up for the weekend liturgies in case we have to do any contact tracing. It also gives our hospitality ministers a sense of how to best seat anyone attending Mass.
  
  The above changes are explained in greater detail in this weekend’s bulletin. They go in effect this weekend. Attached is a copy of my bulletin article.
  
  Our Parish Feast Day
  In the midst of this weekend’s celebration of Pentecost, the return of the choir at the 11:00am and the retirement reception for Ken, Mary Ann, Ed and Linda, our parish feast day celebration on Monday might get overlooked. The only celebration we will have on Monday is our 8:30am Mass. However, this weekend we are once again distributing our parish prayer cards to our parishioners. If you are not able to join us, here is a copy of the prayer card.
  
  All-powerful and ever-living God,
  
  You have given to the Church
  a model of discipleship in our Blessed Mother.
  
  She is the daughter who listens,
  who embraces your words with joy,
  treasuring them in the silence of her heart.
  
  She is the woman of prayer
  who sings of your mercy in her canticle of praise,
  who shows concern for the bride and
  bridegroom of Cana
  and intercedes for them with her Son,
  who prays with the apostles
  in oneness of mind and heart.
  
  She is the Mother,
  who gives birth to your Son
  by the power of the Holy Spirit,
  and at the foot of the cross
  is proclaimed as mother
  of the people of the New Covenant.
  
  She is the disciple who keeps vigil,
  awaiting the resurrection of her Son
  with unwavering hope and
  looking forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit,
  with steadfast faith.
  
  May we embrace this woman of faith
  in our lives just as the beloved disciple
  welcomed her into his home.
  
  O Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
  
  Adapted from Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  
  Homily Help
  I am still in the “ideas percolating in my heart & head” phase of my homily preparation. However, since our folks at home can’t see our stained-glass windows in Church, I wanted to just include the windows above the music ministry area of church as a potential reference point in this weekend’s homily. If I don’t include it, consider it just another way to reminisce about the inside of the Church, especially if you have not been able to return to Mass yet.
  
  Day Is Done
  With last year’s restrictions, the choirs missed their opportunity to sing with Ken & Mary Ann one last time, and so they have gotten back together for the 11:00am Mass this weekend. A most fitting Pentecost song has been chosen for the song during Communion, which will also be tonight’s “lullaby.” It is called “Come, Holy Spirit” by John Angotti.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  This week's video
- May 19, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #79 - Special Edition
  Special Edition - Staying Connected #79
  
  Wednesday, May 19, 2021
  
  It's called the 7 x 7 rule. According to those who do this professionally, the most effective way to communicate your message is to do it 7 times in 7 different ways. I'm not sure that the following message will be sent out 7 different times or in 7 different, but it does bear repeating several times.
  
  Based on the recent changes from the CDC on the wearing / not wearing of masks, we have made some changes here at the parish regarding mask wearing, social distancing, seating capacity in Church and making reservations for attending Mass via Sign-Up Genius. The following will appear in this weekend's bulletin. However, there's no time like the present to start sharing the message with you.
  
  Fr. Chuck Barthel
  
  Covid Updates - 5/19/2021
- May 14, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #78
  Staying Connected #78
  
  Friday, May 14, 2021
  
  Parish News
  
  The Latest Directives on Wearing Masks
  
  I am presuming that by now most of you have heard the new directives promulgated this past Thursday from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) regarding the wearing of masks. In summary, the directive says that fully vaccinated individuals can stop wearing masks in crowded outdoor settings, as well as in most indoor conditions. The public health agency still encourages mask usage in places like hospitals, prisons, and homeless shelters, or aboard buses and planes.
  
  The newly relaxed mask guidelines do not extend to unvaccinated people, who remain vulnerable to the virus, which is still circulating widely.
  
  Earlier this morning, Friday, May 14, County Executive Page and Mayor Jones announced that those same CDC guidelines go into effect immediately in St. Louis County & the City of St. Louis. In the midst of the excitement of not having to wear a mask any longer, one guideline that needs to be remembered is that businesses can still set their own guidelines.
  
  At 5:30 pm this evening Friday, May 14, I received the following guidelines from the Archdiocese:
  
  Archdiocesan Guidelines
  
  “The mask mandate throughout the Archdiocese now only applies to all parish faithful who have not received a vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. Following the CDC guidance issued yesterday, capacity restrictions and social-distancing measures at archdiocesan parishes will be determined by the parish pastor based on the size and construct of the parish, and what he deems is needed to provide for the safest possible environment. These changes in guidance are effective immediately; however, the timeline for implementation in each parish will be determined by the pastor based on specific needs to make a safe and appropriate transition. Changes should be implemented at all parishes no later than Sunday, May 23.
  
  Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski leaves in place the dispensation for Sunday Mass at this time but will be re-evaluating the need for the dispensation in the coming weeks.”
  
  Three Additional Comments from Fr. Chuck
  
  1) Having just received the guidelines, I will be reviewing and deciding about the capacity restrictions and social distancing early next week. So that means this weekend (May 15/16) we will continue to limit the attendance at Mass in Church to 120.
  
  2) For the time being, I will still wear my mask and shield in Church even though I have been vaccinated. I will gauge the comfort range of you, the parishioners, as to when you are comfortable in me not wearing a mask.
  
  3) A final thought comes from the city health chief Dr. Fredrick Echols: "With these new guidelines regarding not having to wear masks, we will have to lean even more heavily on personal accountability to limit the spread of the virus."
  
  PSR Meeting Reminder
  
  All PSR parents are invited to a meeting this Monday evening, May 17 at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall to discuss and finalize plans for the 2021-22 PSR year. Please RSVP via Sign-Up Genius.
  
  Day Is Done!
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- May 7, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #77
  Staying Connected #77
  
  Friday, May 7, 2021
  
  Parish News
  
  Additional Church Seating Available
  This Mother’s Day weekend seating is also available in the Parish Hall for all three Masses. Although our Sign Up for Church seating at both the 4:30pm and 9:00am Masses are filled, there are about 25 seats still available in Church for the 11:00am Mass.
  
  Reception for Ken, Mary Ann, Ed & Linda on Sunday, May 23
  The Sign-Up to RSVP for the Reception for our retirees is closed. Currently, we are at 225 guests, which is what we chose as the maximum number of people who could attend the reception based on St. Louis County guidelines. If you would like to put your name on a waiting list, please call or email the Parish Office.
  
  PSR MEETING - 5/17 @ 7pm in the Parish Hall
  Fr. Chuck and Mrs. Degenhart have been meeting to discuss concerns that were brought to their attention about next year’s PSR program. Registration is temporarily “suspended” at this time. All PSR parents are invited to a meeting on May 17 at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall to discuss and finalize plans for the 2021-2022 PSR year. Please RSVP via Sign-Up Genius.
  PSR Mtg. RSVP
  
  Day Is Done!
  
  A Mother’s Day Blessing
  
  Mary, Mother of the Son of God
  and Mother of the Church,
  we come before you on this Mother’s Day,
  to pray for our own special mothers.
  May they, like you, be especially blessed by God.
  
  May they be gifted with goodness and grace,
  peace and contentment, wisdom and patience, abundant love and joy
  
  Bless those women who now rest with you in the heart of God.
  May the memory of their love and their care for us
  enrich and sustain us always.
  
  Gracious and loving Mother of the Son of God,
  we also ask that you intercede on behalf of those women
  who desire to parent a child.
  
  We ask for all these graces through Christ our Lord. Amen!
  
  With its noble simplicity, I am going old school this weekend.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  https://youtu.be/LUPZSZfPZvg
april 2021 updates
- April 30, 2021 - Staying Connected #76
  Staying Connected #76
  
  Friday, April 30, 2021
  
  Parish News
  
  A Good Problem to Have!
  
  108 – 111 – 102 – 109 > Those were our attendance numbers for the 4 Masses we had last weekend, which includes the First Communion Liturgy at 2:00pm. Having been vaccinated, more and more people are venturing out to do things, which includes attending Mass on the weekends. Because we have yet to receive new guidelines for how many people we can seat in our worship space, we are working on making additional space in the Parish Hall available for our parishioners. Most immediately, this will be available next weekend, which is Mother’s Day, and on May 23 for the 11:00am Mass.
  
  As much as people want to be in the “real” Church for Mass, I would ask that occasionally you would be willing to worship in the Parish Hall. Although it’s not the same as being in the actual Church space, you still are praying & singing with a community and you are receiving the Body & Blood of Christ. Look upon it as an opportunity to die to yourself so that someone else can experience life, even if it just is celebrating the Eucharist in Church.
  
  Parish Reminders!
  
  ACA
  90 additional pledge cards were returned over the past week, bringing us closer to our goal of 330 signed pledge cards returned. This weekend will be the final weekend that Paul Schulte et al will be in the Vestibule before and after the weekend Masses in case you would like to hand deliver your pledge card OR pick one up. After this weekend, you can continue to return your cards to the Parish Office, drop them in the collection basket or make a pledge online.
  The Eagle Scout Project
  Benjamin Torrence will be in the Vestibule after both Masses on Sunday in case anyone would like to make a financial donation to help underwrite his Eagle Scout Project. That project is making 30 blankets for the City Hope St. Louis homeless shelter.
  Sign Up Genius RSVP’s
  Our RSVP lists for both the 11:00am Eucharist on Pentecost (May 23) and the Retirement Reception for Linda Licata, Ed Lewandowski, Mary Ann Blankinship and Ken Barnes are filling up quickly. Please sign up today! As of 4:30pm on Friday, April 30, there are 35 seats available in the Parish Hall for Mass. We also have 195 people signed up for the retirement reception from Noon to 2:30pm. The deadline for the reception sign-up is Monday, May 10 at Noon. Remember that these are two separate sign-ups!
  
  Day Is Done!
  
  St. Joseph has two feast days on the liturgical calendar: March 19, on which we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, and May 1, on which we celebrate the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker. Here is an excerpt taken from Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons & Feasts, 6 ^th Revised Edition, edited by Leonard Foley, O.F.M.
  
  “Apparently in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by the Eastern Bloc / Communist countries, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. But the relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers has a much longer history.
  
  In a constantly necessary effort to keep Jesus from being removed from ordinary human life, the church has from the beginning proudly emphasized that Jesus was a carpenter, obviously trained by Joseph in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of that vocation. Humanity is like God not in thinking and love, but also in creating. Whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ.”
  
  Our song this evening is a reprisal of a hymn heard on March 19, entitled
  “A Just Man Honored from Above.”
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  https://youtu.be/ZkfACEzRxJU
- April 23, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #75
  Staying Connected #75
  
  Friday, April 23, 2021
  
  Archdiocesan News
  
  The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) has begun throughout the Archdiocese. Hopefully, you have received your pledge card in the mail by now as they were mailed from the ACA Office on April 13, 2021.
  
  If you haven’t received your card yet, you can pick one up from the Parish Office OR in the vestibule after Masses this weekend. As of 4/23/21, we have received $47,049 in pledges, which is 52% of our goal. Thank you very much!
  
  There are several ways to make a pledge:
  
  Place it in the baskets in Church during the weekend or weekday Masses.
  
  Drop it off at the Parish Office during regular business hours.
  
  Mail it to the Parish Office.
  
  Go online. The ACA Office will check your name against their master list so that our parish will receive credit for your pledge.
  
  Pledge Online Here
  
  Parish News
  
  Come to the Feast!
  
  On Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm, our Second Graders will participate fully in the Eucharist for the first time. Congratulations go out to not only our young parishioners, but also to their parents and their catechists.
  
  As I have visited with them during their practices, these prayer-thoughts came to mind: “May the enthusiasm and the excitement that our children have for sharing more fully in the Eucharist for the first time always remain alive in their hearts. May their enthusiasm and excitement also be contagious for all of us who have been coming to the table for many years!”
  
  First Communion will be livestreamed.
  
  An Eagle Scout Project
  
  My name is Benjamin Torrence. I am a youth member of the parish and a member of Boy Scout Troop 648. I am working on my Eagle Scout project which is to make 30 blankets for the City Hope Saint Louis homeless shelter. I will be in the back of church after all the Masses this weekend and after the Masses on Sunday, May 2 accepting monetary donations to help defray the cost of purchasing the materials. Any support would be greatly appreciated.
  
  Sign Up Genius RSVP’s
  
  Our RSVP lists for both the 11:00am Eucharist on Pentecost (May 23) and the Retirement Reception for Linda Licata, Ed Lewandowski, Mary Ann Blankinship and Ken Barnes after the 11:00 am Mass are filling up quickly. Please sign up today! We are adding more spaces for Mass via the Parish Hall. These are two separate sign-ups!
  RSVP for 11:00 am Mass
  RSVP for Reception
  
  4 Attachments for This Weekend:
  
  find all attachments here in the "Documents" Section
  
  Day Is Done!
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- April 16, 2021 - Staying Connected #74
  Staying Connected #74
  
  Friday, April 16, 2021
  
  Archdiocesan News
  
  The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) begins this weekend throughout the Archdiocese. Hopefully, you have received your pledge card in the mail this past week as they were mailed from the ACA Office on April 13, 2021.
  
  If you haven’t received your card yet, you can pick one up from the Parish Office OR in the vestibule after Masses this weekend.
  There are several ways to make a pledge:
  
  Place it in the baskets in Church during the weekend or weekday Masses.
  
  Drop it off at the Parish Office during regular business hours.
  
  Mail it to the Parish Office.
  
  Go online. The ACA Office will check your name against their master list so that our parish will receive credit for your pledge.
  
  ACA Page
  
  Parish News
  
  The Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday morning, April 20^th
  
  so that the Staff may attend the funeral for Ann Garavaglia’s mother-in-law. Ann’s husband’s name is Tom and her mother-in-law is Joann. The office will open at 12:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
  
  A Flurry of Activity
  
  You can tell that more and more people have been vaccinated and are feeling more comfortable gathering with others. For example, last weekend we had 267 people attending one of our three weekend masses, with capacity at 300. (What are the chances that both the 4:30pm Mass and the 9:00am Mass would have 96 people at each mass?) As the comfort range increases, so do the number of parish activities.
  
  Rather than re-write articles on things that are happening, I am simply posting links that will take you to the bulletin, Sign-Up Genius, worship aids, etc.
  
  The Bulletin:
  
  Announcing an Upcoming Retirement – the ACA – a Blood Drive – Jubilee Activities –
  
  RSVP’s for a special Pentecost Mass and a reception for Ken Barnes, Mary Ann Blankinship, Ed Lewandowski & Linda Licata.
  
  Sign Up Genius RSVP’s
  for Mass on Pentecost, May 23 and Reception afterwards
  RSVP for Mass Only
  
  RSVP for Reception Only
  on May 23
  
  Day Is Done!
  
  In the Gospel both last weekend and this weekend, Jesus’ Easter greeting to his disciples is “Shalom Aleichem!” (Peace be with you!)
  
  Like the word “aloha,” the Hebrew word “shalom” is often used to both greet another person and to say good-bye. Around the world, the Hebrew word shalom is understood to mean “peace.” But peace is only one small part of the meaning of the word shalom . Shalom comes from a verb that means “to be complete, perfect and full.”
  
  Here are some of the possible meanings of the word shalom that can be found in the Hebrew Scriptures: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfection, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Therefore, when you offer the greeting of “shalom” to another person or when you see / hear the word “peace” in a scriptural context, you are actually proclaiming all of the meanings of the word shalom. What a powerful way to describe the meaning of the resurrection! Filled with that gift, we are sent forth from the Eucharist into the world.
  
  Today’s end of the day lullaby is a virtual performance by the Milliken University Choir Alumni. It is entitled Instruments of Your Peace.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  Instruments of Your Peace -video
- April 9, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #73
  Staying Connected #73
  
  April 9, 2021
  
  by Ann Garavaglia (Fr Chuck is away on vacation)
  
  Christos Anesti!
  
  Alithos Anesti!
  
  Christ is Risen!
  
  He is Risen Indeed!
  
  Divine Mercy Sunday
  
  This weekend, the Second Sunday of Easter, is also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed immediately following all Masses in the Ste Anne Room for those wishing to participate.
  
  In St Faustina's Diary, we read: My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners…[I]t is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy. ( Diary, 367)
  
  The Divine Mercy message is one we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC:
  
  A - Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.
  B - Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us
  .
  C - Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that all the graces of His mercy can only be received by our trust. The more we open the door of our hearts and lives to Him with trust, the more we can receive.
  (source: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message)
  
  Attachments
  
  The Children's bulletins and Worship Aid for this weekend appear below
  
  The Story of Creation - Another Addendum
  
  On the 14^th Day…
  
  The Staff said "Hooray! The Pastor will be back tomorrow!"
  
  And God saw that it was good!
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As spring comes into its fullness, we have been greatly blessed with beautiful, sunny days, rain to water the gardens and fields, and a bounty of colorful spring flowers. Take time this weekend to get out and enjoy God's handiwork!
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Ann Garavaglia - for a vacationing Fr Chuck ;)
  
  Given that Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday,
  this week I offer you the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song.
  
  https://youtu.be/tSVvBQtSqFM
- April 4, 2021 - Staying Connected #72
  Staying Connected #72
  
  Easter Sunday Afternoon
  April 4, 2021
  
  Christos Anesti!
  
  Alithos Anesti!
  
  Christ is Risen!
  
  He is Risen Indeed!
  
  The Story of Creation - An Addendum
  
  On the 8^th Day…
  
  The Pastor wanted to thank all those who helped make our Lent & Triduum celebrations prayerful moments of grace:
  
  Jane Goeke & her Lenten Preparation Team
  
  Carol Drury and her Holy Week / Sacred Triduum Team
  
  Barb Foley, Carol Mason and their Team who helped with the floral decorations.
  
  All of our liturgical ministers, especially our hospitality ministers
  
  Ann Garavaglia, Linda Licata, & Greg Klobe who took care of all the Sign Ups and setting up the Parish Hall.
  
  Deacon Randy Howe who attended to all the detail work
  
  Nate Jackson, our Director of Liturgy & Music, who led us in prayer & song.
  
  The choir members whose voices provided support to the assembly’s singing, and who can’t wait to for the day when they can start singing together again.
  
  Everyone who was able to join us either in person or via the Livestream.
  
  Anyone who shared our Easter message via our yard signs!
  
  On the 9^th Day…
  
  The Pastor said “I’m taking a few days off. I’ll see you next Sunday.”
  
  And God saw that it was good!
  
  Day Is Done
  
  After many weeks of reverent and serious words, the videos I’ve chosen to bring the Triduum to a close (sunset on Easter Sunday) are lighter in content. The first video shares thoughts of a three-year-old child on Easter. Of course, no Easter would be complete without the Hallelujah Chorus. Please enjoy!
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  Easter - a Scottish 3 year old's take
  
  Silent Monks Sing the Hallelujah Chorus
- April 2, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #71
  Staying Connected #71
  
  Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday
  April 2, 2021
  
  Christos Anesti!
  
  Alithos Anesti!
  
  This is our Easter greeting in the original Greek. It will be our proclamation of faith throughout the entire Easter season!
  
  Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
  
  A True Story
  About Our Yard Signs
  
  One of our parishioners had our sign placed either in her yard or in her window. I don’t remember which it was. One day when getting her mail, she found a note left by her postal worker. It said: “He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!”
  
  Schedule of Services
  
  Morning Prayer > Saturday morning at 8:30am
  The Great Easter Vigil > Saturday evening at 8:00pm
  Easter Sunday Masses > 9:00am and 11:00am
  Distribution of Holy Communion > Easter Sunday afternoon from 12:45pm to 1:30pm
  
  For those livestreaming our Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday celebrations, please have a small bowl of water nearby which will be used after the renewal of our Baptismal Promises.
  
  The Gift of Finest Wheat
  
  If you are coming to Church on Easter Sunday afternoon to receive the Body of Christ, it’s not necessary that you be here exactly at 12:45pm.
  
  Please enter the Church via the main doors by the flower bed and then move to the doors near the center aisle to enter the nave of the Church.
  
  After receiving the Body of Christ please exit the nave of the Church through the doors by the St. Joachim room and leave the vestibule via the doors to the plaza area.
  
  Day Is Done
  
  Many of us are familiar with the songs of Marty Haugen, songs like Gather Us In, We Remember and Shepherd Us, O God. In the spirit of Godspell and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in 1995 Marty Haugen released an oratorio entitled The Song of Mark. The musical selection I chose for the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday is the last song of the oratorio entitled “Song at the Empty Tomb.” Because the women disciples are considered the “heroines” of the Gospel of Mark, they are the primary singers of this proclamation.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  and as we are the half-way point of the Sacred Triduum,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  song at the empty tomb - video
March 2021 Updates
- March 31, - Staying Connected #70
  Staying Connected #70
  
  Wednesday, March 31, 2021
  Worship Aids for Holy Thursday & Good Friday
  
  Beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday, we enter into the holiest week of our lives as a Catholic people. The liturgies of this week are powerful, and no matter how often you have celebrated them, the symbolism is so rich that you can always walk away from them with new insights and a faith renewed. In anticipation of these special days, I would like to highlight some of the small details of the Triduum with which we might not be as familiar.
  
  The Sacred Triduum: Triduum is the Latin word for "Three Days", and the three days that it refers to are Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. You might be wondering, "What happened to Holy Thursday? Don't tell me I missed another change in the Church! Isn't it still a part of these days, and, if it is, wouldn't that make it "Four Days"? First of all, the answer is most certainly Holy Thursday is very much an important part of these holy days. Here's a quick lesson in the Jewish day: For the Jewish people, a new day begins with the sunset from the previous day. In their "calendar of days", evening is already a part of the following day. So, Thursday evening to Friday evening is Day 1; Friday evening to Saturday evening is Day 2; and Saturday evening to Sunday evening is Day 3.
  
  We are invited to make these days different from all the other days of the year. (Hopefully, my lesson on what makes up a Jewish day begins to show how we are to think differently about them.) On these Sacred Three Days, we are invited to gather a number of times for prayer, beginning each day not with the celebration of the Eucharist but with a liturgy known as morning prayer. Together we hear some of the church's most beautiful prayers and scriptures, and we make some of our finest music. Please join us for prayer as often as you can, either in person or via livestream.
  
  These days are so important that we are asked to enter into a Paschal fast. This fast is different from the fast of Lent. The Paschal Fast is a fast of anticipation, like the time you were so nervous or excited about an upcoming event that you couldn't eat. What is our fasting to look like? From Holy Thursday until the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, we are asked to eat as simply as possible. We are also invited to fast from social engagements, from entertainment, even from work, both around the house and your employment, if that is possible. I know this may seem like a late notice, but in whatever ways we can simplify the pace of our lives on these days, the more we will dispose ourselves to the power of God's grace to touch our hearts.
  
  Parish Announcements
  
  Schedule of Services
  
  Morning Prayer > Thursday, Friday & Saturday mornings at 8:30am
  
  Stations of the Cross > Friday afternoon at 3:00pm
  
  Mass of the Lord’s Supper > Thursday evening at 7:00pm
  
  The Passion of Our Lord > Friday evening at 7:00pm
  
  The Great Easter Vigil > Saturday evening at 8:00pm
  
  Easter Sunday Masses > 9:00am and 11:00am
  
  Distribution of Holy Communion > Easter Sunday afternoon from 12:45pm to 1:30pm
  
  Vaccinations on Saturday, April 3
  Parishioners and other guests will be receiving their first or second vaccination throughout the day in The Reilly Center .
  
  Seating for the Triduum & Easter Sunday
  After receiving phone calls from parishioners whose plans had changed, and doing some adjusting of spaces, we now have more seats available in the Parish Hall for each of the Triduum services and for both Masses on Easter Sunday. Please visit our Sign-Up Genius link on the parish website to sign up.
  
  If you are no longer able to worship with us over these days, please try to remove your name from the Sign-Up Genius link or call the Parish Office at 314-894-1373.
  
  The Gift of Finest Wheat
  
  Because it has been over a year since some parishioners have been able to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord,” on Easter Sunday afternoon, some ministers and I will be offering the Body of Christ to any parishioners who would like to receive it.
  
  Here are the details for that day:
  
  Hopefully, you will have joined us via livestream for either the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday liturgies.
  
  Between 12:45pm and 1:30pm Easter Sunday afternoon, you’re invited to enter Church to receive Holy Communion. (We will not be distributing the Eucharist to people while they wait in their cars as they do at some other parishes.)
  
  As is our practice here, please wear a mask in church.
  
  You’ll be invited by a hospitality minister to stand in a pew just as we do for Mass. While you wait to receive the Body of Christ, I invite you to pray the Our Father.
  
  Again, as is our practice here, please receive the Eucharist in your hand.
  
  After you receive the Eucharist, please follow the directions of the hospitality minister to exit the church.
  
  If you feel comfortable receiving the Body of Christ this way, please register your name and number of people receiving Holy Communion via Sign-Up Genius (button link below). There are two reasons for doing this: One is for contract tracing if it is needed. The other and more important reason is so we know how many additional hosts need to be consecrated at the Easter Sunday Masses.
  
  So that we can prepare for the event,
  the Signup will close on Thursday afternoon 4/1 at Noon.
  
  Sign up for Communion
  
  Worship Aids for
  Holy Thursday and Good Friday (7pm both nights)
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
  
  Video LInk - Pie Jesu
- March 31, 2021 - Staying Connected #69
  Staying Connected #69
  
  Wednesday, March 31, 2021
  
  Morning Prayer will be celebrated both in Church and livestreamed at 8:30am on Holy Thursday morning, Good Friday morning and Holy Saturday morning.
  
  Woship Aids for all three days can be found here
- March 26, 2021 - Staying Connected #68
  Staying Connected #68
  
  March 26, 2021 - Palm Sunday
  
  Parish News
  
  For Those Who Are Joining Us This Weekend via Livestream
  
  As we have done in the past at our Palm Sunday liturgies, we will begin the liturgy with a small procession from the vestibule. Because we have only one camera, you will not be able to see the procession, but you will be able to hear the sung acclamations, the greeting, the blessing of Palms, and the proclamation of the Gospel.
  
  Holy Week / Triduum Adjustments
  
  There will be 2 separate Flocknotes sent out this week with links for the Worship Aids for Morning Prayer, the Triduum liturgies and the Student bulletins.
  
  Morning Prayer will be prayed at 8:30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You can join us in person or via livestream.
  
  The Mass of the Last Supper (Holy Thursday) will begin at 7:00pm.
  
  The Passion of Our Lord (Good Friday) will begin at 7:00pm.
  
  The Great Easter Vigil will begin at 8:00pm.
  
  Easter Sunday Liturgies will be at 9:00am and 11:00am.
  
  Distribution of Holy Communion on Easter Sunday afternoon will take place between 12: 45pm and 1:30pm.
  
  The Gift of Finest Wheat
  
  Because it has been over a year since some parishioners have been able to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord,” on Easter Sunday afternoon, some ministers and I will be offering the Body of Christ to any parishioners who would like to receive it.
  
  Here are the details for that afternoon:
  
  Hopefully, you will have joined us via livestream for either the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday liturgies.
  
  Between 12:45pm and 1:30pm Easter Sunday afternoon, you’re invited to enter Church to receive Holy Communion. (We will not be distributing the Eucharist to people while they wait in their cars as they do at some other parishes.)
  
  As is our practice here, please wear a mask in church.
  
  You’ll be invited by a hospitality minister to stand in a pew just as we do for Mass. While you wait to receive the Body of Christ, I invite you to pray the Our Father.
  
  Again, as is our practice here, please receive the Eucharist in your hand.
  
  After you receive the Eucharist, please follow the directions of the hospitality minister to exit the church.
  
  If you feel comfortable receiving the Body of Christ this way, please register your name and number of people receiving Holy Communion via Sign-Up Genius (button link below). There are two reasons for doing this: One is for contract tracing if it is needed. The other and more important reason is so we know how many additional hosts need to be consecrated at the Easter Sunday Masses.
  
  So that we can prepare for the event,
  the Signup will close on Thursday afternoon 4/1/2021 at Noon.
  
  Receiving Holy Communion on Easter Sunday Afternoon
  
  A Different Way to Access
  
  the Worship Aids & Student Bulletins
  
  For those who use their computers a lot, you know that if one software vendor does an upgrade, it can affect numerous other software programs. This has happened lately with an upgrade that Microsoft has done to Outlook, which is having an adverse effect on our Flocknotes. In other words, they are not playing well together at this time.
  
  While the Flocknote folks are making their adjustments, we are opening a different door for you to access the Worship Aids and the Student Bulletins. They are now posted as a link on the Mass Live Streaming web page. Just click the button below and it will take you to our parish website. Find the Documents section on the left side of your screen and click the document link you want. It will then download the file, which you can print.
  
  These weekend there are 4 “attachments:”
  
  The Worship Aid for Palm Sunday > 4:30pm and 9:00am Masses
  
  The Worship Aid for Palm Sunday > 11:00am Mass
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for March 28.
  
  The Middle School Bulletin for March 28.
  
  Easter Yard Signs
  
  Like we did at Christmas time, an Easter Greeting from our Parish has been created. The cost is $5.00 a sign. We would ask that you display them in your yard from Easter through Pentecost (May 23). They will be available this weekend in the vestibule or during the week at the Parish Office.
  
  Grace Indeed Is Amazing!
  
  Last week I invited you to think about the following questions. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts if anyone would like to share them with us.
  
  As much as our attention may be focused on the arrival of Spring, more people being vaccinated or the liturgical celebrations of Palm Sunday, the Sacred Triduum and Easter, I would like to invite us to also do a little retrospection.
  
  Question #1: In the midst of the year like no other, what was one blessing, one grace that comes to mind as you look back over the past year?
  
  Question #2: Is there a change you made during this past year that you would like to see continue in the year ahead?
  
  Day Is Done...
  
  As we enter into this holiest of Holy Weeks, enjoy this Mary, Mother favorite! If I remember correctly, Kathleen McAnany and I introduced this song for a Parish Mission with the Dominicans in the early 90’s.
  (video removed due to techinical difficulties)
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- March 19, 2021 - Staying Connected #67
  Staying Connected #67
  
  March 19, 2021
  
  Archdiocesan News
  
  A Reminder:
  Ecumenical Prayer Service for
  Remembrance, Healing and Unity
  
  Join Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski and Reverend Rodrick K. Burton, Pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, as they gather with other Christian leaders in an ecumenical prayer for remembrance, healing and unity. Together, they will offer prayer and support for all those who have suffered and died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
  Sunday, March 21 @ 7 - 8:15pm
  
  Those in attendance will participate via live stream. The link will be sent to registrants. Register by clicking the button below.
  
  Parish News
  
  Easter Yard Signs
  Like we did at Christmas time, an Easter Greeting from our Parish has been created. The cost is $5.00 a sign. We would ask that you display them in your yard from Easter through Pentecost (May 23). They will be available this weekend in the vestibule and in the Parish Office during the week.
  
  Vaccinations
  With Thursday’s announcement by Governor Parson that beginning April 9 all adults will be eligible for the COVID vaccine, I encourage you to register for a vaccination if you have not already done so. If you don’t have internet access, there are phone numbers you can call OR ask a neighbor or a grandchild for their help.
  
  A word for those who have been vaccinated: It’s great to see more people out and about. The attendance for Masses the past 2 weekends has been 253 exactly, even though the distribution over the 3 Masses was different. Please remember to continue to wear your mask and practice social distancing in group gatherings beyond your family and immediate circle of friends. And continue to wash your hands!
  
  Thank You!
  We are familiar with the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a wonderful group of volunteers to pull off a group vaccination that took place here at the parish on March 13, 2021. From Dan Winkelmann, the Pharmacy students and nurses to parishioners who helped host to Michele, our parish nurse, Ann, Linda & Mary Brutcher, who assigned people to specific time slots, 311 people, many from St. Matthias Parish and our Parish, were vaccinated on March 13 ^th.
  
  Parish Reconciliation Service
  Our Lenten Reconciliation Service will take place this Tuesday evening, March 23 at 7:00pm. As we have done in the past, the evening will begin with a prayer service followed by the opportunity to individually celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Rich Heman, Fr. Pete Schavitz CSsR and Fr. Chuck Barthel will be the confessors.
  Attachments
  This weekend's 3 attachments will be arriving via a separate Flocknote. For some unknown reason, there were technical difficulties in attaching them to this Flocknote.
  
  Grace Indeed Is Amazing!
  
  As much as our attention may be focused on the arrival of Spring, more people being vaccinated or the liturgical celebrations of Palm Sunday, the Sacred Triduum & Easter, I would like to invite us to also do a little retrospection.
  
  Question #1: In the midst of the year like no other, what was one blessing, one grace that comes to mind as you look back over the past year?
  
  Question #2: Is there a change you made during this past year that you would like to see continue in the year ahead?
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As you will read in the parish bulletin, in celebration of the 150 ^th Anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph.” This jubilee year is a wonderful opportunity to increase our love for and knowledge of St. Joseph, and “to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.”
  
  One way that our love and knowledge may increase is through Audio Divina. (Divine Hearing)
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- March 12, 2021 - Staying Connected #66
  Staying Connected #66
  
  March 12, 2021
  
  Archdiocesan News
  
  Join Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski and Reverend Rodrick K. Burton, Pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, as they gather with other Christian leaders in an ecumenical prayer for remembrance, healing and unity. Together, they will offer prayer and support for all those who have suffered and died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
  Sunday, March 21 @ 7 - 8:15pm
  
  Those in attendance will participate via live stream.
  The link will be sent to registrants.
  
  Register by clicking the button below.
  
  Register
  
  Parish News
  
  The Times, They Are a-Changin’
  
  Sitting behind the numbers rather than in front of them in Church seemed to go very well last weekend. Thank you very much for making the adjustments. With additional spots in the pews in the back of church, it would be a great display of hospitality and welcome if folks would sit in the middle of the pew if those spaces are open when you arrive rather than sitting on the end of the pew which has been your favorite spot forever. If folks arrive late, it’s not easy to find those open spots in the middle of the pews.
  
  Palm Sunday, Triduum & Easter Services
  
  As of Friday morning, March 12, these are the number of available seats for our Holy Week liturgies:
  
  Palm Sunday Weekend in Church: 4:30 pm > 18 seats
  9:00 am > 3 seats 11:00 am > 60 seats
  Palm Sunday Weekend in Parish Hall > all seats
  
  Holy Thursday, 7:00 pm: 30 seats in the Parish Hall only
  Good Friday, 7:00 pm: 45 seats in the Parish Hall only
  Easter Vigil, 8:00 pm: 25 seats in Church
  Easter Sunday, 9:00 am: 10 seats in Parish Hall only
  Easter Sunday, 11:00 am: 10 seats in Parish Hall only
  
  Easter Yard Signs
  
  Like we did at Christmas an Easter Greeting from our Parish has been created. The cost is $5.00 a sign. We would ask that you display them in your yard from Easter through Pentecost (May 23).
  Beginning this weekend, they will be available in the vestibule or in the Parish Office.
  
  Attachments – 3 in all
  
  The Worship Aid for the 4^th Sunday of Lent
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for March 14
  
  The Middle School Bulletin for March 14. (This is a new bulletin for students in Grades 4 – 6.)
  
  A Prayer One Year Later!
  
  from the Catholic Health Association
  
  Let us pause and remember all those who have suffered
  during the pandemic of the past year:
  
  God of all grace and providence,
  You are our shepherd who walks with us through every valley.
  
  Be with us today as we mark one year of the pandemic in our country.
  Be strength for those who have served so valiantly on the front lines.
  Be a connection for those who are isolated.
  Be eternal rest for those who have died.
  Be comfort for those who grieve.
  
  Help us trust you, follow you and love you for your goodness today and always.
  
  Amen!
  
  Day Is Done
  
  Another reprisal from this past year:
  In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy this Irish Blessing.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- March 5, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #65
  Staying Connected #65
  
  March 5, 2021
  
  Universal Church News
  
  Please continue to pray for Pope Francis this weekend during his pastoral visit to Iraq. Iraq was the only nation in the holy land that had never been visited by a pope. During his weekly audience, Pope Francis expressed his eagerness to visit the people of Iraq. "For a long time, I have wanted to meet those people who have suffered so much; to meet that martyred Church in the land of Abraham and Sarah."
  
  Parish News
  
  The Times, They Are a-Changin’
  
  As you will read in this weekend’s bulletin, beginning this weekend, we are asking you to sit behind the numbers in church, rather than in front of them. As we anticipate more people attending our Holy Week services, and hopefully throughout the Easter season, we’ve added additional spots where parishioners can sit in church, while maintaining the proper social distancing. The are some other some changes that I write about in the bulletin article, but this is the main one. The entire bulletin article is included as an attachment with this Flocknote.
  
  Our Major Project Fund – Worth Repeating
  
  At the request of the Administration Finance Commission, Ann Garavaglia, our Business Manager, has prepared an important message about our Parish’s Major Project Fund. This message can be found in this weekend’s bulletin (March 7, 2021) or as an attachment with this Flocknote.
  
  Grace Indeed Is Amazing!
  
  What are some of the graces you may have experienced so far during this season of Lent? Perhaps it’s something you’ve read – an act of kindness or service you did or someone did for you – a take-away from your time in prayer – something you’ve turned over to God…
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As we approach the first-year anniversary of the pandemic in our country, I thought it would be most fitting to hear / pray the words of “Shelter Me” once again. Michael Joncas is the composer and the song was recorded by the group Spiritu.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
february updates
- February 26, 2021 - Staying Connected #64
  Staying Connected #64
  
  February 26, 2021
  
  Universal Church News
  
  In the week ahead, I would like for us to offer special prayers for Pope Francis. The reason for my request is that next weekend, from March 5 - 8, Pope Francis will be making the first ever pastoral visit to Iraq by the successor of St. Peter. He travels as a pilgrim, a pastor and a prophetic voice of peace. More so than usual, there are significant risks that accompany this pilgrimage, for the example the pandemic and security. (On Thursday, after a series of airstrikes by Syria on US targets in Iraq, the United States retaliated by bombing Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria.) We pray that this pilgrimage to the ancestral home of Abraham and Sarah be both safe and grace filled.
  
  Parish News
  
  Our Major Project Fund
  At the request of the Administration Finance Commission, Ann Garavaglia, our Business Manager, has prepared an important message about our Parish's Major Project Fund. This message can be found in this weekend's bulletin (February 28, 2021) or as an attachment with this Flocknote.
  
  Major Project Fund Article for Flocknote.pdf
  
  Attachments
  There are 2 additional attachments accompanying this Flocknote .
  
  The Worship Aid for the 2nd Sunday of Lent
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for February 28
- February 19, 2021 - Staying Connected #63
  Staying Connected #63
  
  Friday, February 19, 2021
  
  A Liturgical Note from Nate
  
  As we begin Lent, a change of season brings about some changes in our liturgies. First, our gathering rites set for us a more solemn ambiance. As we gather in quiet anticipation of the Mass, the clergy will be seated in the Sanctuary instead of walking forward in a procession. We will have no opening song, but rather Father will call us to worship with a simple greeting. After reciting the Confiteor (“I confess to Almighty God…”), we chant the Kyrie eleison. The Glory to God is omitted during Lent, as we reserve that great hymn of the angels until we begin the Holy Days of the Triduum.
  
  Second, the music we sing during Mass will be more reflective of the penitential season. Traditional hymns and some chants take the place of more upbeat songs of praise. Songs such as Turn to Me, Hosea, Beyond the Days, and Be Thou My Vision call us to reflect our parish’s Lenten theme: “Turn to God with all your heart.”
  
  Lastly, we will take this sacred season with us as we leave Mass in a quiet manner. Lent calls us to conversion of hearts. As we leave church quietly, we bring the prayers we’ve heard and the songs we’ve sung out into the world, proclaiming repentance to all we encounter.
  
  We remember throughout Lent the words of the prophet Joel: “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.” (Joel 2:12) May our liturgies these forty days help to turn our hearts to God with our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
  
  Nominations for Parish Council
  By way of a reminder, this weekend is the last weekend to submit either by paper ballot or electronically (parish website) the name of anyone you would like to nominate to serve on the Parish Council.
  
  A New Calendar Commitment for Fr. Chuck
  The St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) has recently formed a task force called the South County Stakeholders. The purpose of the group is to provide feedback and input for DPH regarding the Vaccine Distribution, especially for specific groups of people who have little or no access to the internet. As the Dean of the South County Deanery, the Archbishop asked if I would join the Stakeholders as a representative of the Archdiocese / Deanery. Beginning this past Ash Wednesday, I am scheduled for a bi-weekly Wednesday morning Zoom meeting with the other members of the group.
  
  Attachments
  There are 2 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the 1^st Sunday of Lent
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for February 21
  
  Grace Indeed Is Amazing!
  With the Noah story from this weekend’s first reading as a reference point, what are some of the signs that you have experienced lately which remind you of the covenant relationship God has with us?
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- Feb 17, 2021 - Staying Connected #62
  Staying Connected #62 - Ash Wednesday Edition
  
  February 16, 2021
  
  Blow the trumpet in Zion!
  
  Proclaim a fast!
  
  Call an assembly!
  
  Gather the people!
  
  Joel 2:15
  
  Lent Begins on Wednesday / Tomorrow
  
  Our Masses with the distribution of ashes are scheduled for 8:30am and 7:00pm. Some of you may have heard that there was a recommendation that ashes only be distributed by sprinkling them on the head of those wanting to receive ashes. Archbishop Rozanski has since delegated the decision to each pastor whether they wanted to sign the forehead with ashes or sprinkle ashes on the top of the head. Here at the parish, we will be signing ashes on your forehead.
  
  Other Lenten Practices : The following items will be available, both in the back of church and in plastic bins outside the doors of the church.
  
  The Little Black Books
  
  Rice Bowls
  
  Lenten Family Calendar (new)
  
  Developing a Servant’s Heart Prayer Card (new)
  
  Hearts to be placed on the parish heart in the sanctuary (new)
  
  Grace Indeed Is Amazing!
  
  For what graces will you ask to receive during Lent this year?
  
  Attachments
  
  There are 2 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for Ash Wednesday
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for Ash Wednesday
  
  Day Is Done
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Enjoy this invitation by Paul Tate to enter into the season of Lent
  
  And the heat in Church has returned! – Thank you for your prayers!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- February 12, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #61
  Staying Connected #61
  
  February 12, 2021
  
  Parish News
  
  A Word of Thanks
  
  His name is Greg Klobe and he is in charge of the maintenance, groundskeeping and janitorial services around the parish campus. He is usually on campus by 7:00am every day. The past couple of weeks you would have seen him running the snowplow and salting the parking lot early in the morning and throughout the day in order to make our parking lot, driveways and sidewalks as safe as possible. The current temperatures of the past week made those tasks even more difficult. By way of a reference point, over the past week, Greg has spread 55 50-lb. bags of salt. That’s 2750 lbs. or 1¼ ton!
  
  Greg, thanks for all that you do to make our campus a safe place!
  
  A Few Reminders
  
  This weekend our candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be having two retreat days on Saturday & Sunday.
  
  This is the last week for you to share with me your thoughts about the camera angle for the livestreaming of our Masses. Do you prefer a wide angle, so you can see the crucifix on the sanctuary wall OR do you prefer a narrow angle, so you can see the ministers better?
  
  Lent Begins on Wednesday
  
  Our Masses with the distribution of ashes are scheduled for 8:30am and 7:00pm. Some of you may have heard that there was a recommendation that ashes only be distributed by sprinkling them on the head of those wanting to receive ashes. Archbishop Rozanski has since delegated the decision to each pastor whether they wanted to sign the forehead with ashes or sprinkle ashes on the top of the head. Here at the parish, we will be signing ashes on your forehead.
  
  Other Lenten Practices:
  The following items will be available this weekend, both in the back of church and in plastic bins outside the doors of the church.
  
  The Little Black Books
  
  Rice Bowls
  
  Lenten Family Calendar (new)
  
  Attachments
  There are 3 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the 430p and 900a Masses.
  
  The Worship Aid for the 1100a Mass.
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for February 14.
  
  Grace Indeed Is Amazing!
  
  For the past three weekends, we’ve been invited to reflect upon our call to be a steward.
  
  What did you find affirming from what was said or what you read?
  
  Do you have any new insights from what was said or what you read?
  
  What do you find challenging about the call to embrace stewardship as a faith response?
  
  What will be at least one specific response or commitment you would like to make regarding your call to be a good and faithful steward?
  
  Day Is Done!
  
  Deacon Randy has made a special musical request for this edition of Staying Connected. (I should have known better…You ask the guy to preach one weekend and the list of demands starts growing!)
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- February 5, 2021 - Staying Connected Update #60
  Staying Connected #60!
  
  February 5, 2021
  
  Livestreaming Experiment
  Over the course of these past 10 months, periodically parishioners have expressed their desire to see all of the crucifix and silhouette on the back wall of the sanctuary. Regrettably, there are some limitations with our camera set-up that keep that from happening. On the one hand, in order to see all of the back sanctuary wall, the lens angle needs to be set at its widest angle, which means the ministers will become smaller in size. On the other hand, with its current setting, viewers at home are able to see more easily the “faces” of the ministers, which during this time of staying-at-home, is something they prefer / enjoy / need / want. Hopefully, you can see the quandary.
  
  Before exploring some solutions that will have both a financial cost and a need for 12 to 15 volunteers, one for every weekend Mass per month, an experiment is being conducted this week at our weekday Masses. The angle of our camera lens for the upcoming weekday Masses will be set for a wide view of the sanctuary. The question I would like for you to think about is: “Which camera angle – seeing the back wall of the sanctuary OR being able to see the ministers – helps you to enter more fully into the celebration of the Eucharist, and why?”
  
  Golden Jubilee Theme & Logo
  If you haven’t seen the bulletin yet, we are officially beginning our Jubilee year this weekend. The first thing to see is our theme / logo for the Jubilee. Whenever you see this image in the bulletin or on the website, think of it as a beacon highlighting either an upcoming event or a memory of our parish community.
  
  Who Will Be the First Black Catholic Saint from the United States?
  As our nation celebrates Black History Month during this month of February, this title of a recent article written for America Media by Ricardo da Silva, S.J. piqued my interest. Did you know that there are 6 Black Catholics who are in various stages in the canonization process? They lived in New York by way of Haiti, New Orleans, Chicago by way of Quincy, IL and Montgomery City, MO, Baltimore by way of Cuba, Denver by way of Hannibal, MO, and Canton, MS. They served as a hairdresser and fundraiser, nurse, teacher & caregiver, a diocesan priest, another teacher, a housekeeper, a singer, writer and evangelizer. They began schools, cared for the disenfranchised, built orphanages and cared for senior women through serious sickness and death during the yellow fever pandemic of 1853.
  
  Their names are Mr. Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), Sr. Henriette Delille, S.S.F. (Sisters of the Holy Family) (1812-1862), Rev. Augustus Tolton (1854-97), Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, O.S.P (Oblate Sisters of Providence) (circa 1784-1882), Ms. Julia Greeley (between 1833 & 1848 – 1918) and Sr. Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A. (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) (1937-1990).
  
  Fr. Tolton and Ms. Greeley have the Missouri connections.
  
  By each image, I have posted a link to a website, if you are interested in more information about these “saints in process.”
  
  Reflections on Stewardship
  Wendy Franklin will be sharing her reflections on stewardship at each of the Masses this weekend.
  
  Attachments
  There are 2 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the 5^th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for February 7.
  
  Day Is Done
  
  This is update #60! Oh my! When I began doing this last March, I never expected it would become a new career. A colleague of mine does one every day! (I can already feel the muscles in my shoulders tightening from the very thought of creating a new Flocknote every day!) I pray that it has helped you stay connected.
  
  Staying the with Black History Month / Black Catholic information theme, this weekend’s song is from that genre known as the African American Spiritual. Please view the video until the end.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
January 2021 Updates
- January 29, 2021 - Staying Connected #59
  Staying Connected #59
  
  January 29, 2021
  
  Parish News
  
  Planning Ahead – Worth Repeating
  
  Even though Holy Week & Easter are “just” 10 weeks away, we need to start making plans for our parish celebrations, based on the current restrictions. Please take a few moments to fill out a brief survey regarding your possible attendance at our Holy Week services. The return date is Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
  
  Complete the Survey
  
  Called to Be Stewards
  Before there was Original Sin, there were several Original Blessings. One of those blessings was God “placing Adam in the garden of Eden, in order to cultivate and care for it.” (Genesis 2:15) That is the beginning of our call to live as stewards. For the next 3 weekends, Wendy Franklin, Deacon Randy Howe and I will be sharing a few thoughts on how we respond to the call to live as a steward.
  
  Nominations for Parish Council
  It’s that time of year again to begin surfacing the names of parishioners who would be willing to serve on the Parish Council. At each of the Masses this weekend, Dave Baranowski, vice-chair of the Parish Council, will give a very brief overview and invitation to parishioners to begin that discernment process.
  
  Attachments
  There are 2 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the 4^th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for January 31.
  
  Archdiocesan News
  
  Catholic Schools Week – January 31 – February 5
  
  Traditionally, this is the week when our Catholic Schools celebrate their accomplishments and their identity as a Catholic School. Even though we do not have our own school, we do have many people involved in the Catholic formation of our parishioners. We would like to give a shout out of thanks to the following people: anyone who has become a volunteer for the Faith Alive in the Home program (Parents as Teachers, Catholic version), anyone who has helped with Vacation Bible School (VBS), Clare Ernst and her Youth Group Leadership team, our PSR catechists – Beth Stevison, Michelle Martin, Polly Fick, Andy Dapron, Pat Tobin, Sharon Van Ronzelen, Barrett Thiele, Rich Blackford – and Cheryl Degenhart, our Director of Faith Formation.
  
  Day Is Done
  Some of you may have grown up with the rule that the driver of the car gets to pick the radio station. A variation of that rule applies to whomever is writing the Staying Connected Updates. This week is an encore performance by my favorite new group The Piano Guys!
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- January 22, 2021 -Staying Connected #58
  Staying Connected #58
  
  January 22, 2021
  
  Planning Ahead
  
  As you will read in this weekend’s bulletin, even though Holy Week & Easter are “just” 11 weeks away, we need to start making plans for our parish celebrations, based on the current restrictions. Please take a few moments to fill out a brief survey regarding your possible attendance at our Holy Week services. The return date is Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
  
  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EASTER2021
  
  Respect Life Apostolate
  Today marked the 48 ^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in which the Supreme Court ruled that women had a constitutional right to abortion, and that this right was based on an implied right to personal privacy. In this decision, the Supreme Court said that a fetus is not a person but “potential life,” and thus does not have constitutional rights of its own.
  
  In light of this tragic decision, there are several opportunities to pray for metanoia scheduled from January 21 – January 29.
  
  One invitation is to participate in the 9 Days for Life Novena via a daily Flocknote being sent to you from the parish.
  
  You are also invited to join other parishioners in praying the rosary in Church this Sunday evening, January 24 at 6:30pm.
  
  There is a Young Adult (ages 19 – 39) Holy Hour at the Cathedral Basilica on Thursday, January 28 at 7:00 pm.
  
  Finally, if you are not able to participate in any of these activities, I would invite you to pray the following prayer each day through Friday, January 29.
  
  O God, source of all life and goodness,
  you fashion human lives in your image and likeness,
  and through your love, you give each human life
  dignity, sanctity and priceless worth.
  
  Awaken in every heart a new reverence
  for the least of your children,
  and renew among your people
  a readiness to nurture and sustain
  your precious gift of human life.
  
  We make this prayer
  in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
  who lives and reigns with you
  in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
  one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
  
  Attachments
  There are 2 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for January 24.
  
  Grace Is Indeed Amazing!
  
  As the days continue to be winter-grey and colder, I thought now was the right moment to share with you a grace someone shared with me this past May.
  
  "Father Chuck,
  Here’s what I’ve been doing while on stay-at-home orders. My daughter gave me this hydrangea paint-by-number for Christmas (2019.) I pulled it out in April and worked on it a little bit every day. It was very relaxing and therapeutic! I plan on getting it framed whenever the frame shop reopens."
  -Diane A
  
  Day Is Done
  
  This weekend’s music video is entitled “We Choose Life” and was composed by Tim Manion in 1984. Tim was one of the original St. Louis Jesuits and the song is based on these words from the Book of Deuteronomy:
  
  “Today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Deut. 30:19b-20
  
  The context of this scripture passage is choices that the Israelites must make as they are about to settle in the Promised Land. With the backdrop of the Respect Life Novena and a new administration, we are always making choices. Whatever the choice to be made is, am I guided by the principle of choosing life so that “I and my descendants may live?”
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- January 15, 2021 - Staying Connected #57
  Staying Connected #57
  
  Friday, January 15, 2021
  
  Parish News
  
  Confirmation & First Reconciliation
  
  There will be a blessing for candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation and their sponsors at the 11:00 am Mass this Sunday. In addition to blessing the confirmandi, this blessing reminds us – the members of the Parish Community – of our responsibility to pray for our confirmandi, their sponsors, their parents and their catechists.
  
  Our 2^nd graders are invited to experience the mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this Monday evening, January 18. Please continue to pray for our young people, their parents and their catechist.
  
  Funeral on Tuesday Afternoon
  There will be a funeral Mass celebrated here at the parish on Tuesday, January 19 at 1:00 pm for Sr. Jean Marie Abbott, CSJ.
  
  Attachments
  There are 2 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for January 17
  
  Archdiocesan News
  
  LifeLine Coalition
  
  A majority of women choose abortion due to financial hardship, lack of practical resources, and lack of emotional and spiritual support. Since 1986, the Archdiocesan LifeLine Coalition Campaign has helped to change those odds by meeting these needs for more than 10,000 women in our community each year facing crisis or unplanned pregnancies.
  
  Your generous gift to this campaign will provide women and families the concrete means to choose life. All funds are distributed through the Respect Life Apostolate directly to the area Birthright agencies, Our Lady’s Inn, Good Shepherd Children and Family Services, and the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Fund.
  
  If you would like to donate to the LifeLine Coalition, make your check payable to "LifeLine Coalition" and mail it to :
  
  Respect Life Apostolate
  Mail Stop 340001
  P.O. Box 953745
  St. Louis, MO 63195-37445
  P.O. Box 953745
  
  This past March, our bishops asked each diocese and parish to participate in a nationwide effort entitled: Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service. Your generous support of the LifeLine Coalition can change the odds for women and children in our community.
  
  Community News
  
  Pre-Register for a COVID-19 Vaccination from St. Louis County
  
  Even though there are limitations to both vaccine supply & what groups of people are eligible to be vaccinated at this time, you can still add your name to the contact list for the DPH (the Department of Public Health.)
  
  By submitting a registration form, you will be added to the contact list for DPH. You will be contacted when we both have vaccine on-hand & you meet the eligibility criteria for vaccination. The email will contain a private link to schedule yourself for a vaccination appointment.
  
  If you would like to pre-register – I myself have – please go to the following link to register:
  
  https://stlhealthandwellness.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6usqqPn7mArUskZ
  
  Grace Is Indeed Amazing!
  
  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  Many of us are familiar with Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech which was delivered on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Since Monday is the national holiday remembering Dr. King, I thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon some other statements he made during his short lifetime.
  
  The time is always right to do what is right.
  
  Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
  
  Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
  
  Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
  
  In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies,
  but the silence of our friends.
  
  We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.
  
  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"
  
  Day Is Done
  
  This weekend’s musical video is entitled “Let There Be Peace” and is performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock. It is both a reflection on what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed and a prayer for a peaceful inauguration week. FYI: This song is not the “Let There Be Peace on Earth” with which we are so familiar.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck
- January 8, 2021 - Staying Connected #56
  Staying Connected #56
  
  Friday, January 8, 2021
  
  The Baptism of the Lord
  
  This weekend’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord ends the Christmas season for the Church. You may wonder why this feast of the adult Jesus is included with the stories of the infant Jesus.
  
  One reason for its inclusion is that like the appearance of the angels to Joseph, the shepherds and the magi, and like the star serving as a beacon for both shepherds and magi, there is something “other worldly” about Jesus’ baptism. As Jesus comes up from the water, a voice is heard and a dove is seen descending upon Jesus.
  
  I believe a second reason for its inclusion is that it provides another answer to the question I asked on the Fourth Sunday of Advent: “What Child is this?” (homily spoiler alert)
  
  LifeLine Coalition
  
  A majority of women choose abortion due to financial hardship, lack of practical resources, and lack of emotional and spiritual support. Since 1986, the Archdiocesan LifeLine Coalition Campaign has helped to change those odds by meeting these needs for more than 10,000 women in our community each year facing crisis or unplanned pregnancies.
  
  Your generous gift to this campaign will provide women and families the concrete means to choose life. All funds are distributed through the Respect Life Apostolate directly to the area Birthright agencies, Our Lady’s Inn, Good Shepherd Children and Family Services, and the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Fund.
  
  If you would like to donate to the LifeLine Coalition, you can use the envelopes found in the pews this weekend and throughout the week. Make checks payable to "LifeLine Coalition."
  
  If you won’t be at Mass but would like to contribute, again make your check payable to "LifeLine Coalition" and mail it to :
  
  Respect Life Apostolate
  Mail Stop 340001
  P.O. Box 953745
  St. Louis, MO 63195-37445
  
  This past March, our bishops asked each diocese and parish to participate in a nationwide effort entitled: Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service. Your generous support of the LifeLine Coalition can change the odds for women and children in our community.
  
  Attachments
  
  There are 3 attachments accompanying this Flocknote:
  
  The Worship Aid for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
  
  The Catholic Kids Bulletin for January 10
  
  A Reflection by Dennis Winschel
  
  Reflection by Dennis Winschel
  
  Day Is Done
  
  From December 8, 2015 through November 20, 2016, Pope Francis called for an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. During this Jubilee, Pope Francis invited us to explore as many ways as possible that we could experience the mercy of God.
  
  This weekend’s song was composed by Trevor Thomson in honor of this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
  
  As another day comes to an end,
  may each of us have a restful and peaceful night!
  
  Fr. Chuck

COVID Archive 2021

Update from the Pastor

Mask Mandate

Staying Connected #87

Three Paths Intersected…

Path #1: The 4th of July Weekend

Path #2: A Few Changes

in the “How” We Celebrate the Liturgy

Path #3: Staying Connected

Day Is Done

Shepherd and sheep, my God and I,

to fresh green fields you led my steps in days gone by

You gave me rest by quiet springs

and filled my soul with peace your loving presence brings.

REFRAIN

O shelter me, O shelter me/ The way ahead is dark and difficult to see.

O shelter me, O shelter me/ All will be well if only you will shelter me.

Yet now I tread a diff’rent way

Death dogs my path with stealthy steps from day to day

I cannot find your peaceful place

But dwell in dreary darkness, longing for your face.

REFRAIN

I will look back in days to come

and realize your faithfulness has led me home

Within your house I’ll find my peace

trusting that in your mercy you have sheltered me.

REFRAIN

(Copyright 2020. The Jan Michael Joncas Trust.

All rights reserved.)

Staying Connected #86

Planning Ahead

Attachments

Day Is Done

Staying Connected #85

More Changes in How We Celebrate Mass

Here at the Parish

Brief Survey

Day Is Done

Staying Connected #84

Community News

Restore the Hyde Amendment to the Federal Budget

Parish News

Attachments

Day Is Done

Staying Connected #83

Reminders

Worth Repeating ...

PSR Registration

Attachments

Day Is Done

Staying Connected #82

Pastor News

Reminders

PSR Registration

Attachments

Memorial Day

Day Is Done

Worship Aid for Monday / Prayer Card for Tuesday

Staying Connected #80

Parish News

Mask Mandates – Social Distancing

Attendance Capacity – Sign-Up Genius

Our Parish Feast Day

All-powerful and ever-living God,

You have given to the Church a model of discipleship in our Blessed Mother.

She is the daughter who listens, who embraces your words with joy, treasuring them in the silence of her heart.

She is the woman of prayer who sings of your mercy in her canticle of praise, who shows concern for the bride and bridegroom of Cana and intercedes for them with her Son, who prays with the apostles in oneness of mind and heart.

She is the Mother, who gives birth to your Son by the power of the Holy Spirit, and at the foot of the cross is proclaimed as mother of the people of the New Covenant.

She is the disciple who keeps vigil, awaiting the resurrection of her Son with unwavering hope and looking forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit, with steadfast faith.

May we embrace this woman of faith in our lives just as the beloved disciple welcomed her into his home.

O Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

Adapted from Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Homily Help

Day Is Done

Special Edition - Staying Connected #79

Covid Updates - 5/19/2021

Staying Connected #78

Parish News

The Latest Directives on Wearing Masks

Archdiocesan Guidelines

You have given to the Church
a model of discipleship in our Blessed Mother.

She is the daughter who listens,
who embraces your words with joy,
treasuring them in the silence of her heart.

She is the woman of prayer
who sings of your mercy in her canticle of praise,
who shows concern for the bride and
bridegroom of Cana
and intercedes for them with her Son,
who prays with the apostles
in oneness of mind and heart.

She is the Mother,
who gives birth to your Son
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
and at the foot of the cross
is proclaimed as mother
of the people of the New Covenant.

She is the disciple who keeps vigil,
awaiting the resurrection of her Son
with unwavering hope and
looking forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit,
with steadfast faith.

May we embrace this woman of faith
in our lives just as the beloved disciple
welcomed her into his home.

The Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday morning, April 20^th

**The Story of Creation - Another Addendum**

Given that Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday,
this week I offer you the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song.

https://youtu.be/tSVvBQtSqFM