PARISH COMMUNITY

PastorFR. JEREMY PAULIN, O.M.V.

FR. DAVID BEAUREGARD, O.M.V. FR. JOHN LUONG, O.M.V.FR. JOHN WYKES, O.M.VBR. LOU FALBO, O.M.V.

DEACON JIM SCHWARTZKOPF

PARISH OFFICE

618-465-4284Fax: 618-463-4637

Hours: Mon.-Fri.8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MASS SCHEDULE

Weekdays: 6:30 a.m. & 8:00 a.m.During School Year: Fri. 8:15 a.m.

Saturdays: 5:15 p.m.(For Sunday Obligation)

Sundays: 6:30, 8:00, 9:30,11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Day Before Holy Day: 5:15 p.m.Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00 a.m.,12:00 noon and 5:15 p.m.

(if announced)First Fridays: 5:15 p.m.

Check out our Facebook page...St. Mary’s Catholic Church

CONFESSIONSFirst Fridays: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

BAPTISMSOn Sundays after the

11:00 a.m. MassPlease make an appointment.

MARRIAGESTo be arranged at least six months

before marriage. Call the Parish Office.

SCHOOL OFFICE

618-465-8523Middle School 618-465-9719

Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.www.smsalton.com

519 East Fourth ƒ Alton, Illinois OBLATES OF THE VIRGIN MARY

www.stmarysalton.com

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH

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Saint Mary’s Catholic Church

"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat

falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat;

but if it dies, it produces much fruit."

St. Mary’sCatholic Church

ALTON, ILLINOIS

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

MARCH 18, 2018

MASS INTENTIONSMonday, March 19

6:30 am Francisco Pulido†

8:00 am Patrick &

Elizabeth Purcell†

Tuesday, March 20

6:30 am James Fralinger†

8:00 am Dr. Ed Diestelkamp†

Wednesday, March 21

6:30 am Kathleen Darr†

8:00 am Dennis Manns†

Thursday, March 22

6:30 am Int of Jacqueline Mueller

8:00 am Connie & Paul Forgas†

Friday, March 23

6:30 am Fr. Gregory Staab,

OMV †

8:15 am Aloys Plemenick†

5:15 pm 2018 RCIA Class

Saturday, March 24

6:30 am Tom Stephan†

8:00 am Thomas Wilson†

5:15 pm Carol Cannella†

Sunday, March 25

6:30 am Bob Schnelten†

8:00 am The People of St. Mary’s

9:30 am Kevin Kane†

11:00 am Frank & Pat Gentelin†

6:00 pm Jesus Urbina†

Learning and Living Our Catholic FaithDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

St. Athanasius (296 - 373 AD) was a bishop and doctor of the church. He is called the "Father of Orthodoxy," the "Pillar of the Church" and "Champion of Christ's Divinity." Athanasius became one of the most dedicated opponents of the heresy of Arianism. Much of his life was a testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ, to the Truth that Jesus is God. He was even willing to defend this Truth with his life, if necessary. The following is taken from an Easter Letter he wrote, which invites us to prepare for the coming feast of the Lord through deeds, not words.

God bless you! - Fr Jeremy OMV

"The Word who became all things for us is close to us, our Lord Jesus Christ who promises to remain with us always. He cries out, saying: “See, I am with you all the days of this age.” He is himself the shepherd, the high priest, the way and the door, and has become all things at once for us. In the same way, he has come among us as our feast and holy day as well. The blessed Apostle says of him who was awaited: “Christ has been sacrificed as our Passover.” It was Christ who shed his light on the psalmist as he prayed: “You are my joy, deliver me from those surrounding me.” True joy, genuine festival, means the casting out of wickedness. To achieve this one must live a life of perfect goodness and, in the serenity of the fear of God, practice contemplation in one’s heart. This was the way of the saints, who in their lifetime and at every stage of life rejoiced as at a feast. Blessed David, for example, not once but seven times rose at night to win God’s favour through prayer. The great Moses was full of joy as he sang God’s praises in hymns of victory for the defeat of Pharaoh and the oppressors of the Hebrew people. Others had hearts filled always with gladness as they performed their sacred duty of worship, like the great Samuel and the blessed Elijah. Because of their holy lives they gained freedom, and now keep festival in heaven. They rejoice after their pilgrimage in shadows, and now distinguish the reality from the promise. When we celebrate the feast in our own day, what path are we to take? As we draw near to this feast, who is to be our guide? Beloved, it must be none other than the one whom you will address with me as our Lord Jesus Christ. He says: “I am the way.” As blessed John tells us: it is Christ “who takes away the sin of the world.” It is he who purifies our souls, as the prophet Jeremiah says: “Stand upon the ways; look and see which is the good path, and you will find in it the way of amendment for your souls.” In former times the blood of goats and the ashes of a calf were sprinkled on those who were unclean, but they were able to purify only the body. Now through the grace of God’s Word everyone is made abundantly clean. If we follow Christ closely we shall be allowed, even on this earth, to stand as it were on the threshold of the heavenly Jerusalem, and enjoy the contemplation of that everlasting feast, like the blessed apostles, who in following the Saviour as their leader, showed, and still show, the way to obtain the same gift from God. They said: “See, we have left all things and followed you.” We too follow the Lord, and we keep his feast by deeds rather than by words."

Our 2nd collection next weekend will be for the Annual Catholic Services Appeal

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES

Jordan Cook, Eddie Clark, Kris Drake, Kyle Gray, Brian Gehm, Alaina Gehm, Johnny Braun, Grant Wanamaker, Trenton Brown, Michael Lucas, Drew Hargus, Steven Layne Blair, Jr., Danielle Crites, Joseph Brakeville, Keith Johnson, Joseph Buehlman, Teresa Buehlman, Jess Houk, Austin Knebel,

Megan Schuette, Eric Hoehn, Daniel Chartrand, Morgun Yogore, Thomas Haine, William Kerr, Alex Geisen, Nick Dunphy, Matthew Gonzales, Dree Anna Dixon, Jacob Allen, Ron Wisnasky, Jacob Dunse, Matt Jouett, Gary Clark, Patrick Admire McDill, Tamara Cardenas, Emily Keith, Lisa Haegele, Kyle Ontis, Kaleb Selock, Caleb Rench, Danny Geringer, Zach Meyer

Please remember our brothers and sisters,who are in need of prayer.

Shirley Dunphy, Peggy Wheaton, Mary Jenniches, Abigail Stephenson, Owen Stephenson, Ella Curry, Sean Michael Donahue, Phyllis Milford-Rill, Kailey Almeter, Barb Maher, Lucy Rose Lucas, Bill Haine, Larry Greenwell, Sofia Sciacca, The Gray Family, The Sciacca Family, Ed Dorsey, Marge Ridder, Mike Mihalich, Florence Sabaj, Bertha Lavitus, Lois Wuellner, Sue Imming, Sharon Thompson, Al Nolte, Cheryl Lucas, Jo Ellyn Losch, Karen Huff, Brian Scheffel, Amy Terhaar, Sam Yungling, Christina Weirich Phillips, Brenda Nolan, Jim Clark, Joan Gulotta, JoanAnn Springman, Tad Holt, Mary Buckley, Amanda Runtz, Ken Conrady, John White, John Lake, Chuck Engdale, Liam Monahan, Eva Perica, Barb Cronn, Debra Houghton, Deron Griffin, Helen Bensman Smith, Nancy Redman, Becky Roberts, Devon Neal, Georgia Price, Mable Rench

**We want to continue praying for every person that you request. If you have submitted a name for prayers in the bulletin they will remain for one month. If you would like to ask the parish to continue praying, please let the parish office know by calling (618) 465-4284. Thank you for understanding!

RECENT BAPTISMS Owen Lewis Ruppert

Son of Richard and Kelli Ruppert

We welcome him as the newest member baptized into our Catholic Faith. May God bless them as they grow together in God’s love.

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENTFocus: Everyone, great and small, will have God’s law written on their hearts, and their sins forgiven.

The Lord reaches out once again to his people. God, ever faithful, extends his hand to those who break the covenant. No longer depending on prophets to communicate, under the new covenant each individual will know God’s law, his love, his mercy. God’s personal invitation calls for a personal response. Will we receive it?

In today’s reading from Jeremiah, the Lord declares a new covenant with his people. The Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the perfect high priest. In today’s Gospel, Jesus approaches his passion.

PART ONE - THE PROFESSION OF FAITHSECTION ONE - "I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE"

God Comes To Meet Man – The Stages of Revelation”54. "God, who creates and conserves all things by his Word, provides men with constant evidence of himself in created realities. and furthermore, wishing to open up the way to heavenly salvation – he manifested himself to our first parents from the very beginning."6 He invited them to intimate communion with himself and clothed them with resplendent grace and justice.

PROTECTECTING GODS CHILDRENThe Springfield Diocese requires all volunteers – ushers, choir, musicians, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, Oktoberfest, school helpers, VBS, God Squad, etc – to take the Protecting God's Children training class, as well as have a current background check on file. If you have not taken this class, please plan on attending one of these upcoming classes. If you have any questions, please contact Haylie Elmendorf at (618) 616-5953.

March 21st, 6:30-9:30pm, St. Boniface, EdwardsvilleCall (618) 656-6450 to register

March 27th, 6:30-8:30pmSt. Mary’s, Alton, Parish Center on Milton Rd

Call (618) 465-4284 to register

April 18th, 6:30-9:30pm, St. Boniface, EdwardsvilleCall (618) 656-6450 to register

EASTER INTENTIONS/EASTER LILIESIf you would like to remember your loved one with an Easter Mass Intention (free-will offering) or with a beautiful Easter Lily ($15.00), please stop by the Parish Office M-F 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. We ask that all requests be made no later than Monday, March 26th

LENTLent is a time to return to the heart of your faith – the Lord! Acknowledge the importance of your relationship with God by the Sacrament of Confession, and say – “I’m sorry.” Hear His words, I forgive you, because I love you!

REMEMBER DURING LENT:FAST

Everyone between the ages of 18 and 59 is required to fast on Good Friday.

ABSTINENCEEveryone 14 years of age and over is bound to abstain from meat on all of the Fridays of Lent.

On these days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is permitted. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength may be taken according to each person’s needs, but together these two should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids (including milk and fruit juices) are allowed.

FRIDAYS OF LENT11:30 am – Stations of the Cross in the Parish Center (Middle School Children)2:30 pm – Stations of the Cross at St. Mary’s Church (Elementary School Children)4:00 pm-5:00 pm – Confessions 5:15 pm – Mass7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross in the Church

SUNDAYS OF LENTConfessions will be available from 4:45 pm-5:45 pm

FORMED PICK OF THE WEEKCatholic Answers: Ready Reasons

Is the Holy Spirit the Same as the Force? Learn Your Faith in 3 Minutes or Less!

Hear expert apologists from Catholic Answers respond to popular objections with short, easy-to-understand teachings. In this Ready Reasons, Karlo Broussard considers our faith in light of themes from the Star Wars movies to show that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, not an impersonal force.

“Way to go Karlo... Loved the answer! Keep up the good work.” — Rick C., Guthrie, OK

Listen to this and more at FORMED.ORGNow with 1 click you can simply go to:

stmarysalton.formed.org Create a personal account with your name,

email and password

EASTER EGG HUNTHop on over for our annual Easter Egg Hunt at Garfield Park!! The God Squad will be hiding treats for our young ones (2nd graders and younger) Easter Sunday following the 11:00 a.m. Mass!

THE KIOSK CORNERWho Am I to Judge?

Responding to Relativism with Logic and Love(Highly Recommended by Fr. Jeremy!)

Discussing moral issues with family and friends can be a challenge in a culture that strongly promotes the idea that there is no objective truth. Speaking from a wealth of personal experience, renowned author and theologian Dr. Edward Sri provides 5 “keys” to enable Christians to oppose with logic and love what Pope Benedict XVI called the “dictatorship of relativism.” He also clarifies the proper understanding of what it means to judge, and the importance of making good judgments.

“This is the first time I've listened to a talk that addressed an issue that allows you to talk about the truth with someone that you disagree with, but it doesn't mean that you don't love them.”

Tim – Nebraska

SCHEDULE

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULEHOLY THURSDAY

No Morning Masses7:00 p.m. Mass

GOOD FRIDAYNo Morning Masses

3:00 p.m. Service with Adoration of the Cross and Communion

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Confessions

7:00 p.m. Tenebrae Service with our Parish Youth

HOLY SATURDAYNo Morning Masses & No Confessions

8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAYRegular Mass Schedule

Est. 1858

K of C (Alton) FISH FRYCome out and enjoy a wonderful fish dinner buffet every Friday during lent from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Alton Knights of Columbus Hall, 405 East 4th Street, Alton.

THAT MAN IS YOU (TMIY)Our next meeting of That Man Is You (TMIY) will be NEXT Saturday, March 25th in the Parish Center. We will meet from 6:30-8:00 a.m. followed by Mass in the Parish Center at 8:00 a.m.

WORLDWIDE FERTILITY CARE WEEK (MARCH 18-24, 2018)

The Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System is a natural procreative choice that can be used to achieve pregnancy, to avoid pregnancy and to monitor your gynecological health. For more information, see the display at the back of the church after all Masses this weekend, March 17th and 18th.

MILITARY MASSPlease join us to pray for our nation, active Military, Veterans, living and deceased, and their families at our Military Mass on Wednesday, March 21st at 6:00 pm at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Alton. Everyone is welcomed!

A DAY OF PRAYERHoly Family Parish in Granite City, IL. invites all women of our Parish to a day of prayer on March 24th from 9:00am-3:00pm. Sr. Barbara McMullen will feed your soul and Fr. Jeff of Holy Family Parish will provide your lunch! Please register by March 15th by calling (618) 877-7158. Suggested donation is $20 per person.

CANTORS NEEDEDThe St. Mary’s Choir is looking for Cantors. If you are interested in joining our choir or if you should have questions regarding the choir, please contact our music director, Ron Abraham at (618) 917-0042.

MOVIE PILGRIMAGE WITH FR. JEREMY – PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST

Start Holy Week with St. Paul and be inspired!! Join Fr. Jeremy on a Parish “Pilgrimage” to see the movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ” on Palm Sunday, March 25th in Edwardsville. We will meet here at 3:30 p.m. The show begins at 4:20 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 and can be paid the day of the event. To reserve your seat, please contact Cathy McNamee by March 19th at (618) 792-2286.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS

Tuesday, March 27th at 7:30 p.m. Experience the way of the Cross in a unique way through this inspiring scriptural presentation. Find yourself immersed in the Passion story through prayer, stirring music and emotional portrayals of firsthand accounts from those who were intimately involved with the Crucifixion. Cost is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, please call (618) 394-6276 or visit: snows.org/holyweek.

2018 OBLATE GALAThe 2018 Oblate Gala will be held on Saturday, May 5th at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, MA. This years’ honorary guest speaker will be Lee McDowell. Join the Oblates of the Virgin Mary for an evening of celebration! The evening will consist of cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction. The proceeds from this event will support the Oblates of the Virgin Mary Seminarians. For more information, sponsorship or tickets, please call: (617) 536-4141 or visit: omvusa.org

BINGO IS BACK!!Please join us Monday, March 19th for St. Mary’s Bingo!

Doors open at 5:00 p.m.Early Bird Game is at 6:40 p.m.Regular Bingo is at 7:00 p.m.

The Spaulding ClubLocated at the K of C Hall, 405 E. 4th Street, Alton

Color Ball Progressive Jackpot: $500.00

UPCOMING EVENTS

St. Vincent De Paul NewsTHANK YOU!

The gift of a child...one of our parishioners, a young school student collected spare change for St. Vincent de Paul. She brought in her Mission box with $51.03 to assist the needy in our area. Can we all have the giving heart of a child? Please remember our poor boxes at the entrances to church. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

PERSONAL HYGIENE DRIVEThe St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul will be holding a personal hygiene drive next weekend, March 24th and 25th. Catholic Charities tells us that they can never have enough of these items. Please place your donations in the boxes at the entrances to church and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Current St. Mary’s

Proposed Change:

3014 Godfrey Road, Suite B | Godfrey, IL 62035T 618.433.8881 | T 844.467.3298 | F 618.433.8883

james.claywell@raymondjames.comclaywellassetmanagement.com

JAMES J. CLAYWELL, AAMS®

Financial Advisor, RJFSOwner, CAM

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

3014 Godfrey Road, Suite B | Godfrey, IL 62035T 618.433.8881 | T 844.467.3298 | F 618.433.8883

james.claywell@raymondjames.comclaywellassetmanagement.com

JAMES J. CLAYWELL, AAMS®

Financial Advisor, RJFSOwner, CAM

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

3014 Godfrey Road, Suite B | Godfrey, IL 62035T 618.433.8881 | T 844.467.3298 | F 618.433.8883

james.claywell@raymondjames.comclaywellassetmanagement.com

JAMES J. CLAYWELL, AAMS®

Financial Advisor, RJFSOwner, CAM

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

Brian Fine, Tim Kallal and Craig Schaaf - Funeral Directors

General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

Dr. Kevin Chapel Dr. J.R. Keller4113 Humbert Road • Alton, IL 62002618-465-7777 • Fax 618-465-7787

chapelandkeller.com

Supportive Living for Seniors, 65 & older Chapel & Daily Mass Available

Schedule a tour, we’ll treat you to lunch!

618-463-9000

2“x1” ad for Tim Hinrichs spot in St. Mary’s Bulletin If color is extra money please print in black & white. ?’s please contact Audrey Hinrichs 580-9792 - work 255-2654

325 Market Street, Alton, IL 62002-6275Office: (618) 462-4135 Fax: (618) 462-3658

E-Mail: tom@fahnestockfinancial.com

Leonard F. BergAttorney at LawElder Law - Nursing HomeMedicaid - WillsTrusts - POA258-4800www.lbergelderlaw.com

Trusts - POA - Special Needs

LITURGICAL ROLES Diocesan VictimsAssistance Coordinator

Ms. Pat Kornfeld(217) 321-1155

Life Insurance • Long-Term Care InsuranceRetirement Annuities • Disability Income Insurance

Protecting Catholic families since 1882.

Jeff ListerField Agent618-806-0882

jeff.lister@kofc.orgEst. 1858

SATURDAY, March 245:15 p.m. Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Servers: Please check your MSP App or e-mailMusic: Rich Vitale/ Colton Bonnell SUNDAY, March 256:30 a.m. Lector: Please check your MSP App or e-mail

8:00 a.m. Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Servers: Please check your MSP App or e-mailMusic: Mindy Cochran/Theresa Gratton

9:30 a.m.Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Servers: Please check your MSP App or e-mailMusic: Cathy Droste/Theresa Gratton

11:00 a.m. Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Servers: Please check your MSP App or e-mailMusic: Linda Schafer/Sr. Julie

6:00 p.m.Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Servers: Please check your MSP App or e-mailMusic: Youth Mass/Zack Funk

WEEKDAY SERVERWeek of March 19 – Bill BuchholzWeek of March 26 – Dave Eckhouse

WEEKDAY LECTORWeek of March 19 – Amy OgburnWeek of March 26 – Sheila Smith

www.4thebank.com

A l t o n C e n t e r s4415 M.L. King Drive

324 Ridge StreetMEMBER

FDIC

nSt. Joseph Cemetery

(across from St. Anthony’s Hospital)Celebrating Lives with DignityFor pre-planning information, please call Laurie Horn at the parish office 465-4284

618-462-4620

PEST SOLUTIONS, INC.

A L T O N , I L L I N O I S618/462-4262

Lindsay WatersFinancial RepresentativePhone: (618)466-2541Fax: (618)466-29653001 Godfrey RoadGodfrey, IL 62035lindsay.waters@countryfinancial.com

TRIAL LAWYERS500 6th Street

Alton, Illinois 62002(618) 433-9474 Phone

www. JJHandAssociates.com

215 Herbert Street • Alton IL 62002katespringman@gmail.com

(618)462-8955

Amanda Lewis CounselingINDIVIDUAL, COUPLES AND FAMILY

COUNSELING AVAILABLE

Alton and O’Fallon Area Locations

618-334-5571AmandaLewisCounseling@outlook.com

www.amandalewiscounseling.com

Q Schwegel’s901 Alby St. - Alton

Q

Barrett Heating & Cooling500 Belle St. - Alton

465-3731Lennox AC & Heating

Sales & ServiceA Tradition of Service Since 1896

Jourdain Roofing Co.INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL2705 St. Ambrose - Godfrey

618-466-9563

254-3441232 N. Wood River Ave.

Wood River

466-340034 E. Delmar - AltonRICK STRACK, Owner

David M. Bartosiak, C.P.A.Partner

233 East Center Drive (618) 465-7717P.O. Box 416 St. Louis (314) 355-2586Alton, IL 62002 Fax (618) 465-7710

dbartosiak@cjsco.com

Samuel A. Mormino, Jr.3517 College Ave. Alton, IL 62002

618-465-2541 www.mvslawyers.com

Downtown Alton 618-462-8384

Est. 1858

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 006441 – Rev. 11/15 ©2015 – 7141593

Gerard Fischer, Agent Gerard Fischer and Associates, LLC 3014 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey Bus: (618) 466-7062 gfi scher@amfam.com

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 006441 – Rev. 11/15 ©2015 – 7141593

Gerard Fischer, Agent Gerard Fischer and Associates, LLC 3014 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey Bus: (618) 466-7062 gfi scher@amfam.com