We, the people of St. Clare Catholic Parish, In the Diocese of Belleville, are called by God

in baptism to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Centered in the Eucharist, and strengthened

by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we strive to live the Gospel and further the reign of God.

We do this by creating a vibrant faith community, by actively promoting justice and evangelization, and by using our gifts in the service of God’s people, to give God

glory and reverence all of Creation.

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

BAPTISM—Preparation classes for parents are offered every other month for infant baptism. Call the Parish Office to sign up. Adults wishing to be baptized should also call the Office.

RECONCILIATION—Saturdays 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. Community celebrations are also offered every Advent and Lent.

MATRIMONY—Contact Pastor a year prior.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK—Communal celebrations twice a year, or by appointment.

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 1411 Cross Street

O’Fallon, IL 62269 618/ 632-3562

618/ 632-9036 (fax) www.stclarechurch.org

Fr. Jim Deiters Pastor Dennis Vander Ven Deacon Marcia Fix Parish Secretary Jamae Shubirg Administrative Assistant Shirley Seipp Business Manager Patrick Jurgensmeyer Facilities Manager Stephen Eros Music and Liturgy Director Jane Dotson Family Faith Formation Matt Flynn Adult Faith and Mission

ST. CLARE SCHOOL 632-6327

214 West Third Street, O’Fallon, IL Milissa Faust Principal

Gloria Schmidt Secretary

Eileen Yahl Accountant

MT. CALVARY CEMETERY 632-3562

Jim Deschesne, Sexton

PARISH TRUSTEES

Michael Crupe

John Dempsey

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL 632-4270

Emergency Assistance

Fi h Sunday in Ordinary Time February 7, 2016

Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Bishop of Belleville

Saint Clare of Assisi, Pray For Us!

From Our Pastor...

February 6 Robert Guithues, Sr Judy Wylie Dan Kimutis Ken Katzer William Auclair Adam Gonzalez Aidan RoosEvans February 7 Jana Stephens Ken Smith Michele Kombrink Shelby Koory February 8 Patty Klingelhoefer Julie Carlson Sarah Gonzalez Brandon Fergus Joshua Miller Kayla Boone Calvin Murphy February 9 Barbara McNease Robert Peifer Michael Parrish Gabrielle Lopez J. Treasure Basa Anna Rose McManus Gracie Favela Ellison Camfield Charlotte Herzig February 10 Leslie Goldberg Joe Seiffert Theresa Bevers Kim Sabella DeAn Siville Kristin Jordan Courtney Jordan Matthew Turner Mandee Fischer

February 11 Bob Picchietti John Bagnarelli Carolyn Gass Maureen Robinson Michelle Strake Marley Watkins Ryan McCarty Chris Radloff Stevan Feger David Scales Damian Jansen February 12 Jacqueline Matt Mary Zeisset Daniel O’Keefe Christopher Smith Brandon Poignee Maiya Leisure February 13 Dave Rice Tom Fitzgerald Chris Sill Brian Blazier Brandon Rotz Andrea Wieman Shiann Hobbs February 14 Patricia Wilcox Joline Williams Karen Jalbert Jim Compton Jack McDonald Talina Espinoza

Lent Begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10

Each year at the beginning of Lent, I think it is helpful to review some of our Catholic terminology as we hear words and phrases during this season that may still be new for some people.

Fast – doing with less…less food, less negative words or complaining, less material things; to eliminate something from my daily routine in order to make more room for God in my life. Traditionally, to fast means having only one simple meal a day, with little or no food the rest of the day. (Officially required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday only) Some have the courage/ability to choose to go a whole day with only water. It is helpful to think of something that you want to keep doing without even after Easter.

Abstinence – to do without meat for the day; for some this may mean abstaining from something else as a sacrifice. (Required every Friday of Lent; some choose year round)

Triduum – the three high holy days, beginning with Mass on Holy Thursday night and ending with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday (based on the Jewish calendar, sunset on Thursday through sunset on Sunday makes up three days). The Easter Vigil (Saturday night) is the climax of the both the Triduum and the whole Church Year.

Elect – those who have been studying the Scriptures and Church Teach-ings for a year and who were ‘elected’ by the parish and bishop on the first Sunday of Lent to enter the final part (Period of Purification) of preparation for the Easter sacraments to be received at the Easter Vigil.

Candidate – a person who is already baptized as a Christian in another denomination and is now seeking full communion with the Catholic faith through the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.

Scrutiny – a rite celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, with the Elect asking the parish to pray for them in their conver-sion to Jesus Christ. Special scriptures and prayers help them name any weaknesses and sin from which they want to be set free at their upcom-ing baptism. Our prayers for them help them resist any temptations from the devil and thus we also use the word ‘exorcism’ for the prayers we use for the three scrutinies. These take place during one of the Sun-day Masses for those three weekends.

Blessings for a Spirit filled Lent, Fr. Jim Deiters

We extend our loving and prayerful sympathy to Carl, Dawn, Dylan and Cassidy Lurk on the death of Carl’s Mother, Bea Lurk. May she rest in the Peace and love of Christ.

In preparation for Lent, we are collecting last year's palm strips. You are invited to return your old palms between now and Monday night. Place them in the specially marked basket in the Gathering Space. The palms will be burned and the ashes will be distributed on Ash Wednesday.

Please pray for the sick, their loved ones and caregivers; may they never lose sight of the love of God… Jennifer R. Barajas, Wray Barr, Shirley Carroll, Linda Cipfl, Yasuko Estabrooks, Rita Ferreri, Mildred Gerardi, Mike and Linda Gilkerson, Hannah Grubofski, Rita Haukapp, Margaret Heinke, Jessica Holmes, Elnora Hostetler, Boston Johnson, Pauline Keller, Keith Klein, Liz Klingler, Dawn Papproth Kuhn, Thelma LaSalvia, Abelina Leon, Vincent Lepes, Mary Lugge, Nona Morgan, Jenifer Morris, Margaret Nettles, Katie Paulochk, Doris Prosser, Dale Reeser, Megan Saldana, Madelean Sanford, Clete Schwaegel, Craig Seipp, Betty & John Stogner, Betty Tomasovich, Jake Van Hook, Steve Wells, Virginia Woods Please pray for our military men and women, especially those separated from loved ones by deployment.

MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, February 6 Fi h Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00 p.m. Victor and Marie Thoman Sunday, February 7 Fi h Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30 a.m. Frank and Caroline Furmanek Viola Huller 10:30 a.m. For Our Parish 11:30 a.m. Eucharis c Adora on Monday, February 8 Weekday, Saint Jerome Emiliani, Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin 11:40 Benedic on 12:00 Noon Wilma Seel Tuesday, February 9 Weekday 7:30 a.m. Jerry Gass 8:30 a.m. School Mass Ash Wednesday, February 10 7:00 a.m. Word Service with Ashes 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Gym Noon Word Service with Ashes 7:00 p.m. Mass with Ashes Thursday, February 11—No Mass Thursday a er Ash Wednesday Our Lady of Lourdes Friday, February 12 Friday a er Ash Wednesday 7:30 a.m. Vincent and Genevive Bazan 6:00 p.m. Sta ons of the Cross Saturday, February 13 First Sunday of Lent 5:00 p.m. For Our Parish Sunday, February 14 First Sunday of Lent 8:30 a.m. Patricia Gundlach Larry Miloshewski 10:30 a.m. Frank Pu mann

The New Schedule for Liturgical Ministers was not available at the time of bulletin printing.

Weekday Readings February 8—14 Monday: 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13; Ps 132:6-7, 8-10; Mk 6:53-56 Tuesday: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Ps 84:3-5, 10-11; Mk 7:1-13 Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 -- 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32 Sunday: Dt 26:4-10; Ps 91:1-2, 10-15; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13

Are you ready to transform your relationship from everyday ordinary to extraordinary,

from good to great??

“Holy Matrimony— Lord Have Mercy!”

Presented by Fr. Jim

Saturday, February 13 6:15—8:45 p.m.

St. Clare Church Fellowship Hall

Enjoy a night of laughter and surprises with your spouse as you learn about the mercy it takes to keep your marriage holy and healthy.

Explore how to understand, handle and even

embrace our differences! It is a great date night!!

Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. On-site babysitting available with RSVP

to janeadotson@yahoo.com.

Sunday, January 31, 2016 Tithe………………………$15,007.03 New Church……………..$2,257.00

“For it is in giving that we receive.” Saint Francis of Assisi

Stewardship Share God’s Gifts

You have been given wonderful gi s from God…Will you share them?

Our Parish School of Religion program needs sheets of colorful ssue paper, construc on paper and rolls of clear contact paper for our Lenten cross project. If you have any extra you would like to donate, please drop them in the basket under the credenza in the hallway across from the restrooms at church or bring to the parish office by Feb. 17. Third grade parents are asked to help with set up, kitchen prep/serving, clean up and food dona ons for the Blessing Cup Retreat on Sunday, February 21 at St. Clare School. Three shi s are available: 10:30—11:30 Set up 1:15—3 Food Prep/serving 3 –4 Serving drinks and clean up Food dona ons needed: Fruit, Finger food desserts, cheese, crackers, veggies and dip. Contact Jane at janeadotson@yahoo.com or 632-3562 to help out. Volunteers Needed Please consider helping once a month with bread deliveries to Holy Angels Shelter on Sunday mornings. The en re trip, including bread pick up and delivery, usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. For more informa on or to volunteer, contact Bob Johnson at 632-2662. Thank you for your support of this important ministry! Looking for ways to volunteer or serve this Lent? Please consider the following: Cosgrove's Kitchen, contact Debbie Oitker at 407-6114 or at oitkerd@gmail.com.

Fontebella, contact Shannon Durio at 910-0356 or at sdurio@fontebella.org.

Holy Angels Shelter, call 874-4079.

Catholic Urban Programs, visit h p://catholicurbanprograms.org for more informa on.

St. Vincent de Paul, visit h p://www.svdpsouthil.org for more informa on.

Ash Wednesday, Feb 10 Distribu on of Ashes at Each of the Services

7:00 a.m. 12 Noon 7:00 p.m. Word Service Word Service Mass

Stations of the Cross will be prayed each Friday night

of Lent at 6:00 p.m.

Join us on Monday Nights of Lent For our Soup and Speaker Series

6:00 p.m. Mass 6:30 p.m. Soup Supper 7:00 p.m. Speaker Series

We will focus on God’s mercy, learning about “Salvation History and Me”. This series of five educational and in-spiring talks will concentrate on the story of God’s mercy for us as His people and as individuals, including how we encounter and live that mercy in our daily lives. Matt Flynn, our new Director of Adult Faith Formation and Mission, will be the presenter for each night.

February 15 Salvation History February 22 My Story of Salvation February 29 Prayer March 7 Fasting March 14 Almsgiving

Lenten Regulations Each year the Lord Jesus calls the entire Church to a special season of penance and renewal. As we begin this holy time of Lent, we should reflect on our need for conversion of heart, prayer, charitable works and penance. The season of Lent extends from Ash Wednesday to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, March 24, inclusive.

♦ Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent. ♦ Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is also bound to fast

on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is allowed. The other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but altogether they should not equal anoth-er full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or the ability to work would be seriously affected, the obligation is modified. Because Lent is a special season for all Christians, we should not lightly excuse ourselves from these practices.

Marriage Enrichment: “Holy Matrimony – Lord Have Mercy!” Saturday, Feb. 13, 6:15-8:45 pm, Fellowship Hall Presented by Father Jim Deiters Enjoy a “date night” of laughter and surprises as you learn about the mercy it takes to keep your marriage holy and healthy. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Register at janeadotson@yahoo.com or 632-3562 by Feb. 8. Diocese of Belleville Cursillo in Christianity Men's Weekend: Feb. 25-28 Women's Weekend: March 3-6 Held at the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in Ruma IL The Cursillo in Christianity Movement has produced abundant fruits, including renewal of family life and parish vitalization. Each weekend is a wonderful ex-perience that builds personal spiritual growth and understanding of your faith. Contact Pat Cates: jettcates@charter.net, 588-4147, or 806-9658. Catholic Women for Christ Conference Saturday, Feb. 27, at Lindenwood University’s J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts Renew your faith through outstanding speakers and prayer. Visit catholicwomenforchrist.org for details and registration.

You Are Invited! To an Intimate Relationship with Jesus

Natural Family Planning

The full series consists of all 3 classes:

**Please note: Date change from Feb. 10 to Feb. 17**

St. Clare of Assisi Church

Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7 pm Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm Wednesday, April 13 at 7 pm

Women’s Renewal Weekend

February 20/21

Join other women of the parish for a weekend of fun, spiritual

renewal and great food. Presenters share their own

joys and struggles of faith. Contact Judy Kocinski with questions or to register: 530-0531

Register by February 14 A life changing experience...guaranteed!

Day and night Jesus dwells in the

Blessed Sacrament because of His infinite love for you! “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

The specific way that Jesus asks you to love Him in return is to spend one quiet hour with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.

Register soon to guarantee a spot! http://register.ccli.org/classes/9256/register

“I came so that they might have life… ...and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The Daughters of St. Paul from Pauline Books & Media in St Louis will be visiting St. Clare of Assisi on Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14.

The Daughters of St. Paul are religious Sisters whose mission is to communicate the Gospel with the media, in the spirit of St. Paul. Their publications of Catholic books, music, and DVDs--both for children and adults--will be availa-ble for perusal and purchase after the Saturday 5:00 Mass and Sunday morning Masses. This is a perfect opportunity to obtain some Lenten reading for the Year of Mercy!

For more information or special order requests, call Sr. Laura at 314-965-3512.

Eucharistic Adoration Sunday, February 7 after 10:30 Mass

Until Monday, February 8 Benediction at 11:40

and Mass at Noon

PSR Parish School of Religion

Sunday Mornings 10:30—11:40 St. Clare School, 214 W. 3rd St.

Feb. 7 PSR Class

Feb. 14 No PSR (Presidnent’s Day Weekend)

Feb. 21 PSR Class (except grade 2)

Feb. 28 PSR Class (except grade 8) Soup Kitchen 1st Grade

March 6 PSR Class 6th & 7th grade Soup Kitchen

March 13 PSR Class

March 20 PSR Class except grade 8 4th grade Soup Kitchen

New students are welcome to register for PSR upon moving into the parish. Call the parish

office & register on line at www.stclarechurch.org.

Feb. 7 Dodgeball Tourney and Other Games 12:30-3 p.m. at St. Clare School gym Feb. 14 No Meeting— President’s Day weekend Feb. 21 Youth Group Living Stations Practice and Youth Group fun...6—7:30 p.m. in Church Feb. 28 Youth Group Living Stations Practice and Youth Group fun...6—7:30 p.m. in Church March 4 Youth present Living Stations at 6:00 p.m. in Church

New Youth Room — In lower level of St. Clare School All high school youth and early college youth are welcome

to attend Youth Group meetings and activities at any time.

Attention High School Girls! Join our new Girls Group on Tuesday, Feb. 16 Support**Encourage**Share**Faith**Fun**Food

6 –7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month St. Clare Youth Room

High school girls are invited to come talk things out in a safe space with a young woman guiding them. Learn how to keep strong in your faith and morals in a challenging world. A new topic each month. Contact the group lead-er, Alex Garza at a_garza1022@yahoo.com.

Youth Group  Schedule 

Youth Commission Meeting: February 8 at 7 p.m. in the Church Library. All are welcome to help us plan youth events.

7th Annual St. Clare Youth Dodgeball Tournament

Plus Apples to Apples and other Games Feb. 7, 2016, at 12:30 p.m. Register at 12

at St. Clare School Gym Bring a team of 5 (plus 1 sub) or join one there.

Please pre-register at 632-3562 or janeadotson@yahoo.com

Drinks provided; bring a snack to share.

Medals

To Top 3

teams

Blessing Cup Retreat For First Communion Students

and their Parents Sunday, February 21 from 1-4

St. Clare School Free babysitting for siblings available by

contacting janeadotson@yahoo.com

Blessing Cup

Confirmation Service  Opportunities 

 

Help at Food Pantry  Saturday, February 13  

9:30—11:30 a.m. O’Fallon Food Pantry… 

    1 more spot available for helpers!  

Babysitters needed for  Marriage enrichment night 

Saturday, February 13 from 6:10—8:30 p.m.  Church Nursery 

AND Blessing Cup Retreat  

Sunday, February 21 from 12:45—4:00 p.m. St. Clare School 

 

contact janeadotson@yahoo.com or 632-3562 to sign up 

Attention

Youth! Grades

7-12

ALTAR ANGELS February 13: Marie Berry, Jackie Burke Jeane e Giebels, Eleanor Henken, Judy Lemansky

THE MESSENGER RENEWAL WEEKEND IS FEBRUARY 6/7 Please stay connected through a subscrip on to the Messenger Newspaper. Payments can be made in your parish envelopes or online at www.bellevillemessenger.org. Subscrip on prices are: Print $25/Electronic $25/Both $30.

ST. CLARE SCHOOL NEWS

The students and faculty celebrated Catholic Schools Week. The week began with the Annu-al Open House last Sunday. Parents and pro-spec ve new students toured the school, learned about the curriculum, athle cs, band and chorus and the various service opportuni-

es available. Registra on was also held for the 2016-2017 school year.

The week of celebra on focused on “Shining our Light for Jesus.” On Monday, a prayer service was held in the gym and the many volunteers that make our school such a success were hon-ored. On Tuesday, the students and faculty celebrated with an all school Mass. In addi on, Mike Roberts from News Channel 5 spoke about the Divine Mercy. On Wednesday, a guest speaker from the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Help discussed her faith journey and how we can share our lights of faith daily with oth-ers. On Thursday, the school once again celebrated with an all school Mass followed by a concert from St. Louis na ve, Karl Zim-merman. The week concluded with a teacher and staff apprecia-

on lunch. The week was truly a celebra on of the strong faith of our students, their families and our faculty. Good Shepherd Preschool and Pre-K Registra on Open House: The Good Shepherd Preschool, which is affiliated with St. Clare School, will hold registra on for the 2016-2017 school year, March 1 at The Good Shepherd Center located on St. Nicholas Campus from 6:00-7:30 pm. Both half day (8:30am-11:30am) and Full Day (8:30am – 1:30pm) op ons are available with extended care offered un l 3:30pm. For more informa on please contact Director Sherri Hertzler at sherhertz5@gmail.com or 726-6532. Infant & Toddler Play me Come join us for infant and toddler me at The Good Shepherd Preschool on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings! This teacher led play me offers new and exci ng themes for li le ones (9mos – 3yrs) and their caregiver each week. This is a great opportunity to meet others in the community with young children. For more in-forma on please contact Sherri Hertzler at 726-6532.

Guatemala Corner Featured Graduate:

Irma Yesenia Pérez Gómez Our Lord of Esquipulas, Guatemala

Irma graduated 2 years ago with the help of a scholarship from our Guatemala Scholarship Fund. Her plans are to work and save up money for a college educa on so that she can help provide for her family, which she describes as very close and suppor ve. She says her strengths are her values, perseverance, and humility. She writes to us:

"I give thanks with all my heart to all the good people who helped me. This scholarship was very important for me--without it, I probably would not have graduated. May God repay all the good works that you do. The truth is that there are no words to express my gra tude. I only want to say, 'God bless you, keep you, and protect you, wherever you go.' I wish you success in all that you may accom-plish." Irma Yesenia Perez Gomez

New Recycle Rules If you are using our Fellowship Hall or Kitchen

here is an updated list of acceptable items:

Plastics: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 Plastic containers w/lids includes bottles, cups, jars, jugs and other rigid plastics, food and beverage cartons, caps and lids

Cans: Aluminum & metal cans, loose jar lids, metal bottle caps, foil

Paper: Newspaper, magazines, brochures, card-board, paper towel rolls, mail & phone books

Please no plastic bags, napkins, Styrofoam or food waste.

**Our containers and dumpsters are for the use of St. Clare Church events only. Thank you!

This Sunday is Scout Sunday! We welcome members of Pack 94 and Troop 94, as well as other scouts and scouters, as they celebrate 106 years of the Boy Scouts of America!!

Congratula ons!!