INSIDE THIS EDITION

Canales 2

First Communion Reunion 2

Important School Dates 3

School News 3

Altar Rosary 5

Memorial Day 6

Steering Committee 6

Volume 4

Issue 1

March

2009

1

Open House St. Louis School will be holding an Open House on Saturday April 18 from 3-5. Parents of returning students and new

students may come in and take a look at what St. Louis School has to offer. Parents who fill out and sign a tuition contract that day will have the $50 registration

waived. After the Open House all are invited to a youth Mass at St.

Louis Church with a Baked Steak/Chicken Dinner to follow in the school basement from 5-7

300 CLUB TICKETS

ON SALE!!

For $50.00 you have fifteen chances to win

$200.00 and thirty chances to win $100.00.

Drawings are April 26-August 2.

All proceeds go to help St. Louis School.

What are you waiting for...

...contact the parish office,

pick your winning number,

and get your ticket

before it's too late!

CONFIRMATION

On March 7, 2009 youth from St. Louis and Immaculate Conception Parishes traveled to Toledo to Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral to attend the Mass for Confirmation. The event as experienced by Janet Wilhelm: "Attending the Confirmation Mass at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was a very moving, unforgettable, spirit filled experience. The cathedral is awe-inspiring. The entrance procession included Knights of Columbus, several priests and deacons including our Fr. Jeff, many servers including Austin Bower from Immaculate Conception, and Bishop Leonard Blair. Scott Boyer from Saint Louis was one of the lectors. The beautiful voice of the cantor sounded very familiar and indeed was Heather Woods Bocik (formerly of Immaculate Conception Parish). WE also had parishioners serving as ushers and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. By a random drawing Olivia Lause of Saint Louis and Rylee Bower of Immaculate Conception were chosen to carry up gifts at the Offertory. Many Thanks to all who helped us along the way." On March 22, 2009 St. Louis Church honored it's Confirmands as they held a special youth mass.

Katherine Boyer Taylor DeSmith Madalyn Fletcher Nichole Flowers Olivia Lause Kaela Maas

Maddisen Rodriquez Jennifer Tolles Justine Tolles Sara Tuthill

Benjamin Wilhelm

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

2

Dear God,

Hear us as we pray for

St. Louis School:

A Prayer for Our School God, our Father and Creator, be with us in our school. Help us to treasure your gift of life and treat one another with care. Let us always remember that we are all created in your image. Come, Lord Jesus, and be with us in our school. Guide our teachers, Guide our parents, And lead our students to recognize you in all people. Come, Holy Spirit, and be with us in our school. Give us your vision for the future, and the determination for shaping a faith-filled future.

Amen.

Resources for Christian Living Cut this out and use it as a bookmark.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Our newest ministry at St. Louis is off to a wonderful start. WE have 15 women busily knitting, crocheting and sewing prayer shawls and blankets. We have given away about 40 already. We purchased a cabinet in the back of church where we are storing our blessed shawls. We meet monthly in the school library and share our love of making these shawls and giving them to those in need. If you know of someone who could use

CANALES MISSION We are carrying on a wonderful mission here at St. Louis to honor Sister Eveline and the work that she started at Canales, Mexico. As of today we have 30 children

being sponsored by 26 people. Because of these sponsors these children are able to get more of an education than without our help. We have been corresponding back and forth and the children are so grateful for whatever help we can give them.

FIRST COMMUNION REUNIONFIRST COMMUNION REUNIONFIRST COMMUNION REUNIONFIRST COMMUNION REUNION On April 26th St. Louis Parish will celebrate its annual First Communion Reunion. The tradition was started in 1989 at the Parishes quasquicentennial. This event is a celebration for all Parishioners and former parishioners who have made their First Communion at St. Louis Church 50 years ago or longer. This year's honored class includes: Martha Konrad, Duane Wilhelm, Shirley Wilhelm Mercer, Alex Martinez, Judy Milligan Myerholtz, Richard Adler (dec.), Amy Bechstein Mareches, Mike Bechstein, Roger Wilhelm, Carol Wensink Crawford, Steve Kania, Diane Drummer Woods, Harry (Ed) Whitacre, Linda Torrez Cortez, Daniel Hoile, Sheryl Adler Wallace, Jeannie West, Judy Feehan Rayn, Greg Drummer, Rebecca Maas, Richard Schwab, Patricia Tyrell Feltman, Greg Schwab, Debbie Bechstein, and Pam Schwab Vadnais. Please join us for mass and fellowship. A special feature will be St. Louis' famous homemade donuts!

We have sent numerous boxes of school supplies, toiletries, and white socks. We also sent many books to get a library started there. We still have 6 more children on our bulletin board in the

back of church to be sponsored. It only costs $190.00 a year to sponsor and it is never too late to start. If you can help out, contact Mary Jane Flowers at 419-278-6562

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

SCHOOL DAYS!!

IMPORTANT SCHOOL

DATES TO MARK ON

YOUR CALENDAR!

March 23-May 2

Spring Scantron Testing grades 2-6

March 27

Conferences No School

April 6

Hunger Banquet

April 10-15

Spring Break No School

April 18

Open House 3:00-5:00

Baked Steak/Chicken

Supper 5:00-7:00

April 26

First Communion

May 1

Grandparents Day

May 12

Music Program

3

Career Day

On Wednesday March 18 St. Louis School celebrated career day. The students dressed as the career they would like to have when they grow up. In the afternoon we had 4 guest speakers come and talk with the children about their jobs. Linda Bechstein from Croghan Colonial Bank talked about working at the bank. They learned about figuring interest, saving money, and what to look for in fake money. Ron Budde from Ron’s Super Valu spoke with the kids about running a grocery business. They found out that he carries 124 different kinds of cereals and he is currently getting his apples from New Zealand. Dr. Teresa Rohrs from Deshler Optometry taught the students about taking care of their eyes and how our eyes work. Melissa Wilhelm did a CSI St. Louis with the students. They

Hunger Banquet

On April 6 St. Louis School students will be participating in a hunger banquet. This activity will help children understand the

imbalance of food distribution in the world. The students will represent various countries

around the world. The meal they receive and the table setting will reflect the economic status of

that country. During the banquet Deacon Paul White from the

Office of Global concerns will be speaking to the students about

world hunger.

Scholarships The One Faith Many Blessing scholarship application is now available. Please go to www.cyss.org and to the One Faith Many Blessing Grants link to the left side to apply. All applications are due back to CYSS by May 15. Be sure to include all of the proper paperwork. The Northwest Ohio Scholarship Fund is open to residents of Wood, Lucas, and Fulton counties. Please go to http://www.nosf.org/ to apply.

Baked Steak and Chicken Suppers...

satisfy the belly and the soul

The past baked steak and chicken dinners have

been a huge success. WE would like to extend a special thanks to all those who have taken the time to bake pies, cook, serve, clean up and supported our dinners. We have four a year. One the end of August, October, February and April. Our dinner includes baked steak or baked chicken breast,

mashed potatoes and gravy, St. Louis' specialty, homemade noodles, green beans or corn, rolls, candy applesauce, coleslaw, drinks, and great homemade pies. Eat in or carryouts are available. The price is a free will offering. All proceeds go to the St. Louis Tuition Assistance. Thank you for supporting Catholic education. Our next dinner is April 18, 2009 from 5-7 p.m.

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

4

CINCO DE MAYO DINNERCINCO DE MAYO DINNERCINCO DE MAYO DINNERCINCO DE MAYO DINNER

MAY 2, 2009MAY 2, 2009MAY 2, 2009MAY 2, 2009

5555----7 P.M.7 P.M.7 P.M.7 P.M.

ST. LOUIS SCHOOLST. LOUIS SCHOOLST. LOUIS SCHOOLST. LOUIS SCHOOL

Come celebrate and eat that famous Come celebrate and eat that famous Come celebrate and eat that famous Come celebrate and eat that famous

Mexican food you always eMexican food you always eMexican food you always eMexican food you always enjoy at the njoy at the njoy at the njoy at the

Festival!Festival!Festival!Festival!

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM

NOAH'S ARK

1. Don't miss the boat. 2. Don't forget we're all in the same boat. 3. Plan ahead-it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. 4. Stay fit-when you're 600 years old someone might ask you to do something really big. 5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with what had to be done. 6. For safety's sake travel in pairs. 7. Two heads are better than one. 8. Build your future on high ground. 9. Speed isn't always an advantage, after all the snails were on the same ark with the cheetahs. 10. When stressed, float a while. 11. Remember the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic was built by professionals. 12. Remember that the woodpeckers inside are a larger threat than the storm outside.

SISTER KAREN DURLIATSISTER KAREN DURLIATSISTER KAREN DURLIATSISTER KAREN DURLIAT According to a September 19, 2008 article (by Mary Ann Hughes) in "The Message", Sr. Karen Durliat is the new diocesan director of Hispanic Ministry in Huntington Indiana. For those of you who do not know Sr. Karen Durliat she is the daughter of Floyd and Hilda Durliat. She is a Benedictine Sister who entered the Ferdinand Monastery in Indiana in the 1970s. She obtained a "degree in business education and office management from the Indiana State University-Evansville and then taught high school religion for 20 years." In the 1990s she spent a couple years in Guatemala and then went to San Antonio and spent a semester at the Mexican-American cultural center. She then applied for the Hispanic ministry position in the Dioceses of Evansville in Indiana and in 2001 became the associate director of the ministry. The ministry, located in the basement of the Guadalupe Center, provides a multitude of services to the Hispanic population such as: translating for those who don't speak English, taking women to get mammograms, providing transportation, and language classes. One of the things Sister Karen is hoping, as director, is to start an English and Spanish speaking board. This board would work together to find out what is happening and to learn from

each other. She is hoping this ministry acts as a bridge between cultures and people "recognize the gifts that they bring to their parish communities." She is also hoping that the ministry in Evansville will be an example that will lead other parishes to start Spanish ministries. According to the article Sister Karen says "that what sustains her during her daily work at the Guadalupe Center is that the Scriptures "come alive" for her. Phrases like "giving your life for your friends," "welcoming the stranger," and "it's not important what's outside the cup, but what's inside" are daily encouragements for her. She knows that "it helps to slow down and stop and pray.""

4

EASTER FLOWERS

I would like to donate____________ (number) Easter Lilly(s) in memory of/in honor of _________________________________________________Enclosed is a $______________ donation towards the Easter Flowers.

Please fill out and place in Sunday collection basket or return to St. Louis Parish, 22792 Defiance Pike, Custar, Ohio 43511

5

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

The Altar Rosary Society The Altar Rosary Society continues its mission to pay for the needs of the Altar. This includes hosts, wine, linens, and miscellaneous items. We appreciate everyone who sent in $10 for dues. This helps to keep the fundraiser down. We would like to thank everyone who brought food to our recent funerals. Meals were prepared for the families and friends of: Alice Konrad, Ronald Wilhelm, and Bernita Wilhelm. A special thanks to the ladies who prepared and served the meal. This is a special service in our parish that is greatly appreciated. Recently we purchased gifts for our Confirmation and upcoming First Communion Classes. A monetary donation was also made for the printing and mailing of the St. Louis School fund drive, which the finance committee is spearheading. Currently we are working on getting all the server's robes cleaned before Easter. If you are willing to help, please call Dianne Hoile at 419-354-2504. As Easter approaches we invite you to remember a loved one, or honor someone with a donation towards the Easter Flowers. You will find an order form at the bottom. During the month of May we'd like to encourage everyone to pray the rosary, or if you've gotten away from the practice, consider "Mary's Month" as a time to start. Get your beads out folks, she's waiting to hear from YOU. Last year we had a spring flower sale. It was very well received, and we've been asked to offer it this year. There will be flats and hanging baskets available. Delivery will be May 2nd and 3rd. Orders will be taken ahead of time. Please watch the bulletin for details. They make great Mother's Day gifts and beautiful additions to your landscapes. Thank you to everyone for your continuous support of our activities, funeral dinners, monetary support and most important your prayers. -Dianne Hoile

Dates to Remember

April 18

School Open House 3-5 p.m.

Youth Mass 5:00 p.m.

Baked steak and chicken

dinner 5-7 p.m.

May 2

Mexican Dinner 5-7 pm

May 3

First Communion Reunion 8:30 a.m.

May 10

Mother's Day

May 24

Special service at mass for veterans and high school

graduates

May 25

Memorial Day "Mass in the Grass"

June 21

Father's Day

July 4

"Mass in the Grass"

August 2

St. Louis Parish Festival

For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. ----Psalm 33:21Psalm 33:21Psalm 33:21Psalm 33:21

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

6

ST. LOUIS SCHOOL FUNDRAISERST. LOUIS SCHOOL FUNDRAISERST. LOUIS SCHOOL FUNDRAISERST. LOUIS SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

St. Louis parishioners, alumni and friends have the opportunity to St. Louis parishioners, alumni and friends have the opportunity to St. Louis parishioners, alumni and friends have the opportunity to St. Louis parishioners, alumni and friends have the opportunity to

provide financial stability for the school by participating in a fundraiser provide financial stability for the school by participating in a fundraiser provide financial stability for the school by participating in a fundraiser provide financial stability for the school by participating in a fundraiser

beginning this March. The school is a vital part of our church beginning this March. The school is a vital part of our church beginning this March. The school is a vital part of our church beginning this March. The school is a vital part of our church

community. The students we help shape are a reflection of what St. community. The students we help shape are a reflection of what St. community. The students we help shape are a reflection of what St. community. The students we help shape are a reflection of what St.

Louis School and Parish are all about. Join the students for Mass on Louis School and Parish are all about. Join the students for Mass on Louis School and Parish are all about. Join the students for Mass on Louis School and Parish are all about. Join the students for Mass on

Fridays and you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. TFridays and you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. TFridays and you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. TFridays and you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. There is pure joy in here is pure joy in here is pure joy in here is pure joy in

listening to them sing. Each student we help to educate in God's listening to them sing. Each student we help to educate in God's listening to them sing. Each student we help to educate in God's listening to them sing. Each student we help to educate in God's

Christian teachings has the opportunity to pass on these values in our Christian teachings has the opportunity to pass on these values in our Christian teachings has the opportunity to pass on these values in our Christian teachings has the opportunity to pass on these values in our

community. So please consider donating to this fundraiser. Everyone's community. So please consider donating to this fundraiser. Everyone's community. So please consider donating to this fundraiser. Everyone's community. So please consider donating to this fundraiser. Everyone's

support is needed. The St. support is needed. The St. support is needed. The St. support is needed. The St. Louis Steering Committee is sending a more Louis Steering Committee is sending a more Louis Steering Committee is sending a more Louis Steering Committee is sending a more

detailed letter. The most important thing each of us can do is pray for detailed letter. The most important thing each of us can do is pray for detailed letter. The most important thing each of us can do is pray for detailed letter. The most important thing each of us can do is pray for

a successful fundraising campaign.a successful fundraising campaign.a successful fundraising campaign.a successful fundraising campaign.

MASS IN THE GRASS On Monday May 25th, please join us for "mass in the grass" at our St. Louis cemetery Altar. This is our annual Memorial Day mass. Please bring your lawn chairs, and dress for the weather. Following the mass we will have rolls, coffee, and juice. It's a wonderful way to start the holiday, and remember those no longer with us (the donuts and mini picnic is a good time too).

A Parish Remembers

On Sunday, May 24th, St. Louis Parish will honor all of our past and present parishioners who served our country in peacetime or during war, either active or reserve military. We ask that you meet in the back of Church. We will also be remembering our deceased Parishioners, who served our country, by placing their names on a banner. If you have a name you would like to carry please call us in advance; Marie Wensink (419-669-3534) or Dianne Hoile (419-669-2504) If anyone would like to remember a loved one, you may send $3.00 to the office with the deceased name. The name will be printed and tied with a ribbon on the wreath. It will be blessed on Memorial Day and the Wreath will be placed in the Cemetary.

MARK YOUR

CALENDARS!!

Keep in mind the

Festival coming up on

August 2, 2009.

The committee is busy

preparing for this years

festivities.

Keep this annual event

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

Your comments on our Newsletter ____________________________________________________________

I would like to contribute to:

_______ St. Louis Church _______ St. Louis Tuition Assistance Fund _______ Donation for Newsletter Costs

Please add _______________________________________________________________ to the “St. Louis Spirit” mailing list.

I would like to receive a weekly Church Bulletin.

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Information

Pastor:

Fr. Jeffrey Nordhaus

D.R.E:/Pastoral Assoc.

Janet Wilhelm

St. Louis Parish 22792 Defiance Pike Custar, Ohio 43511

Rectory 419-669-1864 School 419-669-1875

Rectory Office Hours

Mon., Wed. & Thurs: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Parish email: stlouis@woh.rr.com

Parish Website www.

StLouisCustar.parishesonline

.com

School email: stlouis@midohio.twcbc.com

School website

www.stlouiscustaroh.com

Mass

Sundays, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec), 5:00 p.m.

Please Join Us!

Please mail comments, donations, and/or requests to:

St. Louis Parish

22792 Defiance Pike

Custar, Ohio 43511

Feel free to drop off in the Parish Rectory or in the Sunday collection as well.

7

COOKBOOKS!

St. Louis cookbooks are available at the church

office for $12.00.

They make great shower, wedding, birthday, and

thinking of you gifts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

We would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Cecelia Pugh and Katie Patenburg.

Cecilia celebrated her 100th birthday on February 14th. She was born in Custar and graduated from St. Louis school through the 8th grade. She attended Milton Township High School and graduated from St. Vincent School of Nursing. She is the widow of Dr. Luther Pugh who practiced in Perrysburg. Cecila has four children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She is the sister of Dorothy Feehan and an aunt to Margaret Whitacker. Katie celebrated her 90th birthday on March 17. She is a current resident of Custar.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

ST. LOUIS PARISH

22792 DEFIANCE PIKE CUSTAR, OH 43511

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eteranl life.

-1 John 2:25