August 2015

Voice of St. Mary’s

Parish Monthly

Newsletter

Pastor

Rev. David Sabel

Associate Pastors

Rev. Adam Cesarek

Rev. William Keebler

Permanent Deacon

Dcn. Jim Wallace

Parish Secretary

Patti Zehr

Rectory/Parish Office

815-844-7683

Email -

stmaryspontiac@mchsi.com

Editor -

Mick Peterson

Contributors -

Alison Tarr

Trevor Runyon

Mary Fasnacht

Marie Kane

Parish Voices

The Committee is ready. The cooks are ready. The games are ready. And the Recognition Board is ready to be unveiled. All that is needed now is…YOU!

The Annual Cluster Parish Block party is ready to roll this Saturday, August 22 on the St. Mary’s grounds. Parishioners from St. Mary’s, St. John’s, St. Paul’s, and St. Joseph’s are invited, as well as any other individual who wants to join in the fun. Festivities will begin with an early Mass at 4 PM (NO

5:15 Mass on this day) before the tents open and the frolicking begins.

Activities include a DJ playing everyone’s favorites from 5-10 in the parking lot; Cards from 7-10 in the Rosary Room; Volleyball in the New Gym from 5-10; Basketball in the Old Gym from 5-10; Inflatables from 5-9; Kids’ games on Chicago Street from 6-7; Bags in the Parking Lot from 5-8:30; and a Kids’ Movie in the Parish hall starting at 8:30. In addition to that, Parish organizations will have Information

Nursing Home Ministry St. Mary's Catholic Church has maintained a volunteer Nursing  Home  Ministerial  Staff  continually  since  the early 1980's.  

We coordinate with hospice and other support services to  provide  Pastoral  Service  to  all  residents  in  the Pontiac  area.  These  services  are  not  restricted  to Catholics, but to all in need. 

·  Monthly  Mass:  As  scheduling  permits,  the  Priests from  St.  Mary's  celebrate  the  Mass  at  local  nursing homes. 

·  Weekly  Communion  Service:  Is  provided  by  the Nursing Home Volunteer Ministers on Friday morning. 

·  Room  Service:  Upon  request,  Communion  is distributed  to  residents  who  do  not  attend  the Communion Service. 

·  Rosary:  Recited  upon  advanced  request.  In  the facilities where it is not scheduled. 

· Reconciliation: Available prior to or following Mass, or 

any time by appointment. 

· Anointing  of  the  Sick: Available  any time  of  day  or  night.  The  Nursing Home or the family may call St. Mary's Rectory  at  815‐844‐7683.  A  notation  is  made  in  the resident's medical record. 

· Memorial Services: Provided upon request.  

· Ash Wednesday: Communion and Ashes are distributed to all residents wishing to receive them. 

·  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church  is  proud  of  the  services provided  to  the  community  over  the  years  and endeavors to continually improve this valuable service. If your family member can be better served  in some way, please call the Rectory at 815‐844‐7683.  We will strive to meet your request. 

If you or a member of your family would  like to help  in this  wonderfully  rewarding  ministry  please  call  the Rectory or Deacon Jim Wallace for more information. 

Booths in the Parish Hall from 5-7; the Playground will be open from 5-9; and a special moment will take place in the Parish Hall when the “Top That!” Recognition Board will be revealed by Father David.

Food items include Pork Chop Sandwiches ($2), Brats ($1), Hot Dogs ($.50), and Chips, Baked Beans, Peg Meier’s Potato Salad & baby carrots ($.50 apiece). Desserts are free; Ice cream is free; Popcorn is free. Drinks will be water ($.50 per bottle); Soda

Pop ($.25 per can), and Beer ($2).

Committee members continue to highlight the emphasis on fellowship and fun…for all ages. It’s a night for music, games, food, and entertainment. Party is on-----Rain or shine!!!! Pray for good weather.

Party Time !!! Lots of Fun Planned for Cluster Parishes

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In the "Patriotic Rosary," which is prayed in our church every Tuesday evening at 6:30, one Hail Mary is said for each of the fifty states. When we pray for Illinois two people especially come to mind--our senators--Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin, both of whom voted against the recent proposal to stop spending your tax dollars to support Planned Parenthood, an abortion provider that receives about $500 million in federal support annually.

As the vote was largely along party lines, it's not surprising to see Senator Durbin, a Democrat, voting in support of Planned Parenthood. It was more remarkable to see Senator Kirk, a Republican, voting in agreement with Mr. Durbin and the other Senate Democrats.

The astounding butchery of Planned Parenthood abortionists, recently revealed in a series of on-line videos, prompted this historic vote. Although the matter was turned down this time, there will be another vote, probably in September. As citizens and as Catholics, it's important to remind our senators that they have been elected to represent all the people of our state, not just their special interest groups.

You may want to take the time to express your feelings on this matter so that Senators Kirk and Durbin understand that their votes are under scrutiny. You can reach Senator Kirk at (202) 224 2854; Senator Durbin's number is (202) 224 2152. When you call, let them know we're praying for them. They need all the prayers they can get.

- Dave Mishur

Jesus Christ’s Spiritual/Physical Exercises by Father David While I was on vacation, you would think I would be celebrating God’s beautiful creation, which I was, but I was also celebrating climbing to the top of this beautiful creation which was up 12,000 ft. too high. Man, was I winded and probably a little out of shape! It got me thinking of all the exercise that Jesus did as

he prepared to “take up His cross for us.” Not that I have been in the Holy Land, but from what I have heard, it is rugged, steep, beautiful, and a landscape that makes every day a spiritual and physical exercise. I think physical exercise has to be combined with the spiritual exercises if truly physical exercise is going to be fruitful and beneficial. Inspired by the Spirit, St Timothy says, "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)

The concern I have is that exercise/sports is becoming more of idol worship than a spiritual exercise in which our faith is part of the exercise. Even on vacation, I had to continue my spiritual exercise of the Divine Office and my own personal spiritual exercises even while I am climbing a mountain, riding my bike on the trails of Colorado Springs, or golfing in some of the most scenic areas of the mountains. No human activity should be absent of the awareness of God’s charity to allow us to exercise.

St. John Paul II states: "BELOVED YOUNG ATHLETES, your profession as athletes offers you, among other things, the opportunity to improve your own personal spiritual state. Called as you are frequently to engage in your competitions in the midst of nature, amid the marvels of the mountains, seas, fields and slopes, you are in the best position to perceive the value of simple and immediate things, the call to goodness, the dissatisfaction with one’s insufficiency, and to meditate on the authentic values that are the basis of human life…

"These are virtues that harmonize well with the Christian spirit because they demand a capacity for self-control, self-denial, sacrifice and humility, and therefore an attitude of gratefulness to God, who is the giver of every good and therefore also the giver of the necessary physical and intellectual talents.

"Sports are not merely the exercise of muscles, but the school of moral values and of training in courage, in perseverance, and in overcoming laziness and carelessness. There is no doubt that these values are of greatest interest for the formation of a personality which considers sports not an end in itself but as a means to total and harmonious physical, moral and social development."

As I finished my vacation with my brother’s family, I hoped to instill in them the importance of their spiritual exercises, or more bluntly for teenagers, “How are you trying to be like Jesus everyday and what do you do each day to pray, be thankful, and to act like Jesus?”

In trying to instill in my family the understanding that Jesus has to be in their hearts, minds, and soul, we shared a beautiful Mass together on Sunday. I was glad to have my godson Slater and big brother, Colton as my servers with bigger brother and sister,

Spencer and Sabrina, as my lectors. Just as the massive rock that you see me balancing (a.k.a. the Balancing Rock in the Garden of the God’s nature park), we have to balance our human lives starting with the spiritual strength of Our Lord. As Our Lord has said, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end!“ That is how each of our days should start and end - with Our Lord as the guide for each of our days. We have to get off the roller coaster of unceasing, physical activity (activity not guided by God) and take some time for our Lord, whether it is in the mountains, the bike trails, the beaches, or just a walk in the neighborhood, and then connect with the Holy Trinity, the Holy Family or the angels and the saints so our physical activity draws us closer

to God rather than farther away. We need to let Our Lord refresh us in our physical activity because we do this activity for the Glory of God, not for just personal improvement.

Your spiritual/physical guide, Fr. David

Durbin, Kirk Need to Hear From All Catholics Regarding Abortion Issues

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“Top That!” Campaign Progressing Steadily

Pledges Reach $500,000 Plateau Despite the unseasonable rainy June we’ve had this year, the “Top That!” Building Campaign is progressing rather steadily. Here are some tidbits to share:

PLEDGES TO DATE $515,474.94

CASH RECEIVED TO DATE $301,086.85

These numbers are simply amazing! What a tremendous response so far by our parishioners, taking our Stewardship pledge to new heights! We are so grateful for your support!

The Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) of $66,000 has been paid in full.

After five weeks of construction, the Steeple work has been completed, and the good news is that there were no structural problems found. However, it has been determined that the Gutters will need replacing, and efforts are underway to get that completed. The Gutter replacement was anticipated and budgeted for in the overall project cost by the Building Committee. In addition, necessary tuck-pointing in spots that need it will also be completed.

The contractor has now moved on to the process of removing the old shingles from the Church roof, beginning on the west side and moving to the north section. The contractor still expects to have the roof completed by the start of the school year.

Work has also begun on replacing the telephone and communications systems. This project will also be completed before the start of the school year.

The Air Conditioning project for the Art Room in the Old Convent is underway and will be finished by the start of school.

And finally, a start date for expanding the Geo-Thermal System is pending until the Finance Committee meets this month to assess the cash flow from the Campaign and then determine an appropriate start date for that phase of the project.

So, thanks to the wondrous generosity of our parishioners, the “Top That!” Building Campaign has stayed on or even ahead of schedule, for the most part. A permanent display recognizing, acknowledging, and, most of all, thanking all of the donors who contributed in any way to the “Top That!” Capital Campaign is also currently being developed and will be revealed for the first time during the Parish Block Party.

“Now, with God's help, I shall become myself.” - Søren Kierkegaard By: Trevor Runyon

I’m stuck. No, you can’t lift up the rock. No, you can’t pull me out of this spot. I’m just stuck here all alone. How can you go to church and hear that abortion is killing an innocent human life that God has created in his own image and likeness and yet you walk outside of the church and there is no law against abortion in the State of Illinois before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

You talk to somebody about it and they say, “It’s my body, I can do what I want.” The Church declares that a marriage is only for a man and a woman and they say “be fertile and multiply.” This is told in the first chapter of Genesis — the very first book of the Bible! That must be a sign, don’t you think? It’s important! But why did our United States Supreme Court just legalize same-sex marriage across all 50 states? Let’s think about this…

Although I’m touching on a few very sensitive topics, no one person can refute the argument that this is a problem and that people will forever and always fight their opinions on these two topics. I do not agree with the law at times, and these two times are very big points at that. Society tells us that we can do what we want under these limitations and under certain circumstances, but on the other hand, the Church is telling us to read the Bible and remember God’s eternal word and obey His commandments and His word. How are you supposed to obey the sixth commandment “Thou Shall Not Kill” when it’s technically still legal to carry out an abortion? Where’s the catch?

The catch lies all around you. It has many loopholes and takes a lot of concentration and focus on many people’s parts. If you ask for something, you expect a result, right? We have gotten two results: one is God’s word in the Bible and the other is the Law of the Land given by the United States Government. To say that one is wrong is incorrect: our country was founded upon the religious beliefs of the English and the Puritans, but where did we go so wrong? Two of my favorite Presidents are Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. President Lincoln was honest and true to his word much like God, and Ronald was true to his people and true to what this country was founded upon. The catch is we need to change where we are heading.

What about giving back to others? We are asked all the time to help clean up the Parish Hall or the sanctuary, to help with the bake sale this Tuesday night, to help with the Women’s Guild for the Turkey dinner. These are all great things to help with and they greet you with a warm smile and a gentle hello, and at the end of the day, they will shake your hand or give you a hug or even make you cookies, but have you ever paid attention to who’s there at those events?

It’s the same people helping out every time at every event every year. God bless them! Without them, we would not be able to host such successful events every year! Stop by and help them out at the next event, even if it’s just for a short time! Don’t rely on the same people to do it all so you reap all the benefits. I volunteered for an organization outside of the church for many years and even served on their Board of Directors and did so to the best of my abilities, but one day, I was no longer getting thank you’s and warm smiles. Instead, I was being greeted with scolds and harsh words, and that is when I decided my time was better spent doing something else for more appreciative people. I have received several letters in the mail and a few emails from readers, and I always get stopped on the sidewalk by parishioners or friends of parishioners thanking me for my words of inspiration and words of wisdom. I don’t do it for me to get applauded; I do it so other people can either be happy or know what a younger parishioner thinks who has a different vantage point than others.

Am I still stuck? Yes. I will always be stuck as long as our government and our Church are on different sides of the aisle. What will I do? I will pray for our Church’s strength and for our government’s leaders for a change of heart. I encourage you to do the same.

God Loves You and So Do I!

To Know. To Love. To Serve.

Welcome Back to School! A new school year and a few new faces will be welcoming our Saints back to school this fall.

At our school’s front door will be Kim Hatzer, our new school secretary. Kim graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associate’s Degree in Office Administration. She worked several years in the office and in sales at her family’s auto dealership in Flanagan. Most recently Kim worked at ASTA Therapy in Pontiac as a secretary and therapy aide. She is a member of the St. Mary’s Bereavement Ministry and has been training in the Eucharistic

Nursing Home Ministry. Kim, her husband Doug, and daughter Ali are members of the parish. Ali will be in the 6th grade at St. Mary’s.

Kim Cheek joins us as the Junior High Science and Social Studies teacher. Kim grew up in Mascoutah, a town in southern Illinois located 30 miles east of St. Louis. She went to Southern IL University Edwardsville on a basketball scholarship, and transferred to Eureka College where she graduated with an English degree. Her first teaching job was at Pontiac Twp High School in 1992. Kim taught there full-time for 14 years until 2006, followed by 3 years of part-time teaching summer school and night school. Following teaching, Kim started her own daycare and also studied to become a medical transcriptionist and did that for several years. She also wrote articles for The Bugle newspaper.

Kim’s husband Todd teaches Chorus and Music at Prairie Central. They have been married for 13 years, and their son Peyton will be in 6th grade and daughter Trinity will be in 1st grade. They are very excited to be back at St. Mary's, and Kim is beyond excited about teaching the Junior High kids this year and meeting everyone.

Donna Henkel has been hired as our Interventionist. She will be working part-time and available to work with students in K through 8th, along with coordinating our assessment testing. Donna graduated from Illinois State University with an Elementary Ed. Degree. She has worked several years as a Title I aide and most recently as a K-4 Special Ed. Aide at Gardner Grade School in Gardner, IL. She and her husband, Roger, live on a farm by Graymont. They have 5 grown children and 7 grandchildren. Donna enjoys sewing, camping, and spending time with her family.

Block Scheduling. After its well-received inception last year, the Junior High block schedule will continue this fall. With the block schedule structure, students meet for 80 minutes per class period on Block A and Block B days. The high school has a similar scheduling system, and the benefits include a longer, more focused class period that allows the student and teacher to complete a more in-depth lesson plan.

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Mrs. Kim Hatzer

Kindergarten Mrs. Rita Mackinson

1st Grade Mrs. Julie Kinate

2nd Grade Mrs. Carol Duffy

3rd Grade Mrs. Michele Brummel

4th Grade Miss Amelia Misiak

5th Grade Mrs. Heidi Legner

6/7/8 Language Arts Mrs. Emily Miller

6/7/8 Math and Religion Miss Amber Arbogast

6/7/8 Science & Social Studies Mrs. Kim Cheek

Art Mrs. Katy Wilson Music Mrs. Anne Corrigan

P.E. & Computers Mr. Adam Lawrence

Mrs. Kim Cheek and daughter

Trinity

Introducing... We welcome all the new faces and new families to SMS this fall. May you have great new beginnings as Saints!

Kindergarten - Aden and Bevin Brummel, son and daughter of Matt & Amy Brummel Brenna Burgess-Lang, daughter of Timothy Burgess & Danielle Lang Cole Conkle, son of Robert & Lori Conkle Ada Duffy, daughter of Marc & Allison Duffy Harper Francis, daughter of Mike & Jill Francis Alexis Legner, daughter of Daniel Legner & Samantha Cortez Tiffany Legner, daughter of Heidi Legner Gavin Schaidle, son of Justin & Lisa Schaidle Lily Sipe, daughter of Brian & Kim Sipe 1st Grade - Trinity Cheek, daughter of Todd & Kim Cheek Enrique Piña, son of Armando Piña & Sharetta Miller. 6th Grade - Peyton Cheek, son of Todd & Kim Cheek Hailynn Dively, daughter of David & Peggy Dively Cheyenne Meegan, daughter of Patricia & Michael Ifland 8th Grade - Halee Anglin, daughter of Jason Anglin & Olivia Landrus Ashley Branz - daughter of John Branz & Catherine Mitchell Erin Christopher - daughter of Neil & Theresa Christopher

Look Who’s Teaching…

Mrs. Donna Henkel

28‐29  SMS Baseball  Tournament

7  Labor Day ‐ No School

8  Begin ITBS testing

12  Sectional Golf Meet

22  School Picture Day

23  Progress Report Day

August 2015

September 2015

“Summer Angels” While our Parish is blessed to have “Gardening Angels” taking care of the lush landscaping, our school had a wonderful group of “Summer Angels” that were busy over the past few months.

A group of volunteers led by Val Wellman (at right) spent three weeks enhancing the school's selection of library books. They sorted through the books to weed out titles that had not been checked out in the past ten years and to make room for over 200 new nonfiction selections. (The new nonfiction books were purchased through a grant.) Books were then labeled with Accelerated Reader (AR) stickers to identify reading level, genre, and quiz points. Children will now be able to choose books that not only match their interests, but also their independent reading level. Thank you to the following volunteers: Val Wellman (and granddaughters Lauren & Claire), Nancy Smith, Bonnie Coriell, Daria & Krue Robinson, and Emma & Logan Brummel.

Several SMS families and recent alumni spruced up the 7th and 8th grade classrooms with striking paint colors (at left). The painting crew included the Woolford, Stock, and Lauritsen families along with SMS alum Daniel Schopp.

Additionally, interior classroom windows along the hallway were removed and replaced with bulletin boards this summer. The project will enhance classroom security, provide more classroom storage, and will

help reduce the loss of cool air while air conditioning units are running. Thank you to Chuck Hanley, Ron Schulz, Mick Peterson, Dewey Haag, and Bob Paris for seeing this project to completion!

We know there are other “Summer Angels” out there who worked to improve SMS this summer break. Thank you all for your commitment to our school!

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Exciting Upgrades Additional “Summer Angels” have been hard at work this summer upgrading our school wireless and network infrastructure in order to accommodate increased access to hardware and technology. The following were among the upgrades:

Wireless infrastructure improvements Upgraded network switches All new network wiring throughout the building (Thank you

to Brian & Lindsay Masching and kids!) Purchase of 20 iPads Purchase of 60 Chromebooks These technology upgrades involved over $40,000 in expenditures. Funding for this project was provided by the 2014 SMS Annual Appeal, TPO, and other parishioner donations. iPads will be used primarily in Grades K - 4, while the Chromebooks will be used in Grades 5 - 8.

Prior to the start of school, teachers were trained on the devices by two teachers from the Kaneland School District that are certified trainers for the iPad and Chromebooks. Continued training will occur throughout the school year.

School is officially starting and 5th Grade is ready to jump in and begin learning. Within our 5th grade curriculum this year, the students will have a sprinkle of college awareness. This year, each classroom at St. Mary’s has adopted a Catholic college. 5th Grade are the Gonzaga Zags!!!! We will be researching about Gonzaga as well as many other colleges throughout the year. It is never too early to remind our children that learning is a lifelong journey. The students are very excited to start planning their Outdoor Education retreat in May. ‐ Mrs. Legner

  

CEREAL BOX REQUEST Mr. Lawrence is

planning a Halloween game in PE and would

like to collect 50-75 cereal boxes. Empty cereal boxes can be dropped off in the

school office during the week.

Register your MAX Card - Please! :) Great news! St. Mary's School is registered for the County Market “Max Dollars for Education” promotion again this year. Last year we were fortunate enough to be one of the few schools that received a check for $5,000. Parishioners, SMS Families, and Friends may now go to www.mycountymarket.com to sign up. Just click on “Save” and then find “Max Dollars for Education” to start earning money for St. Mary’s School. Spending accumulates from August 1st through December 31st. Let's make this another $5,000 year!

Quick Draw Raffle - Get Your Ticket to Win! The 7th annual Quick Draw Raffle will soon be underway! The St. Mary's School Quick Draw Raffle is a school-year-long raffle, where each ticket gives the buyer chances to win money during the school year, from September through May. There will be five monthly drawings, as well as bonus drawings, throughout the school year with prizes of $150, $100, and $50. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any school family or in the school office. Every ticket is in every drawing, so there is no limit on a person's chances to win! Last year, the raffle generated a profit of over $11,600 to help the TPO pay for technology upgrades throughout the school. We sincerely appreciate your support!

Fifth Grade Ready for Action

“A Catholic education is a life-long gift. It reinforces values of the family home, and expands experiences and opportunities to live out the faith in a community. We are grateful for the gift of St. Mary’s School, and for the teachers and staff who have helped mold our children.”

- SMS parents Kel & Kelly Krenz

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News & Notes Around St. Mary’s Parish

 4‐H Fair Kitchen, Relay for Life Bring Out Best in St. Mary’s 

A  BIG  THANK  YOU  TO  ALL!  We had wonderful bakers, servers, cooks, 

grillers, money  takers, errand  runners, and overall workers  for  the 4‐H Fair. Also, thank you  to  those who donated money  for  this event. What a great  turnout by our  church  community!  Thanks  to  you  we  had  a  successful  year  and  hope  to continue this event for many more years to come.  

We especially want to thank Katie and John Wille who collected our desserts for us daily, delivered  them  to us and also kept us  refreshed with clean  towels  for  the kitchen.  We  appreciate  their  help.  We  also  need  to  thank  Gene  Hale  for  her dedication to helping her daughter and son‐in‐law throughout the entire week  in the kitchen.   

Thanks again  for all the wonderful pies and desserts! We had a great variety this year and everyone loved them. Also, we need to thank our many organizations and businesses for their generous donations for the kitchen that made this year’s fair 

another success.     ‐ Mark and Anne Corrigan

Relay for Life breakfast

The  Knights  of Columbus  served breakfast  at  the Relay  for  Life event,  held  at 

Pon ac High School on August 8. (see photos at right) 

The  Knights  welcome  Tom Sanford,  who  received  his  first degree in July. 

Don’t  look now,  but  the  Tootsie Roll Drive will be upon us before we know it. This year’s event will be held on September 18, 19, 20. All  of  our  efforts will  be  kept  in our  community,  and  we  look forward to another big year. 

 

Being part of the St. Mary’s Parish 

community feels good, and 

representing it in our larger 

community does too. 

Page 7 Page 7

SPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Yes, it’s time to begin another school year at St. Mary’s… a school where the day begins by saying hello to God in prayer. How fortunate the youngsters are who attend our school! 

So much has changed over the years at school, but the most important lessons are still being taught‐‐‐ love of God, our Catholic faith, and respect for others. True, nuns are no longer teaching as in yesteryear, but the SMS staff is comprised of loyal and dedicated teachers who instruct the children with 

knowledge and personal commitment.  

Over a century ago, when the first Catholic school was built in Pontiac, there were no computers or modern‐day teaching methods. It’s hard to believe, but there were also no sports, no art classes, no field trips, nor a school band. Though simple compared to today’s standards, the education provided at that time was the first step for many SMS graduates on their way to becoming priests, doctors, lawyers, and teachers. St. Mary’s School has certainly been blessed with the support of so many priests, teachers, staff and parishioners. 

This one‐time theme from Catholic Schools Week says it all: Catholic Schools: Where Faith and Knowledge Meet

Until next issue...God Bless You! 

SAINT OF THE MONTH

The patron saint of gardeners and cabdrivers is 

St. Fiacre who was born in Ireland in the 7th 

century. This humble man of God traveled to 

France where he lived the religious life of a 

hermit, and soon people came in droves to 

learn about the Christian faith from him. His 

dedication and self‐sacrifice brought about the 

conversion of the whole surrounding district. 

He died in 675, but his reputation and followers 

continued to grow steadily, reaching its height in the 17th century, a 

thousand years later, when his shrine in the Meaux Cathedral 

became famous for miraculous cures. 

The name Fiacre was given to the four‐wheeled cab because when it 

first came into use in Paris in 1640, its stand was close to the St. 

Fiacre Hotel so that it could furnish transportation to pilgrims on 

their first stage of their journey to St. Fiacre’s shrine. 

Myth #5 - A marriage with children cannot be annulled.

Myth or Fact?

ANSWER: MYTH

All too often people believe the presence of children will impede an annulment. This is certainly not true. How the children came to be may be a contributing factor in the decision, but it will not prevent or cause a positive response from the tribunal.

More importantly are the factors leading up to the wedding and the state of mind of the participants on the day of the wedding.

If you or a member of your family have questions about the annulment process please contact Fr. David, Deacon Jim, or a priest of your choosing. We are always available to answer your questions.

Deacon Jim Wallace

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Protestant Christians typically have crosses with no corpus (Latin for “body”) of Jesus attached to it? The Crucifix is typically a CATHOLIC symbol, a cross 

bearing an image of Jesus being crucified. This graphic symbol of the Crucifix is to remind us Catholics that Jesus was true Man as well as true God, and that He suffered a high price for our sins. It inspires believers to repent of their sins and be grateful for the salvation obtained by 

Jesus’ death on the cross. 

New Regula ons for Clothing/Other Dona ons at the St. Vincent DePaul Pantry

As of July 15, 2015, ONLY clothing, towels, blanket type items and kitchen items will be accepted at the discretion of the Pantry staff. The items must be in clean, soil free condition. Only “in season” clothing will be accepted unless space allows otherwise.

The Pantry can no longer accept knick-knacks, books, toys, holiday decorations and other non-clothing items due to space constraints. The Pantry Board, which consists of 13 parishioners from St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s, needs to use our limited space to primarily serve the food needs of our clients. In the first five months of 2015, a total of 3,859 people have been fed due in part to your generosity. Food and cash donations are always appreciated. Thank you!

Clothing donations will be taken only at designated days/times. No clothing items should ever be left outside the doors of the Pantry. PLEASE follow this request. We are currently in great need of children’s clothing in all sizes. Men’s and women’s clothing in all sizes is always needed and welcomed by the clients. Tax receipts for clothing donations that you make will be given upon request.

The St. Vincent DePaul pantry serves 110-150 families per week. The Pantry is open to clients on Thursdays from 12 noon until 5:15 pm. Clients are not allowed on church property until 11 am. Donations can be made on Thursdays from 9 am until 5:15 pm or call a Pantry volunteer to arrange a time for your drop off: Joan Bolen 842-1576; Jane Kuerth 842-2174; Evelyn Ribordy 844-7594. These phone numbers are also posted on the outside door of the Pantry.

The Pantry needs MORE VOLUNTEERS at this time. Men or women may contact Evelyn Ribordy or the parish office if you have a few hours a week on Mondays (Feeding America pick up day) or Thursdays (distribution to clients day). Your prayers are also needed for continued success in serving the needy in our community.

From The Back Page               by Mick Peterson 

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

PONTIAC, IL

Church of St. Mary Box 374

PONTIAC, ILLINOIS 61764

Address Service Requested

I don’t know how long I’ve been taking Vitamins, but I DO remember when Flintstones came on the market. Now my oldest daughter has me taking Pro-Biotics, the latest in making sure our bodies are getting everything we need. Energy and a little hop to our step never hurt anyone; it helps give us a “physical edge.”

People who know me will also say how I love quotes or slogans or brands, those little snippets of prose designed to help us find that mental or spiritual edge we need as well. When I was coaching, it would be a big event each spring when we would reveal our team slogan for the upcoming football season. There is even a company, Successories, which uses quotes or inspirational thoughts in photographs for office use.

We’re all looking for an edge of some kind. Physically, mentally, spiritually, even emotionally, we want to find that motivational tool to take us to the top…wherever that is. It might be a pill, a daily reminder, a page on our desk calendar, a blurb sent to us via Facebook or Twitter, a song we hear, or maybe just a few minutes reading. It could bring a smile to our faces, a determined look in our eyes, and a little burst in our heart. Or…it might just make us say, “H’mmmmm!” as we rub our chins and think for a bit. Here are a few “Vitamins” I would like to share with you----

You deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life you are excited about. Don't let others make you forget that.

Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy. –Anonymous

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.-Booker T. Washington

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”-MLK

Be thankful for today. Today is another chance to get it right.

Ask yourself what is really important and then have the courage to build your life around your answer.

You cannot find peace by avoiding life.

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are.

Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself. –Unknown

Faith is having a positive attitude about what you can do and not worrying at all about what you can't do.

One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.

No color, no religion, no nationality should come between us; we are all children of God. - Mother Teresa

Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.

Without Dreams, We reach nothing. Without Love, We feel nothing. Without God, We are nothing.

God, let me accept the things I can’t change, courage to change things I can, & the wisdom to know the difference.

When you're down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful see the invisible, believe the incredible & then receive the impossible.

Thank God for your life tonight. For your health, your family, or your home. Many people don't have these things.

So how many of these hit home with you, made you scratch your chin, or maybe even nod your head? Of course, if we’re looking for really inspirational, motivational quotes, all we have to do is pick up the Bible, the most quoted piece of literature in history and the #1 source for soul-searching thoughts. Old Testament, New Testament, the opportunities for finding that peace of mind or soul are endless from Proverbs and Psalms to Paul and Peter. But none can compare to the Master Himself. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” “Father, forgive them…,” “Unless you be like little children…” “Why are you fearful…?” I think you get the point.

I leave you with this photo….Don’t forget to take your Vitamins.