Sts. Joachim and Ann PSR NewsletterAlive in Love, Alive in God

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Mark 12:30-31jandapsr@stsja.org or wieschhausr@stsja.org

Volume 16 Issue 6 ______ January 2016 Upcoming EventsWe will be collecting breakfast items, during the month of January for Care Service.Jan 4 PSR Class, Sacramental Prep Parent Meeting for RCIC- Adult Ed Room, 6:30PM,Jan 9 Father Brockland’s 25th Anniversary celebration – 5PM Mass, followed by a reception in the Parish Center. Please let the rectory know if you plan to attend and haven’t RSVP already.Jan 11 PSR ClassJan 12 First Reconciliation for 2nd grade & RCIC, 7PM in ChurchJan 18 No PSR- Martin Luther King DayJan 25 PSR Class, Partners in Prayer for Parents 6:30-7PM, 7:45-8:15PM Adult Ed RoomJan 26 Catholic Book Club –7PM, Room 100 We will be collecting baby items such as diapers and wipes during February for Care ServiceFeb 1 PSR ClassFeb 6 First Communion Parent Child Workshop 9-12, ChurchFeb 8 PSR ClassFeb 10 Ash Wednesday – Masses at 8AM, 10AM & 7PMFeb 15 No PSR – Martin Luther King DayFeb 22 PSR Class, Partners in Prayer for Parents- Adult Ed Room 6:30-7PM, 7:45-8:15PMFeb 29 PSR Class

January 3, 2016 – Epiphany of Our Lord “…the Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6) Sunday we celebrated that Christ came to all of us, not just the Hebrews. He made us all one body with Him. We were all given different gifts; we all have different yet equally valuable roles to play in the Body of Christ. Ask God how He wants you to use your gifts so that we may all “be one” in this Year of Mercy.

ALIVE IN GOD, ALIVE IN MERCY AND LOVE

I hope each of you had happy, holy and safe Christmas holidays! A New Year brings with it hope of all that is good; in our families, our communities our nation and our world. Pope Francis has proclaimed an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy beginning December 8, 2015 extending to November 20, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King. Year of Mercy prayer cards were given out in church for all families. Pope Francis says “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” When I think of the word mercy, I often think of being empathetic towards another. But God’s mercy is much more. His mercy and love for us are so great that He was willing to offer us salvation through His son Jesus. The Year of Mercy gives us the opportunity to receive God’s mercy and healing through the sacrament of Reconciliation and to grow in mercy towards others in acts of kindness, service and generosity. Throughout the year there will be opportunities for reconciliation and healing so that we can truly see, respond and act towards others in a compassionate, merciful way. We see stories of mercy in the New Testament with the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Pope Francis says that in the story of the Good Samaritan we are called to open our eyes our ears and our hearts. Respond with compassion and take action. As adults, we may have questions about our Catholic faith. Copies of the book Rediscovering Jesus by Matthew Kelly were given out at the Christmas masses. If you did not receive a copy and would like one, we may have extra copies in the back of church or you can go to dynamiccatholic.com for a free copy. There are many resources available to continue to grow in knowledge of our faith-Adult faith groups, CD’s and DVD’s in the Gathering Space of church that are free to take, online resources from loyolapresss.com such as the 3-minute retreat. Each of us can show our generosity by giving to the Church through our offertory donations and to those in need. Many major companies offer Matching Gifts and if you work for a company that offers this, I encourage you to fill out the paperwork necessary. If we are serious about being alive in love, alive in God, we must be willing to tell others the Good News of his life, death and resurrection. We can do this in little ways, without being preachy, but through our actions and our positive hope in Christ. As we begin this New Year I invite you to answer the question “What can I do to grow in God’s mercy and show mercy towards others?” Please continue to pray for peace in our families, our communities and in our world. Looking ahead this month, keep the 2nd graders and children in the sacramental prep class in your prayers as they receive the sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday, January 12. I continue to pray for all of you that God keep you safe and bless you in this New Year and I ask you to pray for me as well. Please let me know if you or someone in your family is in need of prayers for health, or special intentions.

God bless,Rose Wieschhaus, Director of Religious Education

PRAYER FOR A NEW YEARGod Our FatherWe ask you to bless our families as we begin this New Year together. Help us to recognize you in the ordinary people and things of our day and then respond to those people in the best way possible. Protect us, guide us and continue to watch over us as we offer you all our joys and sorrows of each new day. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reign with you forever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER CORNER

Please keep Patty Hough, our fifth grade PSR catechist in your prayers. She is currently in the hospital.

ADOPT A FAMILYThank you to everyone who participated in the Adopt-A-Family Program. Many families brought in donations and/or helped give of their time wrapping presents and sorting packages for pick up. The many families of the Adopt-A-Family Program are grateful for your care and concern.

FIRST RECONCILIATION-JAN 12The 2nd graders and children in the sacramental prep class have been preparing their minds and Hearts and will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on January 12, 2016 at 7PM in Church. The children should come dressed nicely, in church clothes. Parents are invited to receive the sacrament as well.

SERVERSA new server schedule has been emailed to each server. Please look over the schedule and mark the dates on your calendar. If you have a conflict it will be your responsibility to contact a replacement from the list of servers

SUPERBOWL-“FILL OUR BOWL WITH CEREAL FOR CARE SERVICE”We are collecting boxes of cereal in January for Care Service along with any other type of packaged breakfast item (pop tarts, granola bars, instant oatmeal, etc.) Let’s see which class brings in the most boxes this month.

Choir Festival and Fundraiser for the Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service Come hear several area church choirs reprise their favorite repertoire from their Christmas celebrations, along with pieces for the whole of the singers and several audience participation

carols! Free admission, with an offering to be taken in support of the Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at 7:00pm here at Sts. Joachim and Ann. Participating choirs to include (as of press time): Sts. Joachim and Ann – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – St. Dominic Savio – Holy Spirit – St. John UCC – St. Charles Borromeo – All Saints.

TEEN MINISTRY EVENTS 8th graders are invited for the following events. Wednesdays in the Youth Ministry Room - from 7-9pm Jan 6 - Adoration –Epiphany Party Jan 13 - The Ultimate Gift - Movie Jan 20 - Bible Study - Prayer NightJan 27 -Game Night Sundays in the Cafeteria - from 7-9pm January 17 - Steubenville Kickoff Night February 14 - Valentine’s Day Party For more information, contact Plillip Uro, 314-614-4901.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITYGirl Scout Troop 3606 is collecting items for Children’s Hospital. Items for donation can include hats for cancer patients, children’s books, art supplies, handmade blankets or pillows. Donations can be brought to the main school office during PSR. For more information please contact Pam Morelli at 636-248-6594.

SHOP FOR OUR SCHOOLSDo you have questions about Shop for Our Schools and how it works? We have a huge assortment of gift cards, either in stock, or available to order. The vendors send a certain percentage of your purchase back to our School. Participation costs nothing to you!! How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming along? Shop for Our Schools has gift cards to help youwith exercise equipment and clothing. We have Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Finish Line. When you’ve dropped that “dress size”, let us help you with a new wardrobe from Kohls, Macy’s, American Eagle, Dress Barn

and Limited. Stop by the Shop for Our Schools table in the Gathering Space and see how we can help you! HOURS: During Monday & Wednesday night PSR, Sat. after 5pm Mass, and on Sunday after 9:30 and before 11:30 Masses. We do not have a major fundraiser but rely on families to use this program. Shop for Our Schools is one of the easiest ways to earn money for the PSR program and there are no extra costs for these certificate/gift cards. If you shop at Schnucks you can participate by activating an E-scripts card and use it every time you shop at Schnucks. E-script cards are available at the Shop for Our Schools table, in the PSR office or at the courtesy counter at Schnucks. Every family is asked to participate in the program to offset the cost of the PSR program to the parish.

JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN We will soon be taking registrations for the fall of 2016 here at Sts. Joachim and Ann Catholic School. Students will have an opportunity to experience an academic and spiritual program inpreparation for Kindergarten. Students must be four (4) years old before August 1, 2016. We will offer a full day from 7:45AM until2:45PM with the availability for an “extended day.” Parents may choose a five-day program or a three-day program. Applications will soon be available!

PARKING LOT SCHEDULEThe following families are expected to help with the parking lot on their assigned days or switch with another family.Monday-6:15PMJan 4-Lange, Larivee, Lauer, LaurentiJan 11-Layton, Low, Lyons, MagnanaJan 25-Magana, Marian, Mercer, MundyFeb 1-Meyer, miller, Moore, MoraFeb 8-Mutert, Negrete, Neunaber, PaschenIf you are unable to make your night, please switch with a family on the list. Come to the PSR office, located in the junior high building to sign in, pick up an orange vest and flashlight. If you are asked to be a hall monitor, you are still expected to help with the parking lot at dismissal. Please remind your child’s teacher on your assigned night, and they will keep your

child in the classroom until after dismissal. Thank you for your help in keeping our children safe.

PRO-LIFE WRITING CONTEST FOR 8 TH GRADERSEighth grade students from the Archdiocesan elementary schools, Parish School of Religion programs and home school programs are eligible to submit an entry in the Creative Writing Contest. Selection will be made by the Respect Life Apostolate. These students and their parents will be invited to the Awards Assembly in April, 2016. The four $1000 scholarship winners will be announced at the Assembly. Complete entry instructions and application form are being sent home with 8th graders this week. Applications and entries should be postmarked no later than February 19, 2016

CATHOLIC BOOK CLUB In January we will be reading the book Smart Martha's Catholic Guide for Busy Moms byTami Kiser. Motherhood is so demanding, it s easy to become a Martha always worried about the next thing we have to do and rarely choosing the better part, as Martha's sister Mary did. Tami Kiser understands. She's a busy mom of nine who juggles teaching at her children's parish school, volunteering at her parish, running a household, and many other responsibilities. Her Smart Martha seminars have helped thousands of women learn to set their priorities so that they still have ample time for Jesus throughout the day. This is the book that can help any frazzled Martha become more spiritually focused, more holistically fulfilled, and more mentally prepared than ever before. Discover practical tips that will help save time and your sanity. We will be meeting on January 26 at 7PM in Room 100, located in the junior high building. Contact Rose Wieschhaus wieschhausr@stsja.org or 636 926-0021.

FIRST COMMUNION PARENT/CHILD DAY - SAT. FEBRUARY 6, 20162nd graders and their parents as well as children in the Sacramental preparation class (Mrs. Lipin and Mrs. Velders) will attend a half day retreat on Saturday, February 6 from 9AM until noon.

The day will begin with a prayer service and parent meeting on the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, have several activities for parents and children, and end with a Pinning Ceremony for the children. The workshop was developed to assist parents with practical information for teaching their children at home, and offer activities for both the parents and children to participate together. All children who are preparing for their First Communion and at least one parent are expected to attend. Any questions or concerns about the day can be directed to Rose Wieschhaus at 926-0021.

TRIVIA NIGHT-FEBRURARY 27, 2016Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2015! Bob Fortner and crew are on a mission to bring back the fun, the music, the videos and the trivia for an eventful evening to benefit the entire parish. More details to come – for now, mark your calendars, get excited, call your friends and plan on a fun evening with fellow parishioners. Even if you are not a trivia buff, a fun time isguaranteed for all! Reservations will be taken beginning in January. Contact Sue McCoy at 636-928-6835 or trivia@stsja.org for more information.

PAUL VI-Free Religious Ed ClassesAdult Religious Education OpportunityPaul VI Institute of Catechetical and Pastoral Studies, which offers college-level courses to adults wanting a greater understandingof the Catholic Church, will be accepting registration form spring classes. Classes are offered at specific locations or can be taken online. Classes are college level and are normally $110 a credit ($220 for a 2 credit class), but because our parish has paid a special rate, ANY adult from the parish who would like to take a class, can do so for free. For more information on other courses, or to register, please visit the website www.archstl.org/paul6 or call 314-792-7450

FUNERAL LUNCHEON VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDBe a part of a ministry that helps those who are grieving. We need volunteers who are willing to bring a dish and/or help serve the food at our funeral luncheons which are held at the Care Service. Please contact Jeanette Gray at jeanettegray77@yahoo.com or call 636-939-4550 if you are interested.

STS JOACHIM AND ANN KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW FAMILIES-JAN 31, 2016. Families with children who will be entering kindergarten this coming year as well as any other family are invited to attend Sts. Joachim and Ann full time school open house on Sunday, January 31 from 9AM-12.

ALIVE IN CHRIST SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM : Alive in Christ scholarship applications for the 2016-2017 school year will be available to families who would like their children to attend a Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Scholarship award amounts are based upon financial need with new students entering Kindergarten through 4th grade. Applications will be accepted on or after 8AM Monday, Jan 25, 2016. Please call 314-792-7735 with any questions.FACTS Tuition Assistance: Any Catholic family wishing to apply for tuition assistance through the Archdiocese for the 2016-2017 school years must submit an online application through FACTS. Please apply at: https://online.factsmgt.com/aid. Applications must be received online by March 15, 2016 Please contact Kathy Mueller at 441-7503 if you have any questions.

STEWARDSHIP TO OUR PARISHIf your company participates in a Matching Gifts Program, please fill out the forms to double your donation. If you give to the United Way please designate Sts. Joachim and Ann School as your charity of choice. Each one of us is a member of our parish family. Please pray about how much

you presently give each week and if you are able to increase you’re giving.

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONShould inclement weather cause classes to be canceled, a message of cancellation will be announced on a recording from the PSR office at 926-0021. You can also check our Parish Website at www.stsja.org. There will be an update about school cancellation listed on the PSR link. Please do not call the rectory. Your child’s PSR teacher or classroom contact person will notify by phone as many families as possible. If Francis Howell or Fort Zumwalt School District has been canceled due to inclement weather, evening classes will automatically be cancelled.

SOCIAL JUSTICE IN ACTION INVITATION

"We hear the Lord's gentle voice as He invites us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and His invitation to each of us to be Peacemakers." ~ Archbishop Robert J. Carlson. Please join us for this important meeting where legislative priorities will be presented. You will have an opportunity to hear and participate in a status briefing of the legislative priorities from our November meeting. Also, there will be presentations on Human Trafficking, Housing, and Immigration. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service, 4116 McClay Road St. Charles, MO 63304 RSVP by January 15 - Contact Flora Fazio by dialing 636-441-1302 Ext. *350 If responding by phone, please dial 636-441-1302; when prompted, enter *350 to leave your message. You may also respond by email to FloraFazio@aol.com. Join us in becoming One Voice.

CATHOLIC WOMEN FOR CHRIST CONFERENCE

"If you are what you should be, you will set theworld on fire."

The 7th annual Catholic Women for Christ Conference will be held on Saturday,

March 21, 2015 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Cost is $45 during Jan. and Feb.

$50 after Feb. 28. Groups of 10 or more: $35 per person. High School and College Women: $15. Lunch is included with all registrations. Doors

Open 7:45 a.m. Keynote 9:00 a.m. Mass 4:00 p.m. The keynote speakers are Teresa Tomeo and Brenda Sharman. Teresa is author, syndicated Catholic talk show host and motivational speaker, with more than 30 years experience in TV, radio and newspaper. Teresa has written six books including, Wrapped Up: God’s Ten Gifts for Women. Teresa has been named an official Vatican Speaker Conference Delegate and is passionate about sharing her faith. Brenda is the National Director of Pure Fashion. As Brenda realized our culture had become increasingly more immodest and indecent, she says she had to decide if she was going to be part of the problem or part of the solution. She will inspire your heart and mind to develop your beauty from the inside out.Babies are welcome! Please bring your own supplies as there are no special provisions/accommodations available at the conference site.

Great Adult Ed Opportunity Paul VI Institute of Catechetical and Pastoral Studies, which offers college-level courses to adults pursuing a greater understanding of the Catholic Church, will be accepting registration for spring classes. Paul VI Institute has served the Archdiocese of St. Louis for over forty years by providing education for adults in Catholic doctrine, scripture, liturgy, spirituality, and methodology for various ministries in the church. Paul VI, accredited by the Vatican

Congregation of the Clergy, also offers a certificate of religious studies. The dates of the spring semester are February 13-May 6, 2016 (classroom) and February 15-May6, 2016 (online) Sts. Joachim and Ann is a member of the Paul VI Institute CCP (Comprehensive Catechetical Program). In this program we have a yearly subscription with Paul VI. This enables ALL parishioners to take courses under this plan FREE of charge. Please indicate our Parish Name and Parish # (390) when registering for courses. For information about course offerings, tuition, times and places please call Marisol at 314-792-7450 or visit online at www.archstl.org/paul6.

Music Ministry Notes NEW CD! J&A music ministry is excited to let you know of a new CD! A CD to assist you in praying the rosary along with contemplative piano music by our Director of Music Ministries. This CD will be offered for a $10 donation (and a few remaining copies of our previous CD will be available for a reduced price as well)!

ATTENTION COMMUNION MINISTERS We are in need of ministers to bring Holy Communion to some of our homebound parishioners. This can be on a regular basis or for special cases. Please contact Fr. Gahan (441-7503) or Jayne Gilfoil (922-4466).