Weekly Bulletin

Monday, March 8, 2010
   7:00 a.m. John Weis III by his family

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
   7:00 a.m. Betson Family by Lum
   12:00 noon at FPC/Pekin SJPS
   1:30 p.m. at FCI/Pekin Spike Guidotti by MM Douglas Payne

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
   7:00 a.m. Alaine Le Maire by MM J. Payne
   5:30 p.m. James Bruns by MM Ralph Bruns

Thursday, March 11, 2010
   7:00 a.m. Pat Hill by Melissa Redding

Friday, March 12, 2010
   7:00 a.m. Wm. Fisher by Norma Venturi
   9:00 a.m. Dr. Theresa Falcon Cullinan by Denise Shea Goessman Family

Saturday, March 13, 2010
   8:00 a.m. Betty Sapp by MM Ronald Monge
   5:00 p.m. Bernard Happach by Rob & Rosanne Ripper & Kathy & Alex Garcia

Sunday, March 14, 2010
   7:30 a.m. Cathy Cordts by Mary Ann Svendsen
   9:00 a.m. Celina Vidoni by Elma Chrestenson
   11:00 a.m. For The Parishioners

Special Note: There will be no music at the offertory during Lenten Masses. Some Mass parts will be in Latin. And please leave in silence at the end of Mass.

Stations of the Cross Each Friday During Lent
   2:30 p.m. Friday afternoons when school is in session.
   6:00 p.m. Friday evenings.

My dear friends in Christ,

I write once again to call your attention to the Annual Good Friday Collection which will be taken up this year on Good Friday, April 2, 2010, to provide assistance for the churches in the Holy Land. With all of the continuing violence that is occurring, it is even more urgent that we provide financial support for them in their time of need, especially in this Lenten season.

Each year, the Franciscans, who have custody of the Holy Shrines are grateful for your support of the mission entrusted to them by the Holy See. Without the encouragement and support of Catholics throughout the world, the Church in the cradle of Christianity would endure difficulties even greater than those currently faced.

I ask you to take up a collection on Good Friday and to send the proceeds as soon as possible to the Office of Finance at 419 N.E. Madison Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61603. Once again I thank you in advance for your generous contribution to this important cause.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
   Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
   Bishop of Peoria

CCW will be preparing this year's raffle quilt for hand quilting, on Wed. mornings from 9 to 11:30 during Lent at Eileen Bingham's home. For more information call Denese Bevard 620-1921 or Nadra O'Keefe 840-1878. Please join us for a traditional quilting bee and an enjoyable morning with friends. We will also provide a lesson on hand quilting for those who wish to help.

The Bishop invites everyone to join him to celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland at the Cathedral on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Irish music and dance will begin at 7:30 a.m. before the solemn Mass at 8:00 a.m. For more information about these events, please feel free to contact the Office of Divine Worship, 309-671-1550.

Any one who is interested to have fellowship with the Charismatic Group is welcome to join us every Tuesday at 7:oopm in the church basement. Come and discover a closer relationship with The Holy Spirit in your life. Call 347-1312

Let the ladies of the CCW do your Easter Cookie baking this year.

Pre-paid orders only will be taken through Sunday March 21st. Place order by dropping it by the Parish Center or put in the Sunday collection basket.

Pick-Up All orders will be ready for pick-up one day only on Sunday March 28th (Palm Sunday) at the Parish Center from 8:00 am-12:30 pm.

For more information contact: Nadra O'Keefe, 309-840-1878; Cindy Yocum, 309-925-5312; Alice Carr 309-258-4870

To order your cookies use the form in this week's printed Bulletin.

St. Joseph Church will sponsor a bus trip to the Museum in Milwaukee WI to see an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Monday March 29th (of Holy Week) Cost $75.00 per person Includes Bus fee, Museum exhibit fee, Mediterranean Lunch.

Join us for a fun day of fellowship! Call Tina Sondag 347-6108 ext. 212 to register.

We need 45 people to make the trip a go!

Widowed? Divorced? Would you like to serve your Church by advising Bishop Jenky on the needs and diocesan outreach to the widowed and divorced?

Applications are now being accepted for a two year term (2010-2012), on the Widowed and Divorced Diocesan Advisory Board. Members meet once a month, second Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Spalding Pastoral Center, Peoria.

For additional information/guidelines and application, please contact Jeanne Whalen at the Office of Family Life, 309-671-1550, jwhalen@cdop.org.

Bishop Jenky invites all men to join him Saturday, May 1, 2010 for the annual Diocesan Men's March and Mass. Witness to your faith publicly with men from around the diocese. Additional information: Office of Family Life, 309-671-1550, www.cdop.org.

In "Christifideles Laici," Pope John Paul II wrote, "The unity of life of the lay faithful is of the greatest importance: indeed they must be sanctified in everyday professional and social life. Therefore, to respond to their vocation, the lay faithful must see their daily activities as an occasion to join themselves to God, fulfill his will, serve other people and lead them to communion with God in in Christ."

As we look for occasions to call our leaders amongst the laity to engage their Christian mission, I am pleased to announce to you a wonderful opportunity especially crafted for business leaders and managers in your parish and community. On Saturday, February 27th, 2010 we will be sponsoring "Being Different: A Faith-Based Management Seminar" at the Spalding Pastoral Center.

The goal of these presentations will be to help leaders in the business world find encouragement to integrate their faith with their work and to see that it is good to "be different" from the secular influences around them.

As we have seen all too often in the headlines of recent months, we need heroic witnesses of Christian honor, ethical integrity and Catholic substance to light the way in the midst of the often greed-centered and materialistic malaise of the contemporary professional situation.

Please encourage those in your parish community that would benefit from this opportunity to consider joining other Catholic professionals in Central Illinois for this much needed conference.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
   Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
   Bishop of Peoria

Discovery Days Preschool is now accepting registration for its fall classes. We offer preschool classes for children between the ages of three and five, and we also have a playgroup for two year olds. For more information, please call the preschool at 347-8892.

Here's the Gift Bearers Schedule for the weekend of March 13-14, 2010:

Saturday, March 13
   5:00 p.m. Steve & Wanda Bauer

Sunday, March 14
   7:30 a.m. Nadra O'Keefe & Barbara Walters
   9:00 a.m. RCIA 2nd Scruitiny
   11:00 a.m. Don & Donna Biesinger

Thanks to all the families who generously volunteer to serve at Mass by bringing up the Gifts. You are truly a blessing. If you would like to bring up the gifts please contact Lisa and she would gladly add you to her list of families. All parishioners are welcome. Lisa's number is 241-2845.

On Good Friday, our parish will take up the annual collection for the Holy Land. We ask you to be generous. Your financial contribution will support the works of the Catholic Community in the Middle East and to protect the Holy Places and Christian shrines. Please be generous.

"I Am has sent me to you." Could the Lord be calling you to proclaim His name in the priesthood or consecrated life? Call Father Brian Brownsey (309) 671-1550 or write: frbrownsey@cdop.org

The RCIA Elect and Candidates have entered their final stage of preparation for receiving the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. The Lenten Tree, located on the Holy Family side of the Sanctuary holds the names and addresses of each individual. Please take one or two of the names, and show them your support by sending a card, or remembering them in your prayers.

Sacristans
Sacristans are responsible for preparing the sanctuary for Liturgies. This includes preparation of the sacred vessels, placing the items used during Mass in their proper location prior to Mass and cleaning and storing the sacred vessels following Mass. Sacristans are recruited, trained and scheduled by the Liturgy Committee.

Ministers of the Word (Lectors)
Lectors assist at Mass by proclaiming the readings of the day. This is an important role requiring training and practice in order to proclaim the Word of God clearly to the congregation. Lectors are recruited, trained and scheduled by the Liturgy Committee.

Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee works under the direction of the pastor to coordinate the training, scheduling and direction for the various ministries which serve at Mass, Prayer Services and Liturgical events in the parish. These include: Art & Environment, Lectors, Altar Servers, Musicians, Cantors, the Church Choirs, Ushers, and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. The committee plans seasonal liturgical themes and implements liturgical instructions from the diocese. This committee meets monthly.

Pekin Knights of Columbus will have Lenten fish fries on the following Fridays during lent. Serving 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.:

   February 19,
   February 26,
   March 12,
   March 19 and
   March 26.

The menu will include Alaskan walleye (fried or baked) French fries, cole slaw coffee and ice tea. Adults $6.00 and children $3.00.

Also available will be an egg salad sandwich dinner adults $3.50, a children's menu 12 and under choice of walleye or 2 hot dogs for $3.00. Desserts will be available.

Tickets will be sold at the door and the public is invited. Carry outs will be available.

Congratulations to Lucas Creek who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation with his class mates (the 2nd grade) on Saturday February 27th.

Lucas's name was inadvertently left out of the list in last week's bulletin.

Our sincerest apology.

Thurs. March 4, Bingo 6:30 p.m.
Fri. March 5. First Friday Fish Fry 5:30 p.m.

Tues. March 9, Seniors Day 11:00 a.m.
Thurs. March 11, Bingo 6:30 p.m.
Fri. March 12, Lenten Fish Fry 5:30 p.m.

Wed. March 17, Officers Meeting 6:15 p.m.
Wed. March 17, 4th Degree Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Thurs. March 18, Bingo 6:30 p.m.
Fri. March 19, Lenten Fish Fry 5:30 p.m.

Mon. March 22, Columbus Club Mtng. 6:15 p.m.
Mon. March 22, Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Thurs. March 25, Bingo 6:30 p.m.
Fri. March 26, Lenten Fish Fry 5:30 p.m.

What: Peoria Notre Dame Registration for 2010-2011 School Year is taking place now at Peoria Notre Dame High School. Please contact Patty Brignadello, Director of Admissions at Peoria Notre Dame High School for information regarding registration at (309)691-8741.

Where: Peoria Notre Dame High School

When: Registration is currently being held Additional

Information: Call Peoria Notre Dame High School at (309)691-8741and speak to Patty Brignadello, the Director of Admissions for information. Come join the PND family!

Saint Joseph Prayer Chain is a group of prayer warriors who have agreed to help pray for special intentions in our parish.

In addition to praying for the intentions listed in the Book of Intentions in the church, Prayer Chain members pray for specific intentions which are left on the Prayer Chain voice mailbox which can be accessed by calling the Parish Center.

If you would like to leave a prayer request or become a member of the prayer chain, call 347-6108, extension 239, and leave a message on the Prayer Chain line.

We are encouraged to include in our prayers, the needs of our Parish in general and specifically for the intentions of those requesting our prayers. They are listed below. If you would like to leave a prayer request, call 347-6108 x 6 and leave a message on the prayer chain line. Or email your request to stjosephprayerlist@hotmail.com.

Please pray for:
Anne, Unes, Steven, Carol, RCIA, Service Men & Women Carl, Pam, Unemployed, Our Priests, Fr. Clifford, Homebound, Mark, Ric, Politicians, Joey, Elin, Lynne & Family, Book of Intentions, Paula, Gene, Hospital Patients, Chad, Scott, Mary V.,, Duane, Special Intentions, Del, Theresa, Homeless, Charles, Tim, Nellie, Fallen-away-Catholics, Weldon, Souls in Purgatory, Mary C., Paulina, In Thanksgiving, Nursing Home Parishioners.

During this period of Lent, the Elect and Candidates of the RCIA program will be examining their hearts and minds; closely scrutinizing their motives; asking the Lord to heal whatever is weak and unresponsive to Him in themselves and asking Him to strengthen whatever is good, strong and holy in them.

These moments of grace are celebrated ritually by three ceremonies called "Scrutinies" beginning with this Third Sunday of Lent through the next two Sundays. This rite will be celebrated at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, on March 7, 2010. Congratulations!

The Elect: Tori L. Ehrett, William Ewing, Jeffrey Jolly, Amber L. Olson, Kurt Thompson, Jume Wolter, Holly Beckham, Amberly Kizer, Melody Tisdale

Candidates: Tiffany Blanchard, Carlton Bode, Carolyn Bode, Jimmie Cope, Tanalia Cope, David Detweiller, Eric Huff, Thomas B. Kemper, Heidi Mathis, Kurt Schimmelpfenning, Paul Swanson, Timothy Thompson, Kristen Walraven

We also ask for prayers for our Inquirer: Sarafina Benton.

Pro-life is winning Sign 9: Unprecedented legislative progress on behalf of the unborn child has been made in the last several years. On the federal level, partial birth abortion has been declared illegal. New laws protect the unborn from being killed after a failed abortion; other laws protect the unborn from acts of violence other than abortion. On the state level, new laws are in place around the country, including parental notice, informed consent, and abortion clinic regulation. This is real progress in protecting the unborn.

Run With the Saints 5k Run/Walk
   5K Race/Walk Saturday, March 20, 2010
   And Kids(10 and under) 1/4 Fun Run 9:00a.m.
   Course: Paved Bike Trail at Pekin's Coal Miners Park
   Start from: Park Pavilion from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.

All proceeds will go to the St. Joseph School Athletic Fund.

See the printed Weekly Bulletin for registration form (available in the back of the Church). Mail postmarked before March 15th to: Mike Barnes, 1714 Memorial Drive, Pekin, IL 61554

Questions: mjkjbarnes@gallatinriver.net or phone (309)347-1950.

Be My Valentine Prayer: During the month of February, the students of St. Joseph School prayed for individuals close to their "Heart". We did this together as a school by writing our loved-ones' name on a large "Be My Valentine Prayer" heart. The heart has been displayed during the month of February to serve as an important reminder of our communion with each other and our loving God through prayer.

Prayer Bouquet: Lent is a time of Reconciliation. It is also a time of prayer towards union with Christ. St. Joseph students united with Christ and each other by taking the time to pray for all First Reconciliants in our parish. St. Joseph students said over 2,000 prayers to offer as a prayer bouquet.

The Sacred Heart Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will gather on Sunday, March 14, at 1:15 p.m. in Father Clair Bourdereaux hall at Sacred Heart Church, 504 Fulton St. The program will include Ongoing Formation, Benediction, a short talk by Father Aquinas Schneider, prayer, a short business meeting, and social time.

For more information about the Secular Franciscans, please write to Sacred Heart Fraternity, 504 Fulton St., Peoria, Illinois 61602.

Save the Date.
Friday, May 7th, 2010
Lick Creek Golf Course

The Dinner and Auction will be held afterwards at Pekin Country Club.

Registration forms and additional information will follow. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this great fundraising event. All proceeds support St. Joseph School.

If you are interested in making a donation or would like to volunteer, please contact:
Brian Smith (golf committee chair): bsmith902@yahoo.com, Beth Martin: schad_beth@comcast.net or Shannon Rogers: srogers@Pekin.net

St. Joseph School will have a certified teacher position for music open beginning Monday, February 22, 2010. If you are interested in working with students in a Catholic school environment that believe each student uniquely gifted child of God, please complete the application to be found online at the Diocese website and send a letter of interest and resume by Friday, March 12 to:

Shannon Rogers
St. Joseph School
300 South 6th Street
Pekin, IL 61554

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family

Many of Mary's thoughts were of her church friends. Thank-you so much for your prayers.

God Bless,
   Ray Vermillion

The Bishop's Commission on Women invites you to Women's Day of Recollection on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at St. Mary's Cathedral, 607 NE Madison, Peoria 61603, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with Adoration, Confession, Rosary, and mass celebrated by Bishop Jenky followed by buffet luncheon at the Spalding Pastoral Center and featuring inspirational speaker Mrs. Helen Hull Hitchcock, Founder and Director of 'Women for Faith and family'.

Early registration $20 by March 1. Regular registration $22 until March 15. Make checks out to 'Commission on Women'. Mail to Mrs. Mary Dyas, 27195 State Rt. 1, Danville, Il. 61834.

Questions: 217-443-0938. Invite a friend to this inspirational day of prayer and spiritual growth.

Offering for the Week of February 28, 2010
   Needed per week: $20,000.00
   Received: $16,986.89
   Deficit: $ 3,913.11