Blessed Sacrament Parish welcomes new residents and visitors. It is wonderful to celebrate the Eucharist

with you. If you are new to the parish, please call the office to register.

Parish of the Blessed Sacrament Feast of the Epiphany January 5, 2020

PASTOR: Father Jeffery Grant Parochial Vicar Father Ron Lorilla Deacon David Erdmann Deacon Tom Burns

PARISH OFFICE: Phone: (217) 528-7521 Fax: (217) 528-3137 Website: www.bsps.org

SCHOOL OFFICE: 748 West Laurel Phone: (217) 522-7534 Fax: (217) 522-7542 ww.bssbruins.org

Office Manager: Margaret Antenan

School Finance Manager: Laura Horton

Parish Finance Manager: Lisa Sarnowski

Principal: Dawn Klinner

School Administrative Asst: Nancy Evans

School Secretary: Michele Hinds-Greenwood

Music Director: Jane Hartman Irwin

Parish School of Religion: Call the Parish Office to register

Development Director: Kim Hoffmann

Maintenance Manager: Ed VonDeBur

Bulletin Submissions: Margaret Antenan Email: mantenan@bsps.org

Dear Parishioners, Wise men from the East. Zoroastianism is an eastern religion found today in India where its followers are known as Parsees. There are only about 120,000 members world-wide. They are the followers of a Persian prophet, Zoroaster, who roamed the Iranian desert nearly 700 years before the time of Christ. From there, they fled to India about 1,000 years ago when the Moslems invaded their country. They are a peaceful people, highly intelligent, cultured and prosperous. Of all the religions in our world, the Zoroastians are the most generous, giving a larger percentage of their wealth to charity than any other group. They are the followers of the light. There god is named Mazda, meaning God of Light. This light of faith and the illumination of the mind are the basic tenets of their belief. If a religion’s greatness is measured by integrity and ethical values, Zoroastianism then is one of the great religions of the modern world. You cannot, however, join their faith. You must be born to another Zoroastian in order to be a member. Many scripture scholars think that the wise men who sought the child, Jesus, were Zoroastian priests. They had observed the star in the east and followed it to Jerusalem. You see, they had an interesting theory that every great man born had a farvachi, a guiding star that appears in the sky when they are born. They had come to Jerusalem seeking a great man. Jews and early Christians were also familiar with the theory. Christ is the one who illuminates the minds and hearts of all who are baptized and will lead and strengthen them in the ways of truth. In other words, we are led by the light of Christ that will bring us to peace. The word Epiphany literally means manifestation and it is indeed in this light of Christ that God is made manifest. Like the Zoroastian priests, we are called to follow this guiding light. As we celebrate Epiphany this weekend, may this light lead us to the source. May we find the light of peace and eternal life proclaimed in the Gospel of Christ. Thank you. A special thanks to all who helped to make the Christmas celebration a beautiful and prayerful experience—the choir, the decorators, servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers and greeters, etc. Many people put in many hours so that all of us would benefit. Thank you for that generous gift. Thanks also to all who sent me cards, food or gifts over the Christmas holidays. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. Fr. Jeff

Feast o f the Epiphany

CELEBRATING THE DAYS

Monday, January 25 Confessions before Mass 8:00 AM Roberta & John Beall

Tuesday, January 26

Confessions before Mass

8:20 AM Poor Souls’ Shrine

Wednesday, January 27

Confessions before Mass

8:00 AM Intention of the Belz Family

5:30PM Prayer Service

Thursday, January 28

Confessions before Mass

8:00AM Patrick Elchleep

Friday, January 29

Confessions before Mass

8:20AM Marita Child

Saturday, January 30 8:00AM Michael & Nora Dovonan (Latin Mass) 3:00-4:00PM - Confessions 4:30 PM Jack & Kenneth Leahy

Sunday, January 31– Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:00 AM Arlene & Pat Stapleton

8:30 AM Intentions of our Parishioners

10:30 AM George & Marguarite Hughes

CELEBRATING THE DAYS

Monday, January 6 Confessions before Mass

8:00AM Chick Delano Rick Mc Roberts

Tuesday, January 7

Confessions before Mass

8:20AM Patrick Elchlepp

Rick McRoberts

5:30PM Prayer Service

Wednesday, January 8

Confessions before Mass

9:00AM Sanctity of Life

Pam Grant

Thursday, January 9

Confessions before Mass

8:00AM Fritzie Belz

Joseph B Haugh, Jr.

Friday, January 10

Confessions before Mass

8:20AM Diane Krauss

Korey Jordan

Saturday, January 11

Confessions before Mass

8:00AM Poor Souls Shrine

3:00-4:00pm Confessions

4:30PM Ann Lust

Sunday, January 12-Baptism of the Lord

7:00AM James “Mac” Graham

8:30AM Intentions of our Parishioners

10:30AM Dale Gronewold

Rosary beginning at 10:05am is prayed before 10:30am Mass Sundays and includes intentions from the Blessed Sacrament Prayer Line. Please join us in praying for our parish family. Hope to see you there!

SCHOOL NEWS! Monday, Jan, 6-Classes resume Wednesday, Jan. 8-3-5pm-Bruinettes practice Thursday, Jan. 9-3-5pm-Bruinettes practice Friday, Jan. 10– Report Cards 3-5pm Bruinettes practice23

We do have a new component to our Catholic School Week activities. On Monday, January 27. We will be hosting a blood drive in support of the Central Illinois Community Blood Center. Their Bloodmobile vehicle will be on our parking lot from 2:00-5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 27. Adults able to donate blood may sign up for an appointment online now using this link: https://www.bloodcenterimpact.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/92474

SHG PLACEMENT TEST- The SHG Placement Test will be offered on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sr. Katherine O'Connor, President, will be available to answer parents' questions at 8:30 a.m. in the Choral Room. Students will need to bring #2 pencils and the $10 testing fee. No calculators will be allowed. Pre-registration online is required by Friday, January 10. Use the following link to register: http://bit.ly/SHGPlacement2020. Please contact Amanda Mandeville at 217-787-9732 ext. 155 or mandeville@shg.org if you are unable to take the test.

My Antonia Considered the first masterpiece of Willa Cather, My Antonia is also a novel with Catholic themes and a great example of early twentieth century literature. Cather was praised for bringing the west to life and making it personally interesting. This book was recently in our Little Library. Blessed Sacrament’s Little Library is located immediately opposite the main entrance to the church, just across Laurel street between the sidewalk and the parking lot. Please contact Bob Vincent at 678-570-7118 rvincent324@yahoo.com with any questions about our LL.

Springfield Right to Life will again sponsor their Signature Ad Campaign in the State Journal Register After all the Masses this weekend January 4th & 5th and next weekend, January 11th & 12th, you may make a $5 donation and complete the signup sheet to have your name included in the Right to Life advertisement for LIFE. Make checks to: Springfield Right To Life. Building Your Life on Rock: Standing Firm in the Storm by Ralph Martin Ralph Martin, an internationally known Catholic leader and teacher, discusses the challenges and the joys of being fully faithful to all the Church proclaims as true. Ralph provides practical advice about building our lives on rock and equipping ourselves spiritually so that we can reach out to others with true charity. He shows how our fidelity to the Word of God will give us the strength to stand victorious in our difficult times. This, and many other audio talks, videos, e-books, and live discussions are available at no charge to you via our parish subscription to Formed. If you aren’t already signed up for your free access to Formed www.bsps.formed.org. If you need assistance please call Bob Vincent at 678-570-7118. Men Are You Prepared ? We can help. This is your invitation!! Come join the men of the parish on February 15 and 16 at the Villa Marie on Lake Springfield where you will see if you are prepared for the challenges of Renewal. Are you prepared for the Challenge of Living a New Life in Christ? Just go to the parish website: www.bsps.org . Click on Faith Formation. Then click on Men's CRHP etreat and SIGN UP. The rewards will be great . For questions call David Senger 741-4759 or Deacon Tom 416-9713.

Sunday, January 5 , 2020 Page 3

OUR PARISH Congratulations to Our Recently Baptized; Eliana Rose Simonson, daughter of Curtis Simonson & Gina Massie Kelby Jeanne Lucas, daughter of Chad & Michelle Lucas

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

JANUARY 6-10

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY

8:00am-8:20am Matthew Christie-Jimmy

Giacomini THURSDAY-FRIDAY

Miriam O’Brien-Jude O’Brien

Saturday, January 11, 4:30PM Lector: Paul Wheeler Servers: Ben Boesdorfer, Charlie

Pittman, Will Pittman Eucharistic Ministers: Maggie

O’Brien, Noreen Luhr, Judy Rockford, Colleen VonDeBur, Vince Toolen

Sunday, January 12, 7:00AM Lector: Val Simhauser Servers: Sophie Riemers Eucharistic Ministers: Kathy

Grubb, Patrick Sheehan, Christy Geving, James Morphew, Michele Hinds-Greenwood

Sunday, January 12, 8:30 AM Lector: George Rudis Servers: Cady Eck, Grant

Sarnowski, J.P.Leonard Eucharistic Ministers: Sally

Petrone, Judy Rockford, Lauren Smith, Lisa Sarnowski, Dave Sarnowski, Janine Feller, Andrea Judd

Sunday,January 12, 10:30AM Lector: Judy Kjellander Servers: Ben Pacheo, Quinn

Butler, Alaina Roland Eucharistic Ministers: Michael

Delvo, Patty Naylor, Cynthia Lamar, Jack Lamar, Lori Criscione, Eric Madiar, Mark Ushman

ADORATION HOURS: “Nowhere on earth are you more welcomed, Nowhere on earth are you more loved, than by Jesus, living and truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time that you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in heaven, and will bring about an everlasting peace on earth.” (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta) For further information please email Karen Senger at senger@bssbruins.org.

Sunday 12am Monday 6pm Friday 7am Sunday 1am Monday 7pm Friday 10am Sunday 2am Tuesday 1am Saturday 1am Sunday 3am Tuesday 2am Saturday 2am Sunday 1pm Tuesday 3am Saturday 7am Monday 1am Tuesday 4am Saturday 10am Monday 2am Wednesday 4pm Monday 3am Friday 1am Monday 9am Friday 2am Monday 2pm

Are you a visitor to Blessed Sacrament? If you're visiting us today we’re glad you're here. If you are considering Blessed Sacrament as your new spiritual home, or if you just want to know more about us, we have a packet of information we would like you to take home with you. Just ask any usher for a visitor’s packet. You don’t have to give us any information about yourself. Just ask an usher. No strings attached. Thank you for vis-iting Blessed Sacrament. The Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield, Inc. and Trivia Workshop

invites you to attend Trivia Night on January 11, 2020 at the Prairie Heart

Dove Conference Center from 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00

p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, or $160 for a table of 8. Bring your own

snacks. There will be soda, water, beer and wine available for purchase.

Registration for the event can be done by calling the Center at 525-5630.

The St. Raymond K. of C. Council #4696 will hold their Annual Fried Chicken Dinner on Sunday, January 12, 2020, in the Raymond K. of C. Hall. Serving will be from 10:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. The menu includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, green beans, dessert, and drink. Adults $10.00, children 12 & under $5.00, and pre-school free. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will also be Drive-Thru service and carry-outs available.

Page 4 Feast o f the Ep iphany

Blessed Sacrament Prayer Line

Call the Parish Office 528-7521 Please pray for the intention of :

Lucy Wallner, Jimmie Hill, Robert Farris, Amber, Dorothy Tracy, Vernon Spiedger, Terri Burwitz, Rita, Ron, Owen Doak, Kayte, Denise S, Christopher Morgan, Dave, Betty, Ed Pauley, Steve, Hannah Clark, Peter Schofield, Ginny Schofield, Amy Gatewood family, Monica Larch, Austin Fields, Larry Theise, Gwen Bramlet, Richard Judd, John M, Louie Rago, Gwinn, John, Claire, Mary, Ray Roland, Josette, Danielle Loftus, Kitty, Susan, Cindy, Barbara Schuh, Ruth Pohlman, Charles Klaphake, Annie, Barb, Tony, Kurt C, Eric, Lois & Jim Burton, Tom VonBerg, Donna Fitts, Ellen White, Barbara, Rose, Archer Senft, Suzie Culters, Tom J., Judy, Doug, Beth, Camden Spinner, Cindi, Andy Kates, Dave, Sandy H, Jim C., Jason Baird, Jen, Family of Gretchen Hornickle Harrison, Joyln Jensen, Jack Rhinehart, Dorothy Willenborg, Tom, Barry McCollom Tyra Redpath, Steve Kinsella, Destiny Renfro James, Clarita DeLargy, Steve, Karen, Steve, Miles Fifer, Maureen, Charlie Adams, Julie, Bill, Mary Coffey, Craig DeLargy, Brian Meredith, Destiny Jane, Katie Bronken, Cheryl, Fonda, Kristen, Tia, Jeff K., Laura M, Sue, Dave, Leo, Betty, Elizabeth Handrich, Melissa, Mary Jane Harshbarger, Troy, Sharon S, Laura Black James G., Anna Chougry, March, Charlotte, Don Egan, Shandi Chrysler, Andy, Donald Cole, Dave, Leo, Emily Amy, Gloria, Susan McCain, Ray Shaw, Jeanette, Kevin Henry, Gary, Laurie, Mary Alice Owens, Gary Bartels, Don John, Dale, Peggy Cadigan, Sarah & Everett O’Connor, Mary, Rocky Tom Acker, Caleb Cross, Callie, Marlene Keldermans, Jeannie Marie Gorman, Dcn. Ben Hoefler, Colleen, Edna Kienzler, Denny McDaniels, Terry Jordan, Janet Ketchum, Michael Mauch, Steve Bartels, Bette Atteberry, William Burkey, Barb Hansen, Helen Rhinehart, Edward, Diana Schumacher, Melissa Brown, Mary, Beverly Rago, Sharon O’Brien. Jim & Cynthia Novello, Becky Wood, Denise Cindy Ramirez, Tod Pierce, Bertha S, Daniel, Janet Nelch, Kim, Bobby, Kathy Pingsterhaus

————————————————————————- Project Rachel can help women and men heal from the pain of abortion. For assistance call 698-4456 Diocesan Child Abuse Reporting & Investigation 321-1155

Parish Collection Target Amount $23,500.00 Sunday, December 15 $31,108.40

STEWARDSHIP (Time / Talent /Treasure)

In the Spirit of Giving

Sunday, January 5 , 2020 Page 5