St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1550 Main Street • Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864

MISSION STATEMENT We are people guided by God, called to be a welcoming community celebrating our Catholic Christian faith

through continuing worship, education and service within our parish and the world beyond.

SATURDAY MASS: 5:00 P.M. SUNDAY MASS: 10:00 A.M.

RECONCILIATION: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 P.M. or by appointment

Rev. John Iffert, Pastor…………………………………………………...…………frjohn@stmarymtvernon.org Brett Heinzman, Principal St. Mary School…………... …………………………………bheinzman@stmarymtvernon.org Kim Diaz, Director of Religious Education………………..………………………………...…kdiaz@stmarymtvernon.org Sue Herr, Director of Music………..……………………………………………………………sherr@stmarymtvernon.org Susan Kusmer, Parish Secretary………...…………………...………………………………skusmer@stmarymtvernon.org

Office Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday Parish Office………………….. …………………………………………………………...……………….……..244-1559 Parish Email……………………………………………………………………………...…..skusmer@stmarymtvernon.org St. Mary School…...…………………………………….………….…………………………………...…………242-5353 School Email……..……………………..…………………………….………………......bheinzman@stmarymtvernon.org St. Mary Church & School Fax Number……………………………………………….………………………......242-5365

WEBSITE: stmarymtvernon.org

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

Blake Brown Merus Brown Reagan Bullard Sarah Butler McKenzie Hughes

Alex Kiefer JR Malich Cullen Shaner Crispin Stewart Skyler Taylor

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015 FIRST EUCHARIST CLASS

ST. MARY THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MT. VERNON

Great News! Bishop Braxton has called Mr. Brett Judkins to be or-dained a deacon. His ordination will take place at 10:30 am on May 23rd, 2015, the Vigil of Pentecost. I hope we will have a great turnout from St. Mary Church to encourage Brett on his road to ordained ministry.

Wasn’t Brett Studying to be a PRIEST?

Yes, and he still is studying to be a priest. Deacons are the first order of ordained clergy in the Catholic Church. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word for “servant” (as in “one who serves at table”). Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial ser-vices outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily at Mass, and are obligated to pray the Divine Office (Breviary) each day.

We recognize two types of deacons.

Permanent deacons are men ordained to an office in the Catholic Church who normally have no intention or desire of becoming priests. A permanent deacon can be single or married. (If the latter, he must be married be-fore being ordained a deacon.)

Permanent deacons, especially those who are married, have secular jobs to support their families and also have a ministry in their parish and/or diocese. Mark Kabat is a member of our parish who is preparing to be a per-manent deacon.

Transitional deacons are seminarians, students in the last phase of training for the Catholic priesthood. After being a deacon for about a year, they’re ordained a priest by the bishop. Brett is being ordained a transi-tional deacon, in anticipation of his ordination as a priest in summer 2016.

Remember: Deacons, priests, and bishops are consid-ered clerics—members of the clergy. Everyone who exercises authority in the name of the church—from deacon to pope—is ordained first for service to God’s people. Congratulations Brett, on choosing a life of loving service!

Stewardship of Creation by Rev. Larry Rice, CSP

The principles of Catholic social teaching—the founda-tion of the Church’s doctrine regarding a wide range of so-cial, economic, and political activities—look at not only how humans interact with each other, but with our environ-ment as well. From the first chapters of Genesis in the Bible we see that our place in God’s creation isn’t isolated from everything else he created. And because the earth and its resources are finite, we have a moral obligation to steward those resources carefully.

This stewardship of creation should both show our re-spect for God our Creator, and also balance the charity and justice that is due to every human person. In his Encyclical Letter Populorum Progressio in 1967, Pope Paul VI wrote:

The recent Council reiterated this truth: “God intended the earth and everything in it for the use of all human beings and peoples. Thus, under the leadership of justice and in the company of char-ity, created goods should flow fairly to all.” All other rights, whatever they may be, including the rights of property and free trade, are to be subor-dinated to this principle. They should in no way hinder it; in fact, they should actively facilitate its implementation. Redirecting these rights back to their original purpose must be regarded as an im-portant and urgent social duty. (no. 22)

In other words, our individual rights cannot be exercised in conflict with the common good of all people. My rights to my property do not supersede my neighbors rights to clean air, water, food, and the other necessities of human life and human dignity. Particularly in times when there is debate about climate change and other ecological issues, Catholic social teaching reminds us that the stewardship of creation is a moral obligation that has tremendous impact on the common good of all God’s people.

Father Rice is Vocations Director for the Paulist Fathers.

APRIL 19, 2015

Monday, April 20 8:30am Marie Nguyen @ Good Samaritan Hospital

Tuesday, April 21 8:30am Cindy Rettig-Tatum

Wednesday, April 22 8:30am John D. Ohley 6:00pm @ St. Barbara’s, Scheller

Thursday, April 23 8:30am Virginia Fleri @ Good Samaritan Hospital Friday, April 24 8:30am John Schafer Saturday, April 25

5:00pm St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Parish Sunday, April 26 8:00am @ St. Barbara’s, Scheller 10:00am Billie Bullock Paul & Mary Dickerson

Respect Life Corner

Children are the greatest blessing - In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis said, “Children are the greatest blessing God has bestowed upon men and women. Yet, many children are rejected, abandoned, robbed of their childhood and their future. It is ‘shameful’ when people say it is a ‘mistake’ to bring a child into the world.” Learn, Act, Connect, Pray - Imagine a society that bases itself on the principle that “no sacrifice on the part of adults would be considered too costly or too great, anything so as to avoid that a child thinks they are a mistake, that they have no value and that they are abandoned to the wounds of life.” How beautiful such a society would be.

Stewardship Moment When the risen Christ encounters his disciples in the locked room he adds a new Beatitude to the ones we’ve heard pro- claimed before: Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. Stewards of the mysteries of God’s love do not need proof of the risen Christ. They know it because their lives have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who has breathed new life into them. As stewards of this great gift it is appropriate to reflect on how we in turn add new life into our parish communities.

The Catholic Home Missions Appeal The Catholic Home Missions Appeal will take place next week. One way that this appeal works to strengthen our Belleville Diocese and other mission dioceses in the United States is by funding vocations/seminarian formation. The blessing of seminarians places a financial burden on dio-ceses, where educating each seminarian costs $35,000-$40,000 per year. Your contributions are needed to assist our Vocations Office in supporting these young men so that they may one day serve our parishes. Please strengthen the Church at home by making a generous gift to next week’s Catholic Home Missions appeal. Thank you for your generosity.

Lifeboat Alliance Family Shelter

Pork Chop Lunch

Friday, May 1st Serving 11 am - 1 pm

First United Methodist Church

Parking Lot

Pork Chop with Chips & Cookie

$8.00

Call Lifeboat at 244-4088

to place your order.

Free delivery on orders of 10 or more meals in Mt. Vernon city

limits.

Lifeboat Alliance is a non-profit 501c(3). For more information please visit:

www.lifeboatalliance.org or email lifeboatalliance@gmail.com

FROM YOUR DRE …

Third Sunday of Easter, April 19, 2015 “. . . he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

We hear another post-resurrection appearance story today from the Gospel of Luke. The narratives of Luke and John (heard last Sunday) share some common elements: Jesus appears suddenly among the huddled disciples startling, even terrifying, them; he offers comfort saying, “Peace be with you,” and residual doubts are addressed with proof that he is truly risen, see and touch my hands and side. But last week, at the end of our Gospel reading, John said: “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book.” Today, we hear a post-resurrection account from Luke’s Gospel containing just such elements. This reading follows a stunning story of an appearance on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35) Two heartbroken disciples, overwhelmed by the past week, have set out for their homes. On the way, they meet a stranger – who “beginning with Moses and all the prophets . . . interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.” Taking heart, they begged him to stay with them and share a meal. As they sit at table, this stranger took the bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to them! “With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him . . . in the breaking of the bread . . . but he vanished from their sight.” Saying, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scripture to us?”, the amazed disciples run back to Jerusalem, even though it is evening and dangerous to travel; they are compelled to share this Good News . . . Here, our Gospel reading today begins, as Jesus suddenly appears, interrupting the miraculous story. Recognition is still a problem, even though he is interrupting testimony that he is truly risen. To prove that he is not a ghost, Jesus asks, “Have you anything to eat?” They offer him a piece of baked fish, and “he took it and ate it in front of them.” Only then are they prepared to hear him: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.” Restating the basic kerygma, or core teaching, Jesus concludes: “You are witnesses to these things.” It seems the very thing that caused the disciples to doubt Jesus was the Messiah, that caused them to lose faith – the crucifixion - turned out to be a sign Jesus points to so that they can recognize him. It seems God’s mysterious purpose is found hidden in scripture: crucifixion was part of God’s provident plan. Jesus helps his disciples – then, through the ages, and now - understand that Scripture is a living word that speaks not just to the past but to the present, and that can help them understand their own lives in the context of God’s plan for the human race. Scripture is always a living Word because Jesus is always present in the Word proclaimed!”

Questions for Reflection: 1. What role does Scripture play in your life of discipleship? 2. What word from Scripture nourishes your faith? Sustains you in times of stress, trouble or sorrow? 3. What do you need to effectively witness to your belief in the risen savior?

Pope Francis’ April, 2015 Prayer Intentions Universal Intention: for creation, that people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift of God. Evangelization: for persecuted Christians, that persecuted Christianity may feel the consoling presence of the Risen Lord and the solidarity of all the Church.

RICE BOWL 2015

As we continue to celebrate our risen Lord, don’t forget to turn in your CSR Rice Bowl! A large Rice Bowl Box is located in the Gathering Space for this purpose.

MINISTRY UPDATES Hospitality Ministry Thank you, Hospitality Ministers, for striving to arrive one hour to forty-five minutes before Mass begins! It allows ministers to ne briefed on anything special about a particular Mass and to be ready to receive our early arrivers. For continuing Hospitality Ministers – and anyone desiring to join this key ministry: Our next Hospitality Meeting is Monday, May 11, 2015 from 6:00-7:00 PM in the Fellowship Room. We will continue to explore and hone active listening skills.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION How does catechesis fit into the Church’s pastoral and missionary activity? “. . . Catechesis cannot be disassociated from the Church’s pastoral and missionary activity as a whole. . . it has a specific character . . . (with) essential landmarks. Catechesis is an education of children, young people and adults in the faith, which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into fullness of Christian life.” (from On Catechesis in Our Time by St. Pope John Paul II, #18)

Adult Catechesis and Faith Formation meets next on Sunday, May 3 & Monday, May 4 for Robert Barron’s Catholicism, #7-The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist, the last of our ‘bridge’ sessions. Our Sunday class meets from 11:30 – 1:00 pm, while the Monday class meets from Noon to 1:30 pm. Both classes meet in the Fellowship Room. Our next series, Epic: a Journey through Church History, begins Sunday, June 7 and Monday, June 8. This 20-week study has a similar format to our Bible Timeline series: a notebook, timeline chart, and bookmark. The cost is $25.00. Invite a friend to journey with us, learning the origins of our common roots! Course materials will be available beginning May 3. Questions? Contact Kim Diaz.

$155,000

$116,250

$77,500

$38,750

$52,865

St. Mary School ROOF REPAIR FUND

If you would like to help St. Mary School

by donating to this fund, please make

check payable to St. Mary School with a

memo stating “School Repairs.” Donations can be

dropped off or mailed to the Church or School offices or put in the collection

basket on the weekend, or you can

give online with Online Giving.

Addresses may be found on the front of

the bulletin! Thank You!

New Parish Website:

stmarymtvernon.org

High School Youth Info for: Cairo & NCYC Trips

For anyone who is interested in going to Cairo in June for our mission trip or the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis in November, there will be a meeting this Sunday, April 19th in the Gathering Space following the 10 am Mass. Fundraising will be discussed and paperwork will be passed out.

Box Tops for Education

There is a container on the wall in the Gathering Space next to the bulletin board for your Box Tops donation, or for your convenience, drop them in the Sunday collection bowl. Thank you!

Prairie Farm Plastic Milk Caps ONLY

If you purchase Prairie Farm Milk, St. Mary School collects the plastic milk caps (w/ label on top.) If you would put them in the Box Top container on the wall in the Gathering Space, the school would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

FOR THE LOVE OF BROADWAY! May 15, 16 & 17

Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Banquet Center Belleville, IL

Once a year, the Shrine hosts this special event…a spectacular Broadway Revue coupled with a deluxe buffet from our award-winning restaurant. The show is NEW every year, with fabulous music and re-created scenes from everyone’s favorite Broadway musicals performed by a talented cast and live orchestra...a delightful experience for adults and children alike! May 15 & 16: Dinner Buffet at 6:30 PM, show at 7:30. May 17: Brunch Buffet at 1 PM, show at 2 PM. The new RISING STARS music group will perform as guests arrive beginning at 5:45 & 12:15. All-inclusive Entertainment Package with all-you-can-eat buffet, full-length two-act show, all taxes and gratuities, only $35.00 per adult, children 5-12 half price, under 5 free. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Order early for best table seating. Shrine Hotel discounted Bed and Breakfast package available for out-of-town guests. Call 618-409-0015 or email: ordertickets@charter.net.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION FOR CHILDREN

PSR/Forming Faith Together – Put our last session of this school year on your calendar now: Sunday, May 17, from 11:30 – 1:30 in the Gym. Remember to bring your “Sacrament Memory Boxes.” (If you need a shoebox, see me!)

At the Lighthouse Rack . . . Numerous good cds, booklets, and books to nourish your Catholic faith remain at the kiosk! Please donate $4.00 for books, $3.00 for CD’s, and $2.00 for booklets.

SACRAMENT INFORMATION

FIRST EUCHARIST We rejoice with those who came to the Table of the Lord for the first time today, and their families. May they always hunger and thirst for what only Eucharist can offer them, and may they continue to grow in love and knowledge of their faith! Please join our children and their families in the Fellowship Room for a brief cake and punch reception.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK April 20 - 27

Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Tuesday: Acts 7:51- 8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59 Saturday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20 Sunday: Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18

Liturgical Ministry Roles April 25/26

Hospitality East Door Greeters: 5 PM - Greg Kasban & Kash Kasban 10 AM - Mark & Lori Kabat

West Door Greeters: 5 PM - Karen Kasban & Kade Kasban 10 AM - Jim & Michelle Rozycki

Guides: 5 PM - Jean & Pat Rettig 10 AM - Robin Adcock & Gage Adcock Office Aides: 5 PM - Karen Williams 10 AM - Karen Rozycki

Ushers: 5 PM - Branden Schrader, Wyatt Schrader, Paul Sanders & Jim Dolwick 10 AM - Jim Rozycki, Sr., Glenn York, Mark Simmons & James Kabat

Liturgical Ministers

Sacristan: 5 PM - Brett Hall 10 AM - Ron Hudson

Servers: 5 PM - Olivia Boyer, Reid Deichman & Lane Deichman 10 AM - Peter Camaione, Paul Camaione & Silvio Hodge

Readers of the Word: 5 PM - (1) Roy Schmidt (2) Ryan Schmidt 10 AM - (1) Ron Kirsch (2) Gordon Roberts

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: 5 PM - Skip Fox, Mark & Debbie Roderick,

Joyce Pancoast, Sara Allen, Beth Schrader, Kevin Rettig & Lloyd Reinkensmeier

10 AM - Ed & Ronni Zawila, Garry & Mary Jo Adcock, Bill Jones, Debra Hodge,

Ray & Carol Baril

Music Ministers: 5 PM - Saturday Musicians 10 AM - Adult Choir

Hospitality Ministers - arrive 45 minutes before Mass

Liturgical Ministers - arrive 15 minutes before Mass

One Position Opening: Middle School Math/Science Position

or 3rd Grade Teacher Position

Math/Science Position: St. Mary School is now accepting applications for a middle school math/science teacher opening for the 2015-2016 school year. The preferred candidate will have Illinois teacher certification in math/science, Illinois Middle School Endorsement, and experience with technology and curriculum. In addition, the candidate will posses the ability to work with other faculty members, and be a dynamic individual who can inspire the diverse Saint Mary students they instruct. Additional duties include: Student Council, Robotics Club, and the Annual Science Fair. 3rd Grade Teacher Position: St. Mary School, Mt. Vernon is now accepting applications for a 3rd Grade Teacher opening for the 2015-2016 school year. The preferred candidate will have Illinois teacher certification along with experience in technology and Illinois Learning Standards, with additional duties as assigned.

Application requirements: Interested candidates should provide a resume, college transcripts, and a minimum of three references with phone numbers and addresses, and proof of Illinois Certification to complete their application file. Please mail the application file to: St. Mary School, Attn: Brett Heinzman, 1416 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates will be notified by phone if they are selected to participate in interviews.

Schedule of Events The Month of April

Saturday, April 18 First Eucharist Practice 10:30 AM - Noon (Church) NO Use of Parish Center Sunday, April 19 Mass at St. Barbara 8 AM (Scheller) Mass w/ First Eucharist 10 AM (Church) NCYC & Cairo Trip 11 AM (Gathering Space) Monday, April 20 Pastoral Council Meeting 6:30 PM (Fellowship Rm) Boy Scout Meeting 7 PM (Gym) Tuesday, April 21 Cub Scout Meeting 6 PM (1/2 of Fellowship Rm) Refresh & Renew Coordinator Meeting 6:30 PM

(Church) Wednesday, April 22 Adoration 9 AM until 4 PM (Church) Adult Choir Practice 7 PM (Church) Thursday, April 23 Becoming Catholic 7 PM (Fellowship Rm) Friday, April 24 Math Facts 7:30 AM (Fellowship Rm) Saturday, April 25 Refresh & Renew Coordinator Meeting 10 AM

(Church) No Use of Fellowship Room Noon-4 PM (Rented) Sunday, April 26 World Day of Prayer Monday, April 27 Market Day Orders Due St. Mary School Board Meeting 6:30 PM (PC) Boy Scout Meeting 7 PM (Gym) Tuesday, April 28 Cub Scout Meeting 6 PM (Gym) Wednesday, April 29 Adult Choir Practice 7 PM (Church)

Boys & Girls Basketball Practices are not listed in the above calendar. So even though the gym looks available, it may not be available.

Prayer List

Please pray for the following Parishioners:

Paul Arndt Faye Bathon Brenda Breeze George Floyd Joseph Havrilka Rebecca Johnson John Owens Debbie Shields

To be added to our prayer list, the individual should contact the parish office directly or have an immediate family member do so.

Church Cleaning Volunteers

April 24 - Cindy Montgomery, Rose Rankin, Mary Wayer, Jim Rozycki, Julie Smith, Kay McCulley & Bob Jilek.

May 1 - Brenda Breeze, Larry Long-Croteau, Judi Heitmeyer, Susan Hughey, Pat Schafer, Mary Ann Harris, Lori Kabat, & Rich Spotanski.

May 8 - Cindy Sloan, Karen Williams, Pat & Doug Manne, Dorris Klotz, Jean Rettig, Sharon Ghast, Xiulan Chen, & Tricia Higgins.

May 15 - Gwen Randall, Bill Arndt, Dee Elliot, Marty Simmons, Ronni Zawila, Jan Rose, & Elice Nowak.

April 12, 2015 Amt. (# env.)

Sunday Envelopes ................. 7,569.00 (158) Easter Envelopes ...................... 630.00 (9) Children Collection .................... 40.00 (1) St. Mary School Env. .............. 225.00 (6) St. Mary Needy Fund ................. 75.00 (5) Adopt-A-Parish .......................... 30.00 (2) Woman Hope Center.................. 60.00 (4) Lifeboat Alliance...................... 210.00 (76) Loose ....................................... 477.00

Thank You!.............. $ 9,316.00

The above figures include donations given online and by special collections.

As of April 14, 2015 - School Roof Fund $52,865.00 from 69 families