Young Adult Ministry

Upcoming Events!

2008-02-17T22:50:00.003-06:00

Our Upcoming Events:

Sunday, February 24
BINGO @ St Stephens, Caseyville
Bingo starts at 6, we will start congregating at 5:30. Just let me know to save you a place.

Monday, February 25
Theology on Tap
Schlafly Tap Room- 2100 Locust St.
St Louis, MO

Just War: Can War Really be Just?

Fr. Richard Peddicord, OP, PhD President of Aquinas Institute

Our understanding of the Just War Tradition continues to develop as we reflect on the contexts in which it is applied. We will discuss the ongoing conversation surrounding the Just War Tradition.

Doors open at 6:00, speaker 6:30

Also look for Movie and Drinks nights coming soon!

TRIVIA NIGHT!

2008-01-01T20:58:00.000-06:00

TRIVIA NIGHT to support YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY!

When: Saturday, February 16, 2008
Doors open at 6:00 PM, trivia starts at 7:00 PM

Where: Corpus Christi Church, 206 Rasp St. Shiloh IL

Cost: $80 per Table of no more than 8


Cash prizes to the top teams.

Prizes for the best variation/decorations on our
theme: Valentine's Day
Also 50/50 drawings, raffles, and mulligans!!!

Food can be brought in,
drinks will be available for purchase.

To reserve your table:   call: 618-696-9598 or  email: erinhammond@sbcglobal.net 


Can't Get A Table Together???

Want to play but can't find enough people to make up a table? 

We have reserved a few tables for those
looking to meet others and support Young Adult
Ministry.   Whether you are new to the area or just
graduated from school � come meet other young adults
(ages 18 � 39) and enjoy the night!

St Monica's Coffee Schedule

2008-01-01T17:45:00.000-06:00

This group meets in the Archdiocese of St Louis - very near some good restaurants and West County Mall...
erin

ST. MONICA'S YOUNG ADULTS (19-40+ years old) COFFEE HOUSE

St. Monica's Catholic Church
Msgr. Schneider Church Hall (basement)
12136 Olive Blvd at I-270

Come to the Coffee House and experience a relaxing evening of
discussion, desserts and coffees with fellow young adults (19-40+).

Cost: FREE. Good will donation of $3-$5 to cover our expenses is
appreciated.

Sponsored by St. Monica's Young Adult Ministry.
Established in July 2000.

For more details, contact stmonicasyoungadults@yahoo.com or
314-352-0450.

Schedule for the first five months of 2008:

January 18, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
"The Catholic Church's Relationship to New Age Spirituality"
Presented by Most Reverend Robert Joseph Hermann, Auxiliary Bishop of
the St. Louis Archdiocese, Vicar General

February 15, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
"Life's Not so Little Questions about Love"
Presented by Mrs. Bridget Brennan, Founder and President of The Cana
Institute.

March 14, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:30pm **(Note: Not the 3rd Friday of Month!)
"Mental Health Issues — Family, Friends and Faith"
Presented by Mr. Tom Smith, Retired Director of Pastoral Services for
the Diocese of Belleville, IL

April 18, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
"Christian Apologetics"
Presented by Reverend Jeff Vomond, Pastor of St. Elizabeth, Mother of
John the Baptist in St. Louis

May 16, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
"Prayer Presentation, Discussion and a joyful Pentecost Prayer Service"
Presented by Reverend Jeff Maassen, Pastor of St. Angela Merici in
Florissant

young adult group in your parish???

2007-06-07T22:26:00.001-05:00

Want a Young Adult Group in your parish or Cluster?

Young Adult Ministry is undergoing some changes!

We will be working towards building up stronger parish based programs while continuing the large service projects, Theology on Taps and even some new events!

If you are interested (you are NOT volunteering for anything, I promise!) please contact Erin through email - erinhammond@sbcglobal.net

Also - Our office is no longer at Cathedral Parish, we've moved to St Joseph's in Lebanon and to McKendree University. Thank you to Cathedral Parish for all of your support and storage space!

Last Chance to apply for Summer Mission Trip to Tijuana...

2007-06-07T22:25:00.003-05:00

Deadline: June 12
Price: $350 - for flight, food and lodging.
Dates: July 23 - 31 (also the locals are asked to attend Novena Mass on August 1 at Shrine)

This trip is in conjunction with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and their Novena to Our Lady of the Snows. It includes time for service work, visiting with the people we will be serving, and retreat and prayer opportunities. This is a once in a lifetime chance to change the world while changing yourself! Please email with any questions!

Summer Fun!

2007-06-07T22:25:00.001-05:00

June 11 Shakespeare in the Park

Picnic and see the performance of Much Ado about Nothing

Meet at 6 pm at the Dairy Queen parking lot at 157 and 64

OR RSVP through email and I'll save you a spot and tell you where to look for us!

June 12 Service Trip application deadline—scholarships available

(see last post)

June 23 Youth Sing Praise Performance at the Shrine - Bring a blanket!
Performance starts at 7 - grab seats OR bring your blanket and get a spot on the hill!

July 25—Jammin’ at the Zoo The Young Zoo Friends present live music and a wine tasting (Small Cover)

Again meet at the Dairy Queen OR RSVP to Erin and we'll tell you where to meet up with the group.

July 23- 31—Service Trip to Tijuana Applications and payment due in June
August 8—Jazz in the Gardens—picnic at the Botanical Gardens

mobot.org for information on what you can bring into the gardens - meet at 7pm in the circle behind the Kemper Center

August 14-15 Food Fast - Fundraiser for CRS, more details to come

August 19 & 27 Special Olympics Fall Bowling tournament—Volunteers Needed

Theology on Tap

2007-04-04T13:12:00.000-05:00

Our next series for Theology on Tap begins Sunday, April 15th!

Living Life to the Fullest!

Theology on Tap - Belleville Diocesan Young Adult Ministry

Theology on Tap is for young adults, 18-39 years old, married or single, catholic or not, who want to learn more about what the Church and their peers are saying.

Admission is Free!

Sundays in April we will be at The Edge, 701 South Belt West, Belleville

5:30 gather (free snacks) Dinner and Drinks available for purchase
6:00 speaker

The Edge has offered discounts on Laser Tag. Mini-golf and other games also available!

Speakers and Topics:

Sunday, April 15

Jean deBlois, C.S.J.
Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology
Director of Master of Arts in Health Care Mission Program
Aquinas Institute of Theology

Living in your Twenties and Thirties
Health care decisions that face young adults and their families.

Have you wondered about the implications of your health care choices? Many young adults are faced with care of their parents and grandparents, care of their children and last but not least, care of themselves and their spouses. Jean will help us navigate those choices in light of Catholic moral teachings.

Sunday, April 22

Jack Frazine
MAPS Candidate
Aquinas Institute of Theology

Living the Three R's:
Responsibility, Relationships, and Reconciliation

Jack will help us explore our relationships with all of those in our lives. While exploring relationships we will keep in mind our responsibility to others and how to keep those relationships healthy through reconciliation.

Sunday, April 29

Donna and Mike Eisenbath
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Workshop presenters

Living with Depression

Donna and Mike have been married for over twenty years and have gained much experience navigating life while living with and living with someone who suffers from depression. Their experience can help anyone who is touched by depression or any mental illness.

Sunday, May 6

Closing Mass 6 pm

Corpus Christi Parish, Shiloh

We will join the parishioners of Corpus Christi in celebrating our life in community and then move over to the parish center for some snacks and social time.

Prayer of the Week

2007-04-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet John 13: 1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

(from New Revised Standard Version; taken from www.usccb.org)

Retreat Tomorrow - Saturday...

2007-03-23T14:16:00.000-05:00

Join us as we reflect on our Lenten journey and the upcoming Easter season at the beautiful Shrine...

Saturday, March 24th
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mary Chapel
(The upper chapel in the Ampitheater)
Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Bring walking shoes and comfortable clothing if you care to walk the grounds (it is promising to be a beautiful day!). A journal, a rosary, or a prayer book might be helpful during the retreat as well. We will have a bit of unscheduled time for reflection. All are welcome!

If you would like to join us later on...
Mass at 5pm - Shrine Church
Dinner in the Shrine Restaurant following

Spring Events

2007-03-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

Lenten Retreat
Saturday March 24th - 1pm
Shrine Ampitheater - Mary Chapel

We will begin at 1 pm - the retreat will be done at 4. You may wish to join us at 5pm Mass in the Shrine Church and then possible for dinner at the Restaurant.

We will have the opportunity for some free time - please bring appropriate outerwear (good walking shoes, jacket, umbrella) for the day - and if you wish a journal, prayer book, rosary, etc. We will also provide some activities during this time.

All are welcome - please RSVP to erinhammond@sbcglobal.net so I can plan supplies.

Fish Fry Social
Friday, March 30th - 6:00pm
St. Henry's in Belleville

We will begin our night at St. Henry's before heading off to enjoy the evening together. The group will decide where we go afterwards, so bring your ideas and your sense of adventure!

THEOLOGY ON TAP
Sundays, April 15 - 29
The Edge in Belleville
5:30 gather; 6:00 speaker
with closing Mass at Corpus Christi May 6th (6pm)

In honor of the Easter season, our series will focus on life issues and living life! (relationships, forgiveness, mental illness)

Join us at the Edge - food and beverages are available for purchase (we will provide some free snacks, too) The Edge has given us discounts on laser tag... Mini golf and other games are also available!

Woman's History Month
March

Check out the blog daily - (bellevilleyam.blogspot.com - or bellevilleyam.com - then click on Events)
for biographies of influential women.

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather and have the opportunity to deepen your relationship with God this Lent. Please contact me if you are looking for any resources this lent!
~erin

SWIC prayer of the week 2.26.07

2007-02-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

God, our companion along the road,
Enter with us in the wilderness of uncertainty and the loneliness of desolation, that through our wanderings and reflections we too may choose the path of uncertainty and travel with those who have left behind home and security.
Hear us in your mercy,
And strengthen us to do your will.

God, our resistance,
Strengthen our resolve to seek bread that nourishes and sustains, that through our
resistance of instant satisfaction we may learn to value what we take for granted and seek solidarity with those who have nothing.
Hear us in your mercy,
And strengthen us to do your will.

God, our judge,
Guard us against all arrogance, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness, that through choosing
the fast that undoes the fetters of injustice we may share our bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into our house.
Hear us in your mercy,
And strengthen us to do your will.

God, our beginning and our end,
Remind us that we are but dust and to dust we shall return, that through acknowledging
our frailty and owning our mortality we may draw closer to those who live in constant fear of death.
Hear us in your mercy,
And strengthen us to do your will.

God, our cross bearer,
Challenge us to take up our cross and to choose the narrow path, that on our journey we may learn the cost of discipleship and identify with those who give up home and livelihood for the sake of principle.
Hear us in your mercy,
And strengthen us to do your will.

God, our challenger,
Stir up our lives and shatter our complacency, that through the people we meet and the

life stories we share we may be challenged to change and moved to action.
Hear us in your mercy,
Strengthen us to do your will,
And let our lives reflect your purpose.

-Annabel Shilson-Thomas (Anglican priest in England who works for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)

Trivia Night Thanks!

2007-02-22T17:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all who helped make our Trivia Night a success! We raised a good amount of money to help continue Young Adult programming in the Diocese. Please look over our list of sponsors and try to support them. Mention that you found their name through us...

Thank you to the following people and organizations who made generous donations to support Young Adult Ministry in Belleville...

6 North Coffee Co.
www.6ncoffee.com

Al’s Automotive
www.alsautomotive.com

Aquinas Institute of Theology
www.ai.edu

Eckert’s Restaurant
www.eckerts.com

The E.D.G.E and D.S. Vespers
www.at-the-edge.net

Funny Bone
www.funnyboneusa.com/fairviewheights/default.htm
Gabriel’s Pride Pediatrics

Illinois Distributing
www.illinoisdistributing.com

Jan’s Hallmark
www.jansadvantage.com

The Lincoln Theater
www.lincolntheatre-belleville.com

Lotus Arts Studio World Dance and Yoga
www.lotus-arts.net

Ann Mueller

St Louis Cathedral Concerts
www.stlcathedralconcerts.org/site

St Louis Chamber Chorus
www.chamberchorus.org

Young Adult Advisory Board
(who donated time, talent, and energy to making this a success!)

St Monica's Coffee House

2007-01-10T10:34:00.000-06:00

ST. MONICA'S YOUNG ADULTS (19-39ish years old) COFFEE HOUSE

St. Monica's Catholic Church
Msgr. Schneider Church Hall (basement)
12136 Olive Blvd at I-270
Friday, January 19, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

Join other young adults (19-39ish year olds) for the Coffee House, a
relaxing evening with a variety of desserts and coffees. Bring a
friend and be prepared for a fun evening of friends, reflection, and
discussion on "Eastern and Western Religions" with Rev. Vincent Heier,
Director of the St. Louis Archdiocesan Office for Ecumenical and
Interreligious Affairs.

Cost: FREE. Good will donation of $3-$5 to cover our expenses is
appreciated.

Sponsored by St. Monica's Young Adult Ministry.
Established in July 2000.

For more details, contact stmonicasyoungadults@yahoo.com or
314.440.4455.

2007-01-03T18:30:00.000-06:00

Trivia Night in support of Diocese of Belleville
Young Adult and Campus Ministry

Celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year!

When: Saturday, February 17, 2007
Doors open at 6:00 PM, trivia starts at 7:00 PM

Where: Corpus Christi Church, 206 Rasp St. Shiloh IL

Cost: $80 per Table of no more than 8
Cash prizes to the top teams.

Attendees will also enjoy other prizes, 50/50 drawings and mulligans!!

Food can be brought in, though drinks will be available for purchase

To reserve your table call 618-628-8458 or email:

erinhammond@sbcglobal.net or dabaran@sbcglobal.net

Bring your friends, family, coworkers,

Diocese of Belleville
College and Young Adult Ministry
200 W. Harrison Street
Belleville, Illinois 62220
618.234.1166 x118

Advent Retreat

2006-12-07T11:50:00.000-06:00

Looking for a chance to be quiet with God in this season of Advent preparation?

Advent Retreat
Finding God in the Darkness
for Young Adults (ages 18-35)

Thursday, December 14
6:30 - 9:30pm
Christ the King Chapel*
(Lower chapel at the Ampitheater of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows)

There will be time for walking and reflection, if you'd like, please bring appropriate winter clothes.

Meghan Mueller, Campus/Young Adult Minister will lead the 3 hour retreat.

Cost: Free
Please RSVP so we may prepare supplies

* - The annual Way of Lights will be going on so please allow yourself a few extra minutes on the Shrine ground. To avoid WOL traffic: once on grounds TURN LEFT towards the apartment community and the opposite way of the WOL traffic. Follow the road up a hill and then down again - please park behind the ampitheater.

November 30

2006-11-29T22:25:00.000-06:00

November 30
St. Mother Theodore Guerin
(Foundress of The Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of –the-Woods)

Anne-Thérèse Guerin was born into a sea-faring family Oct. 2, 1798, in the village of Etables-sur-Mer in Brittany, France. Her desire to be close to God began when she was a young child. She was allowed to receive her First Communion at the age of 10 and, at that time, told the parish priest that someday she would dedicate herself to God and to God’s work. Less than two months before her 25th birthday on August 18, 1823, Anne-Thérèse entered the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé-sur-Loir, France, a young community of women religious who served as teachers and cared for the sick poor. As a religious, she was known as Sister St. Theodore.
Due to the devastating after effects of the French Revolution, women religious were needed in the mission field. Sister St. Theodore was one of many postulants who received the religious dress and was sent out on mission.

In January 1825, Sister St. Theodore was sent to teach at Preuilly-sur-Claise in a school of the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé. On Sept. 6, 1825, she canonically received the habit and on Sept. 8 pronounced first vows. She then returned to Preuilly to complete the academic year. On July 12, 1840, Sister St. Theodore and five other Sisters of Providence of Ruillé — Sister St. Vincent Ferrer Gagé, Sister Basilide Seneschal, Sister Olympiade Boyer, Sister Mary Xavier Lerée and Sister Mary Liguori Tiercin — left France for a journey to the unknown. The six women religious left Le Havre, along the Normandy coast, July 27 on the Cincinnati, bound for the United States and a Providence journey. They arrived in New York Harbor on Sept. 4, 1840.
Mother Theodore (as she became known) and her sister companions faced a daunting task, but trusting in the Providence of God, they set out on the mission before them. Realizing the great need for religious instruction and education, the sisters opened an academy for girls on July 4, 1841.

By 1842, Sisters of Providence schools were established in Jasper, Indiana, and St. Francisville, Illinois. By the time of Mother Theodore's death on May 14, 1856, the Sisters of Providence were running the schools at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and Jasper plus these other schools in Indiana: Vincennes, St. Peter's (now Montgomery), Madison, Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, Evansville, North Madison, Lanesville and Columbus. Mother Theodore also opened two orphanages - one for girls and one for boys - in Vincennes. Additionally, the Congregation had grown from six sisters and four postulants to 67 professed members, nine novices and seven postulants.
Mother Theodore Guerin led an extraordinary life before her death May 14, 1856, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She was canonized October 16, 2006.

(Passage taken from and adapted: Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods
http://www.spsmw.org/cgi-bin/site.pl?3208&dwContent_contentID=274 )

If you have enjoyed reading the Saint of the Day during the month of November, I invite you to check out the main source I used in compiling these passages. Robert Ellsberg's book, All Saints, Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time, provides a daily passage about men and women who have lead extraordinary lives of faith in the ordinariness of their daily lives. If you are looking for a good reflection book for the new year or just a way to grow in knowledge about some amazing individuals…this would be an excellent book!

Ellsberg, Robert. All Saints, Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time. New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 2005.

Theology on Tap - Tonight!

2006-11-26T16:13:00.000-06:00

Sorry, with all of the Saint postings I didn't realize that the archives are so far away now.

So... We are meeting tonight at
Corpus Christi Church
206 Rasp St. Shiloh, Illinois 62269

Mass at 6pm - and after Mass we will walk to our meeting place and enjoy dinner and discussion led by Msrg. Margason.

Sunday November 19 - Theology on Tap

2006-11-19T09:12:00.000-06:00

Tonight Sara McGinnis - Lee at Theology on Tap!

"Doubt, Doubt - Let it all out!"

Enjoy more yummy cheese filled breadsticks (and some other food) and discuss doubt and your spirituality.

The Edge (in the Blues room)
6:30 gather and food
7:00 speaker

Theology on Tap - again this Sunday

2006-11-10T15:43:00.000-06:00

Mission:Possible?
The Bishop's Pastoral Letter

See you this Sunday at Theology on Tap!

Speakers Oddwalk Ministries (Shannon Cerneka and Orin Johnson) will delight us with their informative and accesible presentation on the Bishop's Pastoral Letter.

www.oddwalkministries.com for more information on our speakers -

Doors open at 6:30
Presentation starts at 7

The EDGE in Belleville - we'll be in the Blues Room

Free hot appetizers!
Laser Tag discouts!

Don't worry if you didn't come for the first night or even if you haven't read the letter yet! There will be no tests...

Prayer for Veteran's Day

2006-11-09T11:28:00.000-06:00

Prayer for Veterans’ Day

Lord Jesus,
Today, we are sorrowful before you. The tally of U.S. military personnel who have died in Iraq has recently exceeded 2,800 men and women. Our hearts weep for the horror and destruction of war and the loss of life caused by it. We ask your forgiveness for not maintaining the peaceful world you desire, and we pray for all the victims of war:

We pray for U.S. soldiers who are returning home. We are grateful for their service and commitment.
Be with them, Lord.

We pray for mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, and sons who mourn the death of a U.S. soldier they love.
Be with them, Lord.

We pray for parents, children, brothers, and sisters in Iraq who mourn the deaths of loved ones.
Be with them, Lord.

We pray for the soldiers who are still in Iraq and Afghanistan. Protect them and keep them safe.
Be with them, Lord.

We pray for Iraqi civilians who deal with the daily terror of living amidst flying bullets, suicide bombings, and destruction.
Be with them, Lord.

We pray for our policymakers and leaders who hold the futures of hundreds of thousands of American and Iraqi lives in their hands. Give them wisdom, integrity, and strength as they make important decisions.
Be with them, Lord.

Lord God, keep in our minds our sisters and brothers across the world, both soldiers and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who are returning to the U.S. Help us to be committed to prayer, solidarity, and action to ensure that returning soldiers are well-cared for and to seek an effective end to the war that has brought destruction to so many
lives.

Amen.

Adapted from http://www.educatio nforjustice. org

Prayer of the Week 11.06.06

2006-11-06T09:13:00.000-06:00

A Prayer of the Saints

We give thanks for
All the saints,
Signs of hope for us
In a time when hope is
Often difficult to discern.

We give thanks for
The communion of saints,
Our communities of faith
That support us
When we lag behind,
When we struggle to be present
To those who suffer,
When we let go
Of our neighbors’ hand.

We give thanks for
Our own call to sainthood,
That challenge of baptism,
That creative, disruptive grace,
That instinctive turning toward the human family.

We are images of each other,
We are a ruckus chorus
Announcing the kingdom of God:
Hear it and know
It calls us home.

Amen.

Jane Deren, Education for Justice
http://www.educatio nforjustice. org/bin/view. fpl/1069. html

Looking for election help...

2006-11-03T11:55:00.000-06:00

As the midterm election approaches, I know many of us are uncertain how to vote on certain issues or which candidates best represent what we believe. Below I've attached a wonderful link to a document published by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops called Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility. This document touches on many of the important issues that we (as both Catholics and US citizens) should consider in our voting.

Our Catholic tradition urges us to follow an informed conscience when considering these matters. To do this, we must become knowledgeable, bring our concerns and questions to prayer, and speak with trusted mentors and advisors. If you have any questions in the coming days, feel free to contact me.

Call to Faithful Citizenship Document
http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/

Thanks to Meghan for sending this out...
erin

Blues game....

2006-10-31T20:46:00.000-06:00

St Louis Blues Hockey

Thursday November 9th

Tickets $20 if you reply before November 5th. Watch the Blues take on Columbus at the Scott Trade Center and enjoy a fun night with other Young Adults.

THEOLOGY ON TAP!

2006-10-31T20:03:00.000-06:00

Sundays in November

Mission:Possible?

A look at the Bishop's Pastoral Letter, "We Are His Witnesses: A Spirit-Filled Mission As the Church in Southern Illinois." and what is means for 20 and 30 somethings in the Diocese of Belleville.

November 5, 12 and 19th - The EDGE in Belleville, 701 South Belt West Belleville, Illinois 62220
(Free Pizza and Wings and Lazer Tag discounts!)

6:30 pm - gather
7:00 pm - speakers

Closing Mass and special discussion:
November 26th - 6pm Corpus Christi - Shiloh
We will celebrate Mass together and then Msgr. Jim Margason will discuss the Pope's address in Regensburg, Germany.

Speaker Russ Peterson will start us off on November 5th discussing, "What does the Bishop mean by Common Meaning?"

So come see what this letter is all about - you don't have to have to be a Church Scholar to join in the disucssion - we will have copies of the letter available each night (or follow the above link).

[The Theology on Tap program is used with permission from the Archdiocese of Chicago]

www.bellevilleyam.com - www.myspace.com/bellevilleyam

All Saints and All Souls remeberance

2006-10-31T19:56:00.000-06:00

This week, the Church celebrates two very important days, All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). On these days we celebrate those men and women who have went before us in faith. Some are famous and have stories that have touched our hearts. Other are those we have known personally—family and friends who have walked with us on our journeys. All of them have been inspirations to us in one way or another. Some have challenged us to think outside our comfort zones. Some have helped us grow in our connection with God. Some have helped us discover new parts of who we are and who we want to become. For the Church, the communion of saints has been an important element of faith throughout history. The Church does not worship the saints (as it has sometimes been misunderstood) but rather views the saints in community with the rest of the Church. We are all on a journey of faith, and those who have gone before us continue to live in communion with us in spirit.

This month of November will be a time of remembrance for the saints in our lives. Please reply to this post (or email Erin)with the name(s) of those loved ones you would like remembered throughout the month. The Campus Ministry/Young Adult Staff will pray for these people throught the month.

Also, beginning November 1, there will be a Saint of the Day posted. If you would like, we could also email you daily and you will receive an email citing the stories of those men and women who have lived ordinary lives with extraordinary faith. If you know of anyone who would like to receive these emails, please feel free to forward their email addresses to me.

Prayer of the Week

2006-10-31T19:52:00.000-06:00

A Prayer of Remembrance

God of our ancestors, today we gather to our hearts all those who have influenced our lives with their love and goodness. Although they have passed on to the other side of this life, their lives continue to affect who we are and what we do. Like the sound of a bell resounding in the welcoming air, so has the goodness of these holy ones resonated in our lives. Thank you for these ancestors and the bond we have with them.

Let us remember the ones who lived and loved deeply, who found the source of their inner strength from you, the Divine Beloved…

Let us remember the light-filled ones, who enkindled our spirits with their teachings and the spark of their beliefs…

Let us remember the risk-takers, who faced their fears and took action, who sought justice even though they had to pay a price for it…

Let us remember the vulnerable ones who allowed us to care for them, to be with them in their time of need…

Let us remember the faith-filled ones who brought us to the Holy One, who led us, by their words and example, into deeper relationship with God…

Let us remember the brave ones who walked through their struggles with hope, who taught us how to trust and have confidence during our times of sorrow and difficulty…

Let us remember the great lovers of life, whose humor and enthusiasm lifted our spirits and brought us joy…

Let us remember the nurturers, who birthed us physically or spiritually, who gave us sustenance by their caring presence…

Sacred One, Giver and Sustainer of life, thank you for the holy ones whom we have known. As they embrace you in the white-robed home of eternity, we give you thanks for them. May our lives model their virtues. May our hearts resonate with their goodness.
!
Amen.

-From Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems, and Reflections for Every Season by Joyce Rupp

v

November 14th at St Clare in O'Fallon....

2006-10-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

National Guatemala Speakers Tour
Hope for Justice in Guatemala
Tuesday, November 14, 7:00 p.m.
Featuring Edwin Canil Vicente
St. Clare School Library
214 W. 3rd St., O’Fallon

Edwin Canil Vicente of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation will discuss efforts to hold Guatemala’s former military officials accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity. As a six-year-old, Edwin was the sole survivor of a 1982 massacre in his community of Santa Maria Tzeja. He managed to hide among the trees as the army killed his mother, grandmother, three sisters, a brother, and cousins. After living in Mexican refugee camps for 12 years, he returned to Guatemala to finish high school and is now in the final stages of completing a law degree. Edwin will speak about exciting developments in the international legal case against Guatemalan government officials who allegedly ordered the massacre in his village other indigenous communities in the early 1980’s.

bingo cancelled...

2006-10-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

Just a quick FYI -
We will not be meeting for BINGO tonight - Due to
World Series fun and other conflicts.

St Stephen's WILL however still have their Bingo - so
if you really don't want to watch the game, you can
still support their parish.

Go Cards - come see Oddwalk in concert AND watch the Cards in Game 1

2006-10-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

GO CARDS!

Oddwalk Ministries - (ps - huge cardinal fans - oddwalk.blogspot.com ) are still going through with their concert:

"Can a guy who hit .216 for the season redeem himself with one swing. Yes! (See: Yadier Molina, NLCS, Game 7, Top of the 9th) Can a 25 year old rookie make you forget about the terrible year logged by Jason Isringhausen. Yes! (See: Adam Wainwright, NLCS, Game 7, Bottom of the 9th) Molina, Wainwright, Jeff Suppan, and the rest of the St. Louis Cardinals are headed to Detroit for the World Series. It is the 17th National League Pennant in franchise history.

Game one of the World Series starts at 6:30pm Saturday night. That is the time that the doors open for our concert, with the show beginning at 7pm. Obviously, we want you to come to the concert. So, here's what's going to happen:

-You (and every friend you have) are going to come to the show. You are going to wear red, preferably Cardinals gear if you have it.

-We are going to find a way to project the game on one of the walls in the St. Luke Room. We are determined to entertain you one way or another.

Bring your friends, bring your families, bring your kids, bring the neighbors! Come have fun with Oddwalk and cheer the Cardinals to a game one win!"

When: Saturday, October 22
Doors:6:30 Concert: 7

Where: St Luke's Parish Center -
Downtown Belleville (behind the Bread Co - )

Wear you cards gear (Anyone wearing Tigers gear do so at your own risk - you know who I'm talking about!) we'll have the game on and some stuff to help you get in the World Series Spirit!

This Weekend

2006-10-17T23:23:00.000-05:00

JUBILEE CAFE

Free Concert and CD Release Party
For
Oddwalk Ministries

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2006

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
PERFORMANCE START AT 7:00 PM

ST. LUKE'S PARISH CENTER
226 NORTH CHURCH ST
BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS

Admission is FREE
so bring a friend or the whole family and enjoy some great music from
Oddwalk Ministries

There will be a section reserved for Young Adults - so RSVP to Erin (erinhammond@sbcglobal.net) and we'll make sure you have a seat!

For More Information Call:
618-234-1502 or e-mail blvlym@norcom2000.com
Sponsored by the Youth Ministry Commission of St. Luke, St. Teresa, and Cathedral Parishes

************************

Sunday, October 22
5:30pm

BINGO
at St Stephen's Parish - Caseyville

We will be in the non-smoking section - so bring your dobbers (or purchase one there for 75 cents!) and support a local parish.

************************

And don't forget Theology on Tap! Coming Sundays in November!!!!

Inter-faith Bus Tour

2006-10-17T23:17:00.000-05:00

If anyone is interested contact Doug Cripe -

Metro-East Interfaith Partnership

Website: www.MetroeastInterfaith.org

E-mail: MetroeastInterfaith@charter.net

An affiliate of Interfaith Partnership www.interfaithpartnership.org

The 2nd Interfaith Bus Tour will be on Sunday, October 29, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost $5.00, and to reserve a seat send $5.00 for each person payable to Interfaith Partnership. Mail to Doug Cripe, 7202 Carr Drive, Belleville, IL 62223 and you will receive a ticket by mail. Due to the huge response, this year we will have two buses. Only a dozen or so tickets are left, so contact Doug soon if you wish to participate.

Visits will include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Masjid Islamic Center, and Agudas Achim/Beth Israel. Each stop will include a short presentation and time for questions and answers. At the end of the tour we will enjoy refreshments. See photos from last year’s event on our website.

Fall Young Adult Book Club Series

2006-10-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

Young Adult Fall Book Club Series:

The DaVinci Code: What’s All the Hype?

This week, Doug Cripe, from the Metro-east Interfaith Partnership will speak on
faith and media.
How do the media affect faith traditions?
What happens when faith and media collide?
How can we make sense of our faith tradition
in a postmodern world?

Join us for a lively discussion on Tuesday at 7:30 pm at SWIC (Belleville campus) in room 2260 (Main Complex).
Bring your friends!

Contact Meghan Mueller at meghan_cm@yahoo.com
for more details!

SWIC Prayer of the Week 10.16.06

2006-10-16T11:38:00.000-05:00

O extravagant God,
in this ripening, red-tinged autumn,
waken in me a sense of joy
in just being alive,
joy for nothing in general
except everything in particular;
joy in sun and rain
mating with earth to birth a harvest;
joy in soft light
through shyly disrobing trees;
joy in the acolyte moon
setting halos around processing clouds;
joy in the beating of a thousand wings
mysteriously knowing which ways is warm;
joy in wagging tails and kids’ smiles
and in this spunky old city;
joy in the taste of bread and wine,
the smell of dawn,
a touch,
a song,
a presence;
joy in having what I cannot live without—
other people to hold and cry and laugh with;
joy in love,
in you;
and that all at first and last
is grace.

-from Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder

SWIC Prayer of the week 10.09.06

2006-10-09T10:59:00.000-05:00

Deep peace I breathe into you
Oh weariness here, Oh ache here!
Deep peace, a soft white dove to you;
Deep peace, a quiet rain to you;
Deep peace, an ebbing wave to you!
Deep peace, red wind of the east from you;
Deep peace, gray wind of the west to you;
Deep peace, dark wind of the north from you;
Deep peace, blue wind of the south to you!
Deep peace, pure red of the flame to you;
Deep peace, pure white of the moon to you;
Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you;
Deep peace, pure brown of the living earth to you;
Deep peace, pure gray of the dew to you;
Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you!
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet Earth to you,
Deep peace of the sleeping stones to you,
Deep peace of the yellow shepherd to you,
Deep peace of the wandering shepherdess to you,
Deep peace of the Flock of Stars to You.
Deep Peace of the Son of Peace to You.
Deep peace, Deep Peace.

-Old Irish Blessing of Peace

OCTOBER EVENTS!

2006-10-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

Service Day
Saturday, October 7
9 am - 1pm

Volunteer House in East St Louis
(the old St Philip's Convent on Church Ln)
8213 Church Lane is the address at Sr Thea Bowman - which is next door, for those who would like to mapquest it.

DIRECTIONS:
From the Cracker Barrel off of Int 64 at HWY 157:
Travel towards Belleville and the Dairy Queen - South - on 157
After the exit for the Metrolink and Hwy 161 look on the RIGHT for a street (Church Ln - the Driver's License Facility is there, too)
Follow the curve in the road to the RIGHT
Once you see the cemetery on your right you are there - park in front of the large building to the left of the cemetery - that is the volunteer house.
Just ring the bell or find us already outside!

BRING A LUNCH!

There are two options to help out:
1. Outside - yard work, raking, working on the cemetery, trimming
2. Inside - We will be working on the preliminary work for the Thanksgiving Dinner at St Luke's - typing up letters, stuffing envelopes, making lists - and other type fun!

DaVinci Code Series
TUESDAYS in October (3, 10, 17, 24)
7:30 pm

Southwestern Illinois College
(Main Complex - Room 2260)
See older post below for more information!

Jubilee Cafe
Oddwalk Ministries CD Release Concert
October 21
7:00 pm
St Luke's Parish Center - Belleville
FREE! All ages welcome.

Oddwalk Ministries (Shannon Cerneka and Orin Johnson) will celebrate their CD release with a Free Concert with local musicians from across the Diocese - check out www.oddwalkministries.com for more information about Oddwalk.

(In fairness, Orin (1/2 of Oddwalk) is my husband, just so you have full disclosure!)

BINGO! at St Stephen's Parish
October 22
6pm
I would suggest getting there by 5:30 to get a seat with the group. (or email and we'll save you a seat)
We will be in the non-smoking room...

Enjoy a fun evening, support a local parish and visit with other young adults (just not when they are calling the numbers!) all for under $10!
St Stephens uses paper cards, so a dobber is needed (they sell them for 75 cents).
We've also found that markers or sharpies work just as well!

In November:
Save the Date!
Theology on Tap
Sundays in November - at the Edge in Belleville
Keeping checking the website/blog for information as it becomes available!

Website Update
We are working to update the website -
Look for:
~ Events Calendar
~ Links and Reflections on Social Justice and Service
~ A new Prayer and Spirituality page with reflections and meditations that you can do at your desk
~ All things Catholic (that we have space for!)
~ Any suggestions for content you'd like to see?

As always, if you are interested in helping plan events or just have an idea to share, just email or call!

Have a happy and safe Halloween - enjoy the Fall!

Theology on Tap in St Louis

2006-10-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

Aquinas Institute of Theology does a monthly Theology on Tap series -
Here is an invitation to their next one.

Also - Look for our Theology on Tap series Sundays in November!!!

You are cordially invited to our next Theology on Tap venue on Monday, Oct 9, 2006:

“This Land is My Land,” will be presented by Bolivar Fraga, an Aquinas alumnus. Are immigrants entering the country illegally a drain on our public resources, or worse, a threat to our national security? Can we turn them back? Explore the complexities of the questions.

Bolivar Fraga recently earned dual masters degrees in social work and pastoral ministry from Saint Louis University and Aquinas Institute. He is a community organizer for Metropolitan Congregations United.

Theology on Tap aims to provide a casual gathering place for Catholics to sip beer, hear brief presentations and ask questions that help keep their faith lives relevant amid the demands of their professional and personal lives. The event is held upstairs at The Schlafly Tap Room located at 2100 Locust Street in St. Louis . Admission is free and all are welcome. All sessions start with a social from 6:00-6:30 pm with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m.

The 2006-2007 Theology on Tap topics and dates of the upcoming sessions may be found at the Aquinas website

For more information, please contact us at events@ai.edu. Thank you and we hope to see you at the next Theology at Tap!

Oktoberfest at St Clare's

2006-09-29T18:03:00.000-05:00

Oktoberfest!

Join up with us to help support St Clare Parish and enjoy the fun of a fall festival!

When:
Saturday, October 30th
7:30 pm
(they do have a Mass at 4pm and the festival begins immediatly following)

Where:
St Clare Parish
O'Fallon, IL

Meet up:
Where else? Near the beer booth!

Book Club Series: The DaVinci Code

2006-09-26T20:18:00.000-05:00

Young Adult Fall Book Club Series:

The DaVinci Code: What's All the Hype?

Intrigue, suspense, and religion are at the heart of Dan Brown's bestselling novel, The DaVinci Code. Since it's publication and the release of the movie, controversy has surrounded this book.

Just what is all the hype?

Join us as we explore topics such as media, culture, language, and theology in Dan Brown's bestselling novel.
If you've seen the movie or read the book, you will enjoy digging a little deeper into this popular fiction.

WHEN:
Tuesdays in October:
October3, 10, 17 and 24

TIME:
7:30 PM

WHERE:
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC)
(Main Complex - Room 2260)

BOOK INFORMATION:
The DaVinci Code
By Dan Brown
Paperback 496 pages
Publisher: Anchor (March 28, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 1400079179
Available at amazon.com

Want more info?
Contact Meghan Mueller at meghan_cm@yahoo.com

SWIC Prayer of the week 9.26.06

2006-09-26T18:53:00.000-05:00

In honor of St. Vincent de Paul, a man who was committed to serving the poor and whose memorial is celebrated on Wednesday, September 27, I thought this Gospel passage was most appropriate.

Jesus summoned the Twelve
and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

Luke 9:1-6

SWIC Prayer of the week - 9.18.06

2006-09-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

Dear Lord,

I will remain restless, tense, and dissatisfied until I can be totally at peace in your house. But I am still on the road, still journeying, still tired and weary, and still wondering if I will ever make it to the city on the hill…I keep asking your angel, whom I meet on the road, “Does the road go uphill then all the way?” And the answer is, “Yes to the very end.” And I ask again: “And will the journey take all day long?” And the answer is: “From morning till night, my friend.”

So I go on, Lord, tired, often frustrated, irritated, but always hopeful to reach one day the eternal city far away, resplendent in the evening sun.

There is no certainty that my life will be any easier in the years ahead, or that my heart will be any calmer. But there is the certainty that you are waiting for me and will welcome me home when I have persevered in my long journey to your house.

O Lord, give me courage, hope, and confidence.

Amen.

(from A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Garden City: Image Books, 1983, pg. 150-151)

SWIC Prayer of the week 9.11.06

2006-09-10T22:25:00.000-05:00

This Monday we remember all those who lost their lives in the tragedy of September 11, 2001. As we reflect on how we can continue to reach out to one another no matter what our race, faith, or nationality, we are mindful that Sunday's Gospel calls us to be open. In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf man by saying the word, "Ephphatha" which means "Be Opened." We too are called to open our hearts and minds to those who are different than us, and to celebrate our diversity while striving for unity. This week's prayer was created in 2003 by a group of students at Fontbonne University who were preparing for a service trip. Like these students, we are called to bring hope and love to a broken world. May our call to live the Gospel be the beginning of true transformation of ourselves and the rest of the world.

Ephaphatha Prayer

O God,
Open us to your call in the midst of our fear.
We seek you, but we struggle to follow you into the unknown
because we are unsure of ourselves, and
while we wish we werent,
we are unsure of you.
Come into us and strengthen us,
grow in us that we might grow in you
to reflect your light and your love.

Can we find the strength to follow you
leaving ourselves and all we know behind?
Can we be opened to care for your children,
cruel and kind, ugly and beautiful,
poor and rich?
Can we be so opened and
so free that we are changed?
Can we risk the hostile stares?
With you in us and us in you, we hope and believe.

Wipe away our blindness and open our eyes
to see your presence and your light all around us. We walk and serve in truth and humility
because your grace has set us free
with the truth of your glory in us.
Help us see, O God, help us see.

We long to be our true selves
to reflect the light that we hide and fear.
Open us to the goodness, the holiness, and the beauty of who we are
and who we are becoming.
Open us to the light of your path,
and to the gifts of who we are
that we might change and be changed.

Your voice and ours sing our names together.
Open our ears, open our eyes,
open our lives
that we might walk with you.
Open us to move and live and grow in you
and you in us.

Amen.

-adapted from The Summons by John L. Bell
by the EPHPHATHA 2003 community

Theology on Tap - This Saturday

2006-09-06T15:20:00.002-05:00

Saturday, September 9, 2006
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Visitors Center

International Food Court
Try tastes from around the world for lunch, dinner, or a midday snack.
NEW this year, visit the Wine & Beer Garden featuring international beverages

Colorful Stage Performances
Enjoy traditional music and dance performed by people of various cultures throughout the day.

Interactive Children's Village
Experience a world of fun as children of all ages learn about the people of our global community.

Unique Gifts from a Variety of Cultures
Purchase a special gift from your choice of cultures.

Interfaith Learning Center
Learn about the traditions, beliefs, prayers, and symbols of a variety of faiths.

ADMISSION FREE

Theology on Tap announced!

2006-08-31T11:02:00.000-05:00

Festival of Faiths and Cultures and Theology on Tap
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Saturday, September 9

Festival 10 am - 7 pm
Theology on Tap - 6:30 pm

The Festival of Faiths and Cultures is a celebration of people from around the world. Come enjoy food and craft vendors, demonstrations, an outdoor and indoor stage featuring dancers and musicians, an interfaith room and an interactive children's village! For more information and directions visit www.snows.org.

The Theology on Tap is in conjunction with the festival and will feature Doug Cripe of the Metro East Interfaith Partnership as our speaker. The evening's topic: Think Globally, Act Locally. Celebrating different peoples and working towards peace. The Tap begins at 6:30 pm in the Visitor's Center - come enjoy free food and interesting conversation. For more information about Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Belleville - www.bellevilleyam.com

Lutheran Church robbed and left leaking

2006-08-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

Read the Story Here

I'm sure this church could use our prayers and - if you have it - our money.

Copper thefts are on the rise - several air conditioners, gutters, decorative pieces have been stolen as of late from several homes and businesses.

Fall Parish Picnic Schedule

2006-08-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year - time for Quilt Bingos and Chicken Dinners - Octoberfests and Kirchenfests - carnival rides and beer gardens!

Here is the Schedule from The August 24th issue of The Messenger:

August

26 - Mascoutah, Holy childhood

September

3 - Kaskaskia, Immaculate Conception

St Libory, St Liborius

4 - Columbia, Immaculate Conception

8-9 - Caseyville, St Stephen

Centralia, St Mary

Freeburg, St Joseph

9 - Belleville, Our Lady Queen of Peace

10 - Belleville, St Teresa

16 - Belleville, St Augustine

October

1 - Anna, St Mary

7 - Raddle, St Ann

Millstadt, St James - Schlactfest

Check out www.diobelle.org for a listing of parish websites if you'd like more info!

Archaeology Day at Cahokia Mounds

2006-08-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

Archaeology Day at Cahokia Mounds - Tomorrow, August 26.

We will meet at 1pm at the Dairy Queen at 157 and Interstate 64 to head off to the Mounds.

Look back here for info on cancellation due to rain.

Hope to see you there!

Information about this event from the Mounds website is listed below:

ARCHAEOLOGY DAY AT CAHOKIA MOUNDS, AUGUST 26

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will be hosting the third annual “Archaeology Day,” Saturday, August 26, from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be over 25 demonstrations, special exhibits, and hands-on activities for people of all ages.

Expert craftpersons will demonstrate how ancient American Indians made arrowheads
and stone tools, produced fire by friction, made cordage from natural fibers, and carved bone andshell ornaments. They will also demonstrate making bows and arrows, clay pottery, and usingfingerweaving to make sashes and belts. Dedicated professional and amateur archaeologists will show visitors touring the excavations how archaeologists dig and map, and visitors can try their hand at sifting the excavations soils for artifacts and also washing 1000 year old artifacts from the digs. Other archaeologists will show how modern technology is used for detecting belowsurface features with “remote sensing” electronic or magnetic instruments and soil coring, how to use global positioning systems, and how to identify animal bones. An expert on Indian rock art will explain the meaning of the various symbols, and a professional storyteller will relate myths and legends of the Native Americans.

Other “hands-on” activities for visitors will include playing the “chunkey” game by
tossing markers at a rolling stone disk; throwing spears with an “atlatl” spear thrower; and flintknapping an arrowhead. There will also be displays from several other Midwestern mound sites and information about training and educational opportunities in the field of archaeology at various institutions.

Food and refreshment booths will be available, including “kettle maize.” And, you can
take home a souvenir “Archaeology Day” badge for a donation to the event.

Archaeology Day is sponsored by the Cahokia Archaeological Society, Eckert’s Country
Store, Restaurant and Pick-Your-Own Garden Center, and Golden Management Developers of New Neighborhoods for Contemporary Lifestyles. Additional support is provided by the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site staff and volunteers and the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is just eight miles from downtown St. Louis in
Collinsville, Illinois, off Interstates 55/70 (exit 6) and Interstate 255 (exit 24), and Illinois Route 111, on Collinsville Road. For more information, call 618-346-5160 or go to www.cahokiamounds.com.

Around town...

2006-08-18T11:34:00.000-05:00

Here are a few things happening in the area -

Young Adult night at the Zoo and Ted Drewes -
Tonight - Friday, August 18
Meet at 5pm at the Central Stage, Javier Mendoza performing.
Then off to Ted Drewes for a St Louis tradition...

Saturday, August 19th
Summerfest at Cathedral in Belleville
SUMMERFEST PICNIC!!!
THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006
4:00 P.M. - Midnight
Come enjoy old favorites like the QUILT GAMES, All-you-can-eat
Chicken Dinner, and Game Stands! And, check out the new
attractions - added Children’s Games, raffles and new food and
drinks!

Have you thought about studying theology or a career in ministry?

You are
cordially invited to spend
60 minutes for your Spiritual Life
on
Thursday, September 14, 2006
12:00—1:00 pm and 5:30—6:30 pm
at the
Aquinas Institute of Theology
located at
23 South Spring Avenue
Saint Louis, Missouri

Each session will include prayer,
a mini-course by a faculty member,
tour of the Institute, and Q&A session.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information or to reserve your spot,
please contact
Jared Ainsworth-Bryson, M.Div. (05)
Director of Admissions
Phone: 314.256.8806 Email: admissions@ai.edu

ST. MONICA'S YOUNG ADULTS (19-39ish years old) COFFEE HOUSE
St. Monica's Catholic Church
Msgr. Schneider Church Hall (basement)
12136 Olive Blvd at I-270
Friday, September 15, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

Join other young adults (19-39ish year olds) for the Coffee House, a
relaxing evening with a variety of desserts and coffees. Bring a
friend and be prepared for a fun evening of friends, reflection, and
discussion on "The State of Cloning in the State of Missouri" with
Laura Gidley-Feltz, RN.

Cost: FREE. Good will donation of $3-$5 to cover our expenses is
appreciated.

Sponsored by St. Monica's Young Adult Ministry.
Established in July 2000.
Co-sponsored by St. Monica's Pro-Life Committee.

For more details, contact stmonicasyoungadults@yahoo.com or
314.440.4455.

Mission trip to Tijuana

2006-08-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to take a young adult mission trip to Tijuana in Mexico.

Our group went in solidarity with the Novena to Our Lady of the Snows. We stayed in La Morita (one of the colonias around Tijuana) at the parish house. This is a picture of La Morita from San Eugenio.

It is a bit overwhelming to try and describe all that I saw in the nine days there. The people were wonderfully welcoming, always offering a drink and a chair. We saw much sickness and poverty, but the people were always ready to give.

The Oblates that we worked with were wonderful examples of what is it to serve Christ by serving others. The Oblates offer work to many of their neighbors. One woman waters the flowers daily because her husband is not working, another young man is building a new storage building. Sometimes, though, the Oblates help others by purchasing medicine or giving families food. There is a clinic on the grounds of San Eugenio as well as classrooms for catechesis and sacramental preparation.
This is Victor, he had a kidney transplant thanks to help from the Oblates and other agencies. The Oblates continue to provide the medicine Victor requires to keep his body from rejecting the kidney.

The Oblates helped to build and maintain the chapels in each of the colonias. Terrazas uno, Terrazas dos, Rojo Gomez, El Nino and a new chapel in Fuentes are all very simple and a source of pride for those that live near by. The chapels are not forced on the people by the Oblates, rather, the Catholics who live in the area often have Mass and catechesis in someone’s home and then they petition the Oblates for a chapel. The faith of the people we encountered was very strong!

Many people who live in La Morita came because they could no longer make a living in their home towns. They left their families and their homes to find work. In Tijuana work consists of a few things: working at the factories for $50- $100 dollars/week or finding work in construction, street repair and sometimes farm work. To purchase property in La Morita you need $2000. As you can see – it would take you a long time to earn $2000 at $50/week, especially when you need to feed and clothe your family. Most homes in La Morita begin as old garage doors and a dirt floor. Over time people can build their homes from lumber or cement blocks. Even the concrete floors are very expensive, it takes a long time for a family to afford that luxury.

Our group also took a trip to see the border. Very disturbing. At any time there are two heat-seeking helicopters and border patrol agents and is lit up at night. On the border there are hundreds of white crosses and coffins with names of individuals and families that have lost their lives crossing the border.

I think the biggest impact on myself is the realization that I can help the people of La Morita here at home. I can recycle, I can use less resources, I can know what is going on in the world, I can speak up for the people with no voice. I encourage all of you to do so, too.

*Note* For some reason I can't upload any more pictures - I'll keep trying!

Meet me at the Muny...

2006-08-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

*NOTE*
This night will only be cancelled if the Muny cancels the performance.
www.muny.org

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
at the Muny

Enjoy the final Muny show of the season in the free seats!

August 10th
Meet at 5:50 in the Upper Muny Parking Lot near the consession stand - we will get in line at 6pm and will not allow line butters!

Enjoy a picnic dinner before you get in line - or you can bring in some snacks to munch while you watch. (please check with the muny for restrictions on coolers, glass, etc)

August Activities

2006-07-28T07:43:00.000-05:00

August 5th - 9am - 1pm
Service Day
Volunteer House in East St Louis

Meet at 8:45 at DQ at 157 and Interstate 64
(the Volunteer House is at the old St Philips Church - on Church Rd in ESTL - follow 157 South from DQ - Turn RIGHT onto Church Rd (right past the exit for 161/Metrolink) Follow Church road around the curve past the Driver's licence station and it will be the first building on the right past t! he cemetery.)

Bring your lawn tools for work in the cemetery OR if it is too hot we will be working inside! The new volunteers are moving in - so help welcome them! If you do not see people outside, please ring the bell or knock on the door.

August 10 @ the Muny
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”

We will be heading for the free seats
meet in the upper Muny parking lot at 5:45
(5pm if you want to bring a picnic dinner)
We need to get into the line at 6pm
(late comers will have to get into line on your own - no line butters!
(the people can get pretty persnickity)

August 18 Zoo and Ted Drewes
Javier Mendoza @ Zoo
Come see Javier Mendoza - www.javiermendoza.com
and enjoy the zoo and St Louis favorite - Ted Drewes, mmmm

August 26 Cahokia Mounds
Archeology Days
This just sounded fun to the Advisory Board! More info to come!

Also, don't forget about the Healing and Hope Novena to Our Lady of the Snows, July 28-August 5, 7:30pm Masses.

I hope everyone is having a safe and fun summer! We are gearing up for the fall! If you are (or know someone) who might be interested in planning or helping with our events, please contact me!

Peace,
Erin

Erin Hammond
College and Young Adult Minister
200 W. Harrison Street
Belleville, Illinois 62220
618.234.1166 x118
www.bellevilleyam.com

Longacre Park - Cancelled

2006-07-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

It's just too darn hot, folks!
We will reschedule this event for sometime when it is cooler.

Please take care of yourselves, your neighbors and don't forget your pets!

Also - last chance to rsvp for camping next weekend!

Summer fun - July and August

2006-07-08T10:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a repost with the July and August events...
JULY

July 8 Theology on Tap BBQ and closing Mass—Waterloo
Mass begins at 5pm

July 16 Longacre Park—Sand volleyball and picnic
Bring your picnic and we'll enjoy what the park has to offer!
We'll meet at 4pm - check blog in case of rain.

July 21-23 Rend Lake camping trip (tent or cabin!)
RSVP to erin

August

August 10 Muny “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”
We will be heading for the free seats
meet in the upper Muny parking lot at 5:45
(5pm if you want to bring a picnic dinner)
We need to get into the line at 6pm
(late comers will have to get into line on your own - no line butters!
(the people can get pretty persnickity)

August 18 Zoo and Ted Drewes—Javier Mendoza @ Zoo
Come see Javier Mendoza - www.javiermendoza.com
and enjoy the zoo and St Louis favorite - Ted Drewes, mmmm

August 26 Cahokia Mounds—Archeology Days
This just sounded fun! More info to come!

Upcoming Volunteer Day

2006-06-29T10:48:00.000-05:00

July 1 at 9 am
Volunteer House in ESTL
(or meet at the Dairy Queen at 64 and 157 at 8:45)

Bring some gardening supplies (rakes, shovels, etc) to help Sister Marge get the place looking great on the outside. She needs help with yard work to help make the Volunteer House a bit more inviting for her guests.

We have "adopted" the Volunteer House as our monthly worksite to help bring others to the area to serve our communities. Coming soon: some major work to build a rec room!

Have a wonderful and SAFE holiday weekend! Enjoy the fireworks!

Jazz in the Gardens

2006-06-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

Whittaker Music Festival

Bring your picnic baskets and/or a good bottle of wine. Join others and enjoy great music in the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens - www.mobot.org

Meet Heather at 6:00 at the fountain near the entrance (as you walk outside from the entrance building you CANNOT miss it!)

RSVP please so we know to look for you - email Heather gordon05@sbcglobal.net

FREE!

THEOLOGY ON TAP

2006-06-14T17:57:00.000-05:00

Tap Into our Summer Theology on Tap Series...

Thursdays at 7 p.m.
June 15, 22, & 29

Saturday, July 8 at 5 p.m.
Concluding Mass & BBQ
At SS. Peter & Paul in Waterloo

Hosted at
Bobeck’s
1324 Jamie Lane
Waterloo, IL
Free & Open to the Public!

June 15, 2006
Do We Believe in the Same Jesus?
Talking with Friends about Faith
Join us for an honest discussion of faith and religion between Catholics and Protestants.

June 22, 2006
Closing Borders, Opening Minds:
Immigration & Faith
Presented by Bolivar Fraga

June 29, 2006
Q&A: Everything you ever wanted to know about
Catholicism but were afraid to ask!
Presented by Fr. Carl Scherrer, Russell Peterson,
& Sr. Janice Yaekel

Winery Tour - ON!

2006-06-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

It looks like we will have a few hours with no rain this afternoon...
So we will go ahead and go to the winery - meeting at DQ at the intersection of 157 and Interstate 64 - 1pm.

Please email if you will meet us there, so we know to wait for you.

SUMMER FUN!

2006-06-04T20:03:00.000-05:00

Here is our summer schedule - hope to see you soon!

JUNE

June 5 Shakespeare in the Park
June 11 Hiking and winery visit
June 21 Jazz in the Gardens
June 24 Youth Sing Praise Performance

Theology on Tap -
June 15, 22 & 29
Bobeck’s—Waterloo

JULY

July 8 Theology on Tap BBQ and closing Mass—Waterloo
July 16 Longacre Park—Sand volleyball and picnic
July 21-23 Rend Lake camping trip (tent or cabin!)

August

August 10 Muny “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”
August 18 Zoo and Ted Drewes—Javier Mendoza @ Zoo
August 26 Cahokia Mounds—Archeology Days

Something "punny" for your day!

2006-05-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Orin at Oddwalk Ministries for these silly puns - even I laughed. (except for the last one - they go along way for that one!)

10 puns

1. Two vultures board an airplane; each is carrying two dead raccoons.
The stewardess looks at them and says, "I'm sorry, gentlemen,
only one carrion allowed per passenger."

2. Two boll weevils grew up in the deep South. One went to Hollywood
and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields
and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally,
became known as the lesser of two weevils.

3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a
fire in the craft, it sank, proving once again that you can't have
your kayak and heat it, too.

4. A three-legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides
up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot
my paw."

5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root
canal? He wanted to transcend dental medication.

6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were
standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories.
After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them
to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off."Because," he said,
"I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."

7. A woman has twins and gives them up for adoption. One of them
goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to
a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a
picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture,
she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal.
Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan,
you've seen Ahmal."

8. These friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened
up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to
buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the
competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close
down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close.
They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart,
the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close.
Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be
back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving
that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.

9. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time,
which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also
ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he
suffered from bad breath. This made him ...
A super callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

10. The folks at the San Diego zoo heard about some immortal dolphins
down in the Amazon, so they sent a guy down to bring some back for the zoo.
After a difficult trip, he was able to find them, and brought them back.
But soon after they got back to San Diego, they started to die. The zoo
sent a team down to the Amazon, and determined that some enzymes in the
feces of Mynah birds, which dropped into the water, was what kept the
porpoises alive. So the team went hunting for some of the Mynah birds
to bring back to the zoo.

Meanwhile, up in San Diego, a lion had escaped from the state-run zoo,
and was having a grand old time gallivanting around town, terrorizing
everyone. He eventually got tired, and lay down to take a nap - right in front of
the San Diego zoo entrance.

The team lead got back from the Amazon with the Mynah birds, and had to
step over the lion in order to get into the zoo. He was immediately
arrested for transporting mynahs over state lions for immortal
porpoises.

BBQ a success - even in the rain

2006-05-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Theology on Tap BBQ last night - good food and lots of fun!

Thank you -
St Nicholas for the use of your space (especially the indoor - dry part)

Dave and Christine for the use of your grill, charcoal, lighter fluid and BBQing skills (and the pasta salad)

Heather Gordon for organizing the whole shin-dig and making the margaritas!

Aaron for standing outside to help the BBQers and helping with clean-up

and all of you who brought food or came to visit with us (some for the first time!)

Thank you to all of our speakers and participants who made this series so great!

Theology on Tap BBQ

2006-05-14T10:41:00.000-05:00

Just an FYI - Theology on Tap BBQ is on rain or shine! St Nicholas has generously allowed us to use their indoor facilities in case of rain.

For directions to St Nicholas in O'Fallon try their website

See you all soon!

May Events

2006-05-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Service Day

May 6, 9 am - 1pm
We will meet at Dariy Queen (8:45am - @ 64 and 157)
OR feel free to go to the Volunteer house on your own.
A variety of activities for every skill level!

Theology on Tap BBQ

May 14,
St Nicholas, O'Fallon
Come celebrate the end of our Theology on Tap series with a BBQ and an informal talk by Pete Cerneka on his trip to Bangladesh. If possible, please RSVP so we can plan food and drinks!

Social Night - Art on the Square, Belleville

May 19, 6 pm
We will meet in front of the Meredeth Home (on 159 across from the Courthouse) and then sample the food, entertainment and great art.

Mass and Brunch

May 21, 9 am
Corpus Christi Parish - Shiloh

Young Adult Advisory Board

May 23, 7 pm
Cathedral Rectory
Help plan upcoming events!

Thank you all for a wonderful year in Young Adult Ministry! The summer schedule will be starting in June and a little different than it is now - so keep your eyes open for emails about our summer events!

Calling all actors... auditions for Godspell

2006-05-05T10:33:00.000-05:00

The Cathedral Players' Guild is having auditions on
May 19th at 7:00 PM and
May 20th at 1:00 PM

for their summer production of

GODSPELL

Show dates are July 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30PM and July 23 at 2:00 PM
Roles available for ages of Jr. High through Adult

Please bring a prepared song that is not from Godspell
A pianist will be provided to play your piece

For more information call Kyle Holtgrave atg 618.234.1502

Other events around the area...

2006-05-05T10:31:00.000-05:00

ST. MONICA'S YOUNG ADULTS (19-39ish years old) COFFEE HOUSE

St. Monica's Catholic Church
Msgr. Schneider Church Hall (basement)
12136 Olive Blvd at I-270
Friday, May 19, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

Join other young adults (19-39ish year olds) for the Coffee House, a
relaxing evening with a variety of desserts and coffees. Bring a
friend and be prepared for a fun evening of friends, reflection, and
discussion on "Breathe - Stories to Relax to" with Kathy Schottel. Ms.
Schottel is a local storyteller and musician, and has shared her God
given talents at many parishes throughout the area over the years.

Cost: FREE. Good will donation of $3-$5 to cover our expenses is
appreciated.

Sponsored by St. Monica's Young Adult Ministry.
Established in July 2000.
Co-sponsored by St. Monica's Pro-Life Committee.

For more details, contact stmonicasyoungadults@yahoo.com or
314.205.9263.

Scavenger Hunt
There is an adults only scavenger hunt in St Louis on May 20. It's byob, over 21, starts at 7pm. Here's a link: This was submitted by a young adult on our board - looks like it could be fun...
St Louis Calendar

SWIC Prayer of the Week - 5.01.06

2006-05-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with passion.
Blessed be these hands that have tended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have closed in anger.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.

-Diann Neu (from Soul Weavings: A Gathering of ‘Women’s Prayers; Edited by Lyn Klug; Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1996)

Social Night still on -

2006-04-21T08:18:00.000-05:00

With Easter it seems like forever since I posted the April activites - so here is a reminder:

Tonight, Friday april 21st
6:30 pm - meet at the Tap Room
2100 Locust Street (at 21st) St. Louis, MO 63103 314.241.BEER

After dinner we will head over to the City Museum for fun...

Happy Easter and SWIC prayer of the week!

2006-04-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter from all of us in Belleville Campus/Young Adult Ministry!

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes for ever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in Glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

[from The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)]

Risen One,
come, meet me
in the garden of my life.

Lure me into elation.
Revive my silent hope.
Coax my dormant dreams.
Raise up my neglected gratitude.
Entice my tired enthusiasm.
Give life to my faltering relationships.
Roll back the stone of my indifference.
Unwrap the deadness in my spiritual life.
Impart heartiness in my work.

Risen One,
send me forth as a disciple of your unwavering love,
a messenger
of your unlimited joy.

Resurrected One,
may I become
ever more convinced
that your presence lives on,
and on, and on,
and on.

Awaken me!
Awaken me!

-from Out of the Ordinary by Joyce Rupp

Looking for a place to go this Holy Week?

2006-04-10T22:27:00.000-05:00

Thanks Meghan for getting this all together - also see post below about Shrine events.

What’s New in the Neighborhood?

(a weekly listing of events in your local parishes)

*************************
During this Holy Week, may you know the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in the mystery of his death and resurrection and may it fill you with grace and hope as you walk your own journey of faith.

Below is a listing of Holy Week services at local parishes.

St. Teresa

Holy Thursday, April 13
7:00pmMass of the Lord’s Supper
8:00pm – 12:00amAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Good Friday, April 14
2:00pmStations of the Cross
7:00pmCelebration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday, April 15
8:00pmEaster Vigil Service
NO5:00pmMass on Holy Saturday!

Easter Sunday, April 16
8:00am
10:30am

St. Nicholas

Holy Thursday, April 13
7:30pmMass of the Lord’s Supper
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until11:00pm

Good Friday, April 14
8:30am Morning Prayer
2:00pmStations of the Cross
7:30pmCelebration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday, April 15
8:00pmEaster Vigil Service

Easter Sunday, April 16
8:00am
10:30am

Corpus Christi

Holy Thursday, April 13
7:00pmMass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday, April 14
12:00pmStations of the Cross
7:00pm The Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday, April 15
8:00pmEaster Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 16
9:00am
11:00am
(Easter Egg Hunt at10:00am)

St. Peter’s Cathedral

Holy Thursday, April 13
6:45am Morning Prayer
7:00pmMass of the Lord’s Supper
(Bishop Edward K. Braxton, Celebrant)

Good Friday, April 14
6:45am-Morning Prayer
12:00pm-Good Friday Service
3:00 pm-Stations of the Cross
7:00 pm- Good Friday Service
(Bishop Edward K. Braxton, Celebrant)

Holy Saturday, April 15
6:45am- Morning Prayer
8:00pm-Easter Vigil Mass
(Bishop Edward K. Braxton, Celebrant)
NO5:00pmMass on Holy Saturday!

Easter Sunday, April 16
8:00am
10:30am
12:30pm

St. Clare
Holy Thursday, April 13
7:00pmMass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday, April 14
8:00am Morning Prayer
3:00pmStations of the Cross
7:00pm The Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday, April 15
8:00am Morning Prayer
8:30pmLiturgy of the Word
10:00pm- 4:30amReading of the 150 Psalms
5:00am Liturgy of the Eucharist

Easter Sunday, April 16
7:30am
9:15am
11:00am
(Easter Egg Hunt for kids after9:15amand 11:00am Masses)

SWIC prayer of the week - 4.10.06

2006-04-10T14:54:00.000-05:00

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
No hands but yours,
No feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion is to look out to the world.
Yours are the feet with which Christ is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which Christ is to bless all people now.

-Teresa of Avila

What a wonderful reminder of last night's Theology on Tap. We discussed the Pope's new encyclical "God is Love" and were reminded of our own call to love.

Have a blessed Holy Week.

Lent/Holy Week opportunites

2006-04-07T10:22:00.001-05:00

For Mass/service times at a parish near you go to www.diobelle.org and click on "parishes." Most parishes have at least a simple website and most offer their bulletins online so you can check in and see what's happening.

St Teresa's - Belleville
St. Teresa Choir presents a Journey to Calvary.
This is a choral meditation of the Way of the Cross with living tableaux artfully portrayed by our diocesan youth from Luke 18. Come join us on Friday, April 7, 2006, at 7:30 in the evening. A food and drink reception will follow. For more information, you may contact Laurie Ann Frillman at lalipop9550@earthlink.net.

As some of you may know, my husband coordinates music and liturgy at the Shrine - so I am a little biased. The events are listed with times, dates, locations and a brief description from the Shrine website. I highly recommend the Tuesday night stations (I'm doing the lighting) and the Good Friday service. Easter sunrise is cool, too if you do not already have a parish.

Palm Sunday
Saturday, April 8, 2006
5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2006
9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
The liturgy will include a presentation of the Passion according to Mark, and a liturgical re-enactment of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Presentation of "Way of the Cross"
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
Experience this dramatic, prayerful presentation of Pope John Paul II's scriptural "Way of the Cross."

Holy Week Tenebrae
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
8:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
Patterned after a centuries-old form of prayer usually prayed during the Holy Week, this service will invite you to reflect through scripture, writings of the saints, singing of psalms, and long contemplative silences.

Holy Thursday Mass
Thursday, April 13, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
An evening liturgy of the Lord's Supper will recall the "Washing of the Feet" (Mandatum) and the institution of the Priesthood.

Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross
Friday, April 14, 2006
1:00 p.m.
Outdoor Stations
Walk with Veronica, Herod, Mary Magdalene, Barabbas, and many other men of their time, as they share the stories of their experience on that fateful day so many years ago.

Good Friday Service
Friday, April 14, 2006
3:00 p.m.
Amphitheatre
A liturgy with a presentation of the Passion according to John and veneration of the cross.
(In case of rain, held in the Our Lady of the Snows Church)

Pésame
Friday, April 14, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
A Good Friday service in Spanish calling for the faithful to offer condolences to the Blessed Mother.

Holy Saturday Mass
Saturday, April 15, 2006
8:15 p.m.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
The Easter Vigil Mass includes a Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Initiations, and the Eucharist.

Easter Sunday Masses
Sunday, April 16, 2006
6:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m. , & 11:30 a.m.
Amphitheatre
(In case of rain, held in the Our Lady of the Snows Church)
The celebration of Christ's Resurrection.

What's new in the parishes?

2006-04-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

Meghan has started compiling activites that are happening in some of our area parishes...
To add any information to this list - or to add any other activities - just email me and I'd be happy to put it on our blog!
erinhammond@sbcglobal.net

What’s New in the Neighborhood?

(a weekly listing of events in your local parishes)

*************************

Hey Young Adults…

Your parishes miss seeing you!
Check out the events below to see what’s new at your parish!

St. Teresa

St. Teresa Choir presents a Journey toCalvary. This is a choral meditation of the Way of the Cross with living tableaux artfully portrayed by our
diocesan youth from Luke 18.
Come join us onFriday, April 7, 2006,
at7:30in the evening.
A food and drink reception will follow.
For more information, you may contact
Laurie Ann Frillman at lalipop9550@earthlink.net.

Never experienced the Stations of the Cross this way? St. Teresa’s offers a creative way to experience the
Passion of Jesus Christ!

St. Nicholas

“Angels Among Us” Grief Support Session

This is an opportunity to share with others who have experienced a loss and experience hope and comfort.
St. Nicholas Church Youth Room
Tuesday, April 11 (7:00-8:00pm)
Contact Barb Distler at 624.6077 for more information

Dealing with loss can be really difficult.
This is a good way to express grief in a
safe, supportive community.

St. Peter Cathedral

Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 P.M. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel followed by the Mother of Perpetual Help Novena prayers on Tuesday evenings during Lent.

Living Stations of the Cross will be held this
Fridayafternoon at 2:00 P.M. and
Friday evening at 7:00 P.M.

Some great ways to continue to grow in faith
during this Lenten season!

Corpus Christi

All You Can Eat Breakfast
Sunday, April 9 (8:00-11:00 am)
Bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes,
and much more!
$6 per adult
$2.50 for children ages 6-12
Free for children under 6

A great way to meet people and eat yummy food!

St. Clare
Home Build inEast St. Louis
Volunteers are needed for the Family Centers 14th
Home Build beginningSaturday, May 20, 2006.
Our purpose in constructing these homes is to
meet the housing needs of children and families in the
OlivetteParkNeighborhood inEast St. Louis.
We are dedicated to constructing quality, affordable
homes for low-income families.
If you can help either with construction or
by bringing food for workers,
contact Cheryl Sommer
632-4281 orcherylsommer@yahoo.com
to get an application.
Both experienced and inexperienced volunteers are welcome. You may volunteer to work any day in the
two-week period that begins on May 20.
Applications are due byApril 14, 2006.

Volunteering is a great way to build community
and make a difference!

Quote of the Week…
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
-Edith Wharton

SWIC prayer of the week 4.3.06

2006-04-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

The Prayer of the Empty Water Jar

Jesus,
I come into the warmth of your presence knowing that you are the very emptiness of God.
I come before you holding the water jar of my life.
Your eyes meet mine and I know what I’d rather not know.

I came to be filled but I am already full.
I am too full.
This is my sickness.
I am full of things that crowd out your healing presence.
A holy knowing steals inside my heart and I see the painful truth.
I don’t need any more.
I need less.
I am too full.

I am full of things that block out your golden grace.
I am smothered by gods of my own creation.
I am lost in the forest of my own false self.
I am full of my own opinions and narrow attitudes,
full of fear, resentments, control
full of self-pity, and arrogance.
Slowly, this terrible truth pierces my heart.
I am so full there is no room for you.

Contemplatively, and with compassion, you ask me to reach into my water jar.
One by one, Jesus, you enable me to lift out the things that are a hindrance to my wholeness.
I take each one to my heart and I hear you asking me,
Why is this so important to you?

Like the murmur of a gentle stream, I hear you calling,
Let go! Let go! Let go!
I pray with each obstacle tasting the bitterness and grief it has caused me.

Finally…
I sit with my empty water jar.
I hear you whisper,
You have become a space for God.
Now there is hope.
Now you are ready to be a channel of life.
You have given up your own agenda.
There is nothing left but God.

(author unknown; prayer inspired by John 4:28)

April Events

2006-03-31T18:10:00.001-06:00

I didn't want to flood your email inbox this week! I think I already sent out two or three! Here are the highlights of the Month of April - I will have a second post up soon with information about opportunities to pray and relect this Lent at area parishes and the Shrine.

REMINDER: We try to keep a consistent schedule of dates/events - go to the home page of our website - www.bellevilleyam.com for what days to keep open!

Saturday, April 1st
Volunteer Day at the Volunteer House
Come help us start work on the new basement rec room and help get some fresh air into the sleeping quarters! Young Adult Ministry has chosen to "adopt" the volunteer house and help re-do the basement and whatever else may pop up along the way.
We will meet at the Dairy Queen at 64 and 157 in Caseyville at 8:45am
The day lasts from 9am - 1pm (bring a lunch!)

SPECIAL EVENT the last in our REFUEL coffee house series on Christian Living
Sunday, April 2nd
Doors open at 1pm
@ The Abbey in Belleville

Marriage: Gamble, Growth and Gift
How we were called to marriage and how it’s going 5 years later
Kevin Lee & Sara McGinnis Lee
For those who are considering marriage, already married, formerly married, or just curious - come and share your wisdom!

Kyle Holtgrave will also be there sharing his musical talents with us!

Prayer night/Book Club
Tuesday April 4th
(see post below)
We are reading The Life of Pi (just Part one for Tuesday!)

Theology on Tap
April 9, 6:30 gather 7 speaker
"God is Love:
The New Pope's First Encyclical."

In his first encyclical, the new pope invites us to reflect
on the truth that is central to our faith, that God is love.
The encyclical brings together two ways that God's love is
revealed to us. In the first half, the Pope focuses on the
relation between love as desire and love as self-gift. In
the second half, the Pope stresses the importance of social
outreach to the poor and disenfranchised. The talk will
examine the relation between these two features of love.

Greg Beabout is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Saint
Louis University. An awared winning teacher, his teaching
and research is in the areas of ethics and social
philosophy. He is the author of four books and many
scholarly articles. He lives in Belleville, and is married
with five children.

SOCIAL NIGHT
Friday, April 21st
6pm - meet for dinner at the Tap Room in St Louis
afterwards we will venture over to the City Museum for a little adult learning and fun...

NO MASS AND BRUNCH THIS MONTH!
(the third Sunday of the Month just happens to be Easter!)

Young Adult Advisory Board
meets the fourth Tuesday of every month
- help plan our summer activites, like a trip to Rend Lake and other fun.
We meet at Cathedral in the rectory - 7pm sharp(!) (sorta)

As always, email or call with questions or comments!
erin

This weekend in YAM

2006-03-31T18:09:00.000-06:00

Saturday, April 1st
Volunteer Day at the Volunteer House
Come help us start work on the new basement rec room and help get some fresh air into the sleeping quarters!
We will meet at the Dairy Queen at 64 and 157 in Caseyville at 8:45am
The day lasts from 9am - 1pm (bring a lunch!)

Sunday, April 2nd
Doors open at 1pm
@ The Abbey in Belleville (address on our blog)

Marriage: Gamble, Growth and Gift
How we were called to marriage and how it’s going 5 years later
Kevin Lee & Sara McGinnis Lee
For those who are considering marriage, already married, formerly married, or just curious - come and share your wisdom!

Kyle Holtgrave will also be there sharing his musical talents with us!

Book club?

2006-03-29T23:03:00.000-06:00

Interested in joining a book club?

We are reading The Life of Pi (part I) for Tuesday, April 4th.

We will meet at 7pm at the Bread Co in front of the Target in Shiloh...

email or call with questions -
erin

erinhammond@sbcglobal.net

618.234.1166 x 118

Refuel THIS Sunday

2006-03-29T10:32:00.000-06:00

Refuel:
A Coffeehouse Series on Christian Living

THIS SUNDAY, April 2
1:00 pm
The Abbey in Belleville
6500 W. Main Street
618-394-2050

Join us for music, a speaker, and fellowship as we continue to grow and discern what it means to live a Christian lifestyle!

Speaker: Sara McGinnis-Lee
Musicians: Kyle Holtgrave and Friends

Sponsored by Belleville Young Adult Ministry

SWIC prayer of the week 3.20.06

2006-03-20T17:56:00.000-06:00

We give you thanks,
Gentle One who has touched our soul.
You have loved us from
the moment of our first waking
and have held us in joy and in grief.
Stay with us, we pray.
Grace us with your presence
and with it, the fullness of our own humanity.
Help us claim our strength and need,
our awesomeness and fragile beauty,
that encouraged by the truth
we might work to restore
compassion to the human family
and renew the face of the earth.

Amen

(from More Than Words: Prayer and Ritual for Inclusive Communities
Janet Schaffran & Pat Kozak, 1992)

Softball anyone?

2006-03-13T12:49:00.000-06:00

The 2006 CSAC Co-Ed Softball League season is starting in April through the Bud Sports League! The season begins in April (exact date will be determined soon) at Tilles Park on Sunday afternoons.

* If anyone is interested in creating a team - let me know ASAP * either email me erinhammond@sbcglobal.net or comment here on the blog (with contact info!)

Theology on Tap and other stuff...

2006-03-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

Last night's Theology on Tap was great! Peter and Fr. Raul did a great job sharing their experiences with us - we also had the chance to build our own church. Let's just say, you can call me Pope Erin the First. (some may even call me Pope Erin the Great) (I said some...)

It was nice to meet Andy, Greg and Rochelle last night - thanks for coming and you are welcome anytime!

This weekend is our social night - Fish Fry at St Henry's in Belleville. We are going to meet at 5:30 and we'll have a couple decks of cards and some dice to entertain us as we feast.

Sunday we have two things to offer -
Mass and Brunch - 9am at Immaculate Conception in Columbia and then to the Shrine Restaurant for brunch. (mmm omlette bar...)

Then for those who would like to join us at the Abbey (West Main in Belleville) we are finally starting our Refuel coffeehouse series with David Munoz, O.M.I. speaking on making life choices - with a little help from Adam Wright on the guitar.

Theology on Tap - March

2006-03-10T16:29:00.000-06:00

Second Sunday of Every Month

Gather - 6:30pm
Speakers - 7pm

Hosted at
Cutter's
239 Carlyle Ave. , Belleville, IL

March 12, 2006

Whose Church is it Anyway?

Presented by Fr. Raul Salas, O.M.I. & Pete Czerwinski

What does it mean for a church to be universal, yet culturally sensitive?

Hear the experience of a truly international Catholic Young Adult and Priest.

Fr. Raul is a native of South Texas and a priest for 25 years. He speaks from his experiences, which include missionary journeys in Zambia and Southern Mexico, and sixteen years of teaching at an Boys Catholic high school. He was the Director of Hispanic Ministry at the Shrine, and is now the Assoc. Director and Pastoral Team Manager at the Shrine.

Pete is from a galaxy far, far away. Not really. He is Polish, but was born and raised in Sweden. Pete has lived, worked and studied in Australia and the USA. He has lived a single life, religious life and is now embarking on the journey of married life. Pete has played many roles within the global church: from a factory worker to youth coordinator for the diocese of Stockholm, Sweden, to theology student in Australia and the USA. He has been enriched with ministry in multicultural settings on three continents, which include youth ministry, prison ministry, hospital ministry, street outreach and parish ministry. He doesn’t claim to be an expert about our faith, but looks forward to sharing his experiences and faith with others over a meal and some good drinks!

Refuel cancelled - just once!

2006-03-06T11:29:00.000-06:00

Our apologies, due to illness we were forced to cancel the first of our Refuel coffeehouses at the Abbey. We WILL be there on March 19th (doors at 1pm) with speaker David Munoz, O.M.I. speaking about your vocation - whether that vocation is lawyer, single person, vowed religous or parent. Come relax with us and hear a good speaker and some good music.

Lenten Reflection

2006-03-03T14:34:00.000-06:00

Here is a wonderful reflection for your lenten journey. I urge you to maybe get a pen and paper to write down some of your answers. We will try to have more of these throughout Lent.
Thanks to Heather for finding this!
Also check out the website under "Catholic 101" for a more general reflection on the season of Lent.

Taken from There Is a Season: Living the Liturgical Year by Dennis J. Billy, C.SS.R. (2001) Liguori, MO: Liguori, 55-72.

The Way of Conversion“An easy way to remember these forms of penance is to think of each one in context of the simple prayer known as the ‘sign of the cross.’”

1. In Prayer. “We begin the sign of the cross by bringing the tips of our right hand to our forehead and saying, “In the name of the Father.” This first movement of the sign of the cross corresponds to the very activity of prayer itself…To lift our hearts and minds to God is another way of saying that we must orient our intellect and will to the Lord.”

What thoughts/distractions keep you focusing on God? Acknowledge them,
so that you can place God in the forefront of your mind and will.

2. In Fasting. “We continue the sign of the cross by extending the tips of our right hand down to our stomachs and saying, “…and of the Son.” Touching this part of our anatomy during our prayer highlights the physical, animal aspect of our human nature.” Many believe that it is from the depths of our stomachs that our emotions and urges spring forth. “The Word of God assumed our human nature. In doing so, he took on not only our capacity to think and choose but also to feel emotions and to experience the world through the bodily senses.” Fasting does not simply refer to only food and beverage, it also challenges us to “temper our bodily and emotional lives so that they will give honor and glory to God.”

· What emotions are dominating your life lately?

· What urges have you been struggling with lately?

· What needs tempering in your life during this Lenten season?

· How will you sustain your fast/control your urges?

3. In Almsgiving. “We continue the sign of the cross by extending the tips of our right hand over to our left should saying “…and of the Holy.” This part moves towards our relationship with others, our brothers/sisters, our neighbors. “It is appropriate that the penitential action associated with this aspect of the prayer would be ‘almsgiving.’” Almsgiving is a way of lifting up the inherent human dignity of all people. “As followers, we understand that we can express love for God in and through our love for our neighbors…When we give to others, we should give beyond our capacity, not merely from our excess wealth (Mk 12: 41-44). We should do so not only to our friends and family but also to strangers in need, the poor and needy—and even to our enemies (Mt 5: 43-48)…We should be conscious, moreover, not only of how much and to whom we give but also how we give to others. We must not give sadly or grudgingly, but with great joy (2Cor 9:7; Rom 12:8).”

· Who in your community needs to be lifted up?

· How will you give alms this Lenten season?

· How would you describe your attitude of giving? How does almsgiving stretch you?

4. In Watching. We complete the sign of the cross by extending the tips of our right hand in one sweeping motion across our chest to our right should and saying the word ‘Spirit.’ This action corresponds to our fourth Lenten practice of ‘watchfulness in the Spirit.’ Vigilance is a necessary part of the spiritual life…As far as we are concerned, it is important for us to be on the lookout for those subtle ways in which we deceive ourselves…Lent is a time to take a good look at our lives and to identify any attitudes and behaviors having a negative effect on us…A lack of vigilance in our lives often results in a breakdown of our ability to defend ourselves against threats to our well being and to discover new venues for developing our deepest potential…If we are not vigilant in maintaining these relationships, they can easily become dysfunctional. As a result, they can do great harm. Lent is a time for examining the social dimension of our lives and to root out whatever harmful attitudes or ways of relating have entered into them. It is also a time for finding and implementing new ways of relating that will improve the quality of our lives in community…we have to ask ourselves if we have allowed any false images of God to take hold of us and to influence our attitudes and behaviors.”

· What attitudes and behaviors are having a negative effect upon you?

· What relationships in your life have become dysfunctional? In what ways?

· How can you change ways you relate to others both personally and within your faith community that will improve your quality of life and that of the group?

· What false idols have arisen in your life?

Spiritual Exercise

· Find a quite place where you can be alone with God. Get in a comfortable yet prayerful position, one that you sustain for a few minutes.

· When you are ready, open your heart and mind to God with the sign of the cross. Perform this prayer very slowly. Say the words out loud or quietly to yourself: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

· When you have finished, pause a moment and then start over. This time, be conscious of the parts of the body that you are touching as you say the prayer:

· your head, the seat of your rational powers;

· your stomach, the part of you which bears physical burdens and performs daily labor.

· When you have finished, pause a moment and say the prayer once more.

· When you touch your head and say the words, “In the name of the Father,” ask the Lord to make your reason and your will completely centered on love.

· When you touch your stomach and say the words, “…and of the Son,” ask the Lord to heal your emotions so that you will be able to feel God’s love and express it to others in appropriate ways.

· When you touch your shoulders and say the words, “…and of the Holy Spirit,” ask the Lord to bless your body and to help you to rid yourself of any physical attachments that may be getting in the way of your relationship with him.

· When you have finished, pause a moment and say the prayer one last time. As you say the prayer, be conscious of the vertical and the horizontal motion of your hands.

· When you touch your head, ask the Lord to help you to be a prayerful person.

· When you touch your stomach, ask the Lord to help you to be a temperate person.

· When you touch your left shoulder, ask the Lord to help you to be a generous person.

· When you touch your right shoulder, ask the Lord to help you to be watchful person.

· When you say, “Amen,” ask the Lord to help you to express your love for him in and through your love for others.

Prayer

Lord, during this season of the Lenten cross, help me to turn my life entirely over to you so that I might become a devoted disciple and follower of your way.

Enable me to look beneath the external trappings of the season and to ponder its deep spiritual significance.

Change me, Lord. Convert me, Lord. Guide me along the way of repentance.

Show me my sins and give me the courage to confess them.

Teach me how to pray, Lord. Help me to make sacrifices for you.

Enable me to be generous with others.

Help me to keep watch over my relationship with you and not allow anyone or anything to interfere with it.

Reveal my weaknesses to me, Lord. Steer me clear of temptation.

Help me to let go of the unnecessary attachments that have gotten in the way and have kept me from you.

Help me to turn to you always, in good times as well as in bad.

I love you, Lord. Help me to love you more.

March Events

2006-03-03T14:01:00.000-06:00

Belleville Diocese Young Adult Ministry
March Events

Service Day
Sat March 4th - 9am - 1pm
Volunteer House (just off 157 in ESTL - the old St Philip's Convent)
Help Sr Marge (who has a broken arm!) get the place ready for a group coming in to stay the week. Some housecleaning, making up beds and good stuff like that!

Coffee House series - Refuel
Sunday March 5th and 19th
Doors at 1pm - the Abbey on West Main in Belleville
Come hear musicians and speakers talk on different aspects of Christian Living.
March 5th - Meghan Mueller speaks on self care - an important and overlooked topic!
March 19th - David Munoz, O.M.I. - talks about your call in live - whether it is to be a Doctor, ordained, mommy or single!
Both weekends Adam Wright, a young adult from the Archdiocese of St Louis will share his musical gifts with us!

Prayer Night
Tues, March 7th - 7pm
Cathedral Rectory
Come for a prayer service followed by a discussion of where to take this group in the future - Bible study, Book Club or faith sharing...

Theology on Tap
Sun, March 12 - 6:30 gather
Cutter's (239 Carlyle Ave) in Belleville
Fr Raul Salas, O.M.I. and Young Adult Peter Czerwinski speak on "Whose Church is it?"

Social Night
Fri, March 17th (St Patty's Day!) - 5:30pm
St Henry's in Belleville
Come support a local parish and eat yummy fish - and for those over 21 - yummy beer! Bring a deck of cards or some dice for some fun after we eat.

Mass and Brunch
Sun, March 19 - 9am Mass
Immaculate Conception - Columbia
Pretty self explanatory. We will sit in the back of the Church on the right hand side, so look for us there. After wards on to the fabulous Shrine restaurant for Brunch - a Young Adult Ministry favorite!

If you have any questions about an event - or any ideas of something you'd like to see/so - just click on "comment" below. You DO NOT have to register - just pick "other" and fill in your name or "annonymous" works too!

Hope to see you soon!

Coffee House Kick-off!

2006-03-01T15:16:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to see Steve Angrisano and Oddwalk Ministries at the Shrine.

It was a great evening! Steve, who drove from his home in Colorado with his family, ALMOST didn't make it on time. Luckily, my husband Orin and everyone around me, decided not to tell me until AFTER Steve made it.

A BIG thank you to the Young Adult Advisory Board who helped out with selling treats, doing dishes and moving furniture!

I will publish pictures as soon as they are developed!

In the meanwhile - check out the coffee house series - Sundays March 5th, 19th and April 2nd. They are at the Abbey Coffee House on West Main in Belleville at 1pm. We will have musicians and speakers trying to help you take care of yourself, look at making choices in your life and more!

SWIC prayer of the week 2.26.06

2006-03-01T15:15:00.000-06:00

The Lord is near.
Do not worry about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God,
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:5-7

FREE CONCERT!

2006-02-18T18:57:00.000-06:00

Come join Young Adult Ministry at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows for a free concert to kick off YAM's new coffee house series, "Refuel."

Steve Angrisano - a wonderful keynoter/musician will headline our evening, with help from local favorites, Oddwalk Ministries. We will have a laid back evening of music and fun! Our Mardi Gras themed evening will offer a few prizes and FREE coffee, decaf, hot cocoa, hot tea, chai tea and cappuchino! Snacks will be available for purchase - proceeds benefiting Young Adult Ministry and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (the order of priests who own and operate the Shrine).

Here is what you need to know:

When: Friday, February 24th - doors at 7, concert starts at 7:30

Where: Shrine Visitor's Center

Bring: your Mardi Gras beads (we will have some) and yourselves! Families welcome - there is plenty of room for young ones to expend energy at the Shrine!

Bring a group - or come meet someone new - it will be a great night!

Questions - email Erin or call 618.234.1168 x118

Here are some links:
Shrine - www.snows.org
Steve Angrisano - www.steveangrisano.com
Oddwalk Ministries - www.oddwalkministries.com

Sorry, you will have to cut and paste the url's - I never can find that darn code when I need it!

Theology on Tap - THIS SUNDAY!

2006-02-08T14:10:00.000-06:00

This Sunday Young Adult Ministry presents -
"Evangelization not Prostelization"

A look at spreading the Gospel message with and without words!

This topic came about after a college student shared a story about his campus. He told me (and the advisory board) about a minister who comes to campus; stands outside one of the buildings and reads aloud from the Bible. While it is wonderful for people to hear the Word of God - does it really draw them to God, or is there something more we can do?

Troy Woytek - whose bio can be found here- will speak on this topic and answer your questions on how you can evangelize - without words.

February events

2006-02-08T14:08:00.000-06:00

Theology on Tap
Sunday, February 12
6:30 gather, 7pm speaker
"Evangelization not prostelization!"
Cutter's in Belleville - 239 Carlyle Ave
Come hear speaker, Troy Woytek, speak on the topic sharing the Gospel with others - and how we can do so without using words!

Social Night
Friday, February 17
7pm
Cathedral Rectory
"Game Night" - we are bringing out the board games! Come play Crainium or try "Dance Twister" - we also have everyone's favorite, "Is the Pope Catholic?"
Snacks and drinks provided!

Mass and Brunch
Sunday February 19
St Nicholas - O'Fallon
Join us at the 10:30am Mass at St Nicholas, then we will head over to O'Charley's for lunch. O'Charly's, I hear, has awesome rolls and butter!

Look for our Coffee House series beginning February 24th!

SWIC prayer of the week 2.6.06

2006-02-08T09:46:00.000-06:00

Meghan is continuing her table topic on social justice with a powerful quote from Martin Luther King, Jr, whose widow Coretta Scott King, just passed away.

A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.
A true revolution of values will soon look uneasily on the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

God of Hope,
Open our hearts to compassion and love for all your people.
Give us courage and perseverance to be a source of change in the world.
May we always recognize the dignity of each human person and strive to be a sign of your presence in the world.

Amen

SWIC prayer of the week - 1.31.06

2006-02-01T10:37:00.000-06:00

This weeks focus is social justice -

O God,

We pray for all those in our world
who are suffering from injustice:

For those who are discriminated against
because of their race, color or religion;

For those imprisoned for working for the
relief of oppression;

For those who are hounded for speaking
the inconvenient truth;

For those tempted to violence as a cry against overwhelming hardship;

For those deprived of reasonable
health and education;

For those suffering from
hunger and famine;

For those too weak to help themselves
and who have no one else to help them;

For the unemployed who cry out
for work but do not find it.

We pray for anyone of our acquaintance
who is personally affected by injustice.

Forgive us, Lord, if we unwittingly share in the conditions or in a system that
perpetuates injustice.

Show us how we can serve your children
and make your love practical by
washing their feet.

-Mother Teresa

Prayer of the Week 1.22.06

2006-01-26T14:18:00.000-06:00

Every week Meghan finds a prayer that she takes to her students at SWIC. We will also offer it weekly on the blog.

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Social night - 1/20/06

2006-01-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

Friday night a group of Young Adults met a Houlihan's in Fairview for drinks, and eventually, dinner...

The $4 drinks were nice - except for Aaron, who doesn't appreciates spending $3.50 for a bottle of beer. Luckily he opted for the more cost-effective, half-liter stein - not cheaper mind you, just more cost effective. Dave tried out the "bigger-than-your-head" Long Island Ice Tea - which I believe had more ice than "ice tea" in it...

We had a great night talking about our weeks - which for most of us - meant decompressing! After Houlihan's kicked us out; Dave and Christine opened their home to us to play cards, board games or whatever... The Ladies (actually Christine) kicked some male-type-butt at the game "Scene it!"

Our next social night is Friday, February 17th -

Whoo hoo, Table 22!

2006-01-17T14:17:00.000-06:00

This weekend a group of Young Adults decided to test our knowledge of all things trivial - at the Mind's Eye trivia night, held at the Shrine.
Dave, Christine, Carol, Susan, Katy, Anndrea, Elise and myself comprised table 22. Fueled by an extreme sugar high - table 22 managed to win Third Place - and $40. (which we promptly donated back) I for one, have never won at a trivia night - my husband (who is also disgustingly good at knowing little nuggests of all things trivial) once won the 50/50 drawing... but that is as close as I've come to victory.

I think that we would have won, except for a few factors:

1) we didn't listen to Carol about the Tootsie rolls
2) we didn't listen to Susan about the # of calories in gum
3) we didn't listen to DAVE about when Cover Girl became popular...
the question was more a "Christie Brinkly" question than a "make-up question"
4) the last category - "Toons and Tots" - way too many questions about SpongeBob and Jimmy Neutron - no one at Table 22 has kids - so we only got 6 out of 10 on that one

So how are you at trivia? Try out a few sample questions below -

What candy is named for the Mars family horse?
What is the full name of Prince Charles of England?
Who was Barbie's best friend?
What is the third element on the periodic table?
What Sacrament is missing from this list?
Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick, Baptism, Marriage, Reconcilliation, Eucharist
What treat was called "fairy floss" at the 1904 World's Fair?

Anyone know?

Other events in the area -

2006-01-09T14:33:00.000-06:00

Here are some other things happening in and around the Diocese (or STL area) -
If you know of anything - you can comment on this post...

TEC needs help -
This weekend, January 14-16, is the Red Bud TEC #240. If there's anyone you know who would be interested in attending the Reunion on Sunday - Mass will be at 4:45 at St John the Baptist in Red Bud with Reunion to follow, and then Pizza Hut after that.

We also need Wheat Letters. Wheat Letters can be sent to:

TEC #240
c/o St. John the Baptist Church
515 Locust Street
Red Bud, IL 62278

We need Wheat Letters for the team and TECites, as well as the Wheat Team and our cooks. The Wheat Letters need to arrive by Friday to be read on the weekend. You can also email any Wheat Letters to me by Friday morning and I will print them out and take them Friday evening.

Trivia nights
There is a Trivia Night at the Shrine and at St Stephens this Saturday, January 14th. I think they are both at 7.

Franciscan Connection Day of Celebration
Saturday, January 28, 2006, the Franciscan Connection in St. Louis will be having
a Franciscan Day of Celebration- the event will include a concert with
Fr. Ferd Cheri & the Althoff High School Gospel Choir. More specific
information is on http://www.franciscanconnection.org/

The "going's on" in Young Adult Ministry

2006-01-09T13:20:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Susan, who observed that the blog hasn't been updated in a while.
So Susan - this post is for you!

December was a slower month for YAM; but not without it's moments. Jared Ainsworth-Bryson and Orin Johnson presented "Stand, Sit or Kneel?" at Theology on Tap. They helped answer some of those "What the heck is going on at Mass" questions and even challenged us to get involved and PARTICIPATE during Mass and to be "Eucharistic people" in the world. I think they did a great job (even though I tend to be biased!)

For our social night we experience "The Way of Lights" at the Shrine. We started by experiencing the wonderful "Way of Lights" buffet. Then saw the Lego exhibit, the Christmas tree display and the Children's Village. We didn't get to stay for the puppet show. We ended the night with a trolley ride throught the lights. Even for someone who worked at the Way of Lights and is at the Shrine a lot; I still love the lights and had fun with Dave, Anndrea, Ben and Heather.

We met for Mass and Brunch in December, too. We choose to "participate" in Mass at St Clare in O'Fallon and then met Aaron (who was wonderful enough to get us a table - I hope that doesn't jeopardize your eternal soul...) at Cracker Barrel. Lots of people came out that normally don't get a chance - like Dawn and Katy. (and Katy's new fiance - Congrats!) Also, Fr Jim and Cheryl Sommers got a chance to join us and find out what is happening with Young Adult Ministry.

January has started out well - Young Adult Ministry has started it's new calendar - you can see that on the website - www.bellevilleyam.com

For our service project we (meaning me) worked on the Basement at the volunteer house at St Philip's in ESTL - I even found a puppy who had lost it's puppy way. (Do you know what movie that's from?) Luckily the owners claimed the puppy within hours! In February, we are going to make Valentine's for the troops - so bring your stamping, scrapbooking stuff and we'll have fun.

Last night's Theology on Tap was great. It was certainly a topic that can hit a nerve - I was so excited to see so many people dicussing. Thanks to Danielle who was a wonderful speaker! Sorry I couldn't hang out longer, but my husband wanted to finish painting our kitchen...he's so selfish!

Does anyone have any thoughts or want to share their memories of December or January? OR does anyone have any comments about last night's Theology on Tap?

January Theology on Tap

2006-01-04T21:26:00.000-06:00

Sorry that the blog hasn't been updated in a while - the holidays approached fast and left too soon! I promise to update with info on the December Theology on Tap; trip to Way of Lights and Mass and Brunch very soon.

This month's Theology on Tap will be very interested and engaging. Meghan Mueller is back again as our Emcee for Danielle Charles presenting "Ism-ology."

Danielle Charles has been giving lectures and workshops on racism awareness for over ten years. Her list of academic and professional achievements is quite accomplished. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in English, she attended St. Louis University Law School. She has worked on the provincial staff for the Jesuits, worked as assistant director of a retreat center in California, and served as mission director of a health care facility in Texas. Currently, she is a Master of Theology student at Aquinas Institute of Theology. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a Doctorate in Biblical Studies.

Danielle will be speaking on how "ism's" are everywhere and how they affect the Body of Christ. Come to this one with lots of questions and open mind and an open heart!

See you Sunday!

Mu-ahh ha ha ha ha!

2005-12-19T21:37:00.000-06:00

Oddwalk was here!
Mu-ahh ha ha ha ha!

SWIC prayer of the week 11.20.05

2005-11-21T14:57:00.000-06:00

I am listening to days growing shorter,
to the air turning crisp and cool,
to the slow waning of the light,
to the stars that shine in cold, dark nights.
I am listening to the growing harvest moon.

I AM LISTENING.

I am listening to happy harvest cries,
         to hearts overflowing with thanksgiving
         to tables laden with gifts from the earth,
to baskets overflowing with fruit,
I am listening to the bountiful gifts of autumn.

I AM LISTENING.

I am listening to a call for inner growth,
to my need to let go of material possessions,
to my need to reach out for invisible gifts.
I am listening for transformation.

I AM LISTENING.

I am listening to the death of old ways.
I am listening to the life force turning inward.
I am listening to the renewal of the earth.

I AM LISTENING.

I am listening to summer
         Handing over autumn.
I am listening to the poetry of autumn.

I AM LISTENING.

-Macrina Wiederkehr

Bowling - at a undisclosed location

2005-11-20T22:47:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who came out tonight to bowl! As Elise pointed out, I forgot to put the LOCATION on the website. So if anyone wanted to come and missed out on that - I apologize!

There were twelve of us there tonight, most of our regulars and a few new faces, too. Aaron and Orin "cheered" each other on. Dave and Christine brought yummy desserts from Michigan! Pete was kind enough to buy everyone a round of drinks - Thanks! I had the funnel cakes again - and some chili cheese fries! There's no better place for greasy food than a bowling alley!

Next month our social activity will be dinner and checking out what there is to do at the Shrine's Way of Lights. Thursday, December 18th. Join us for dinner at 5 - or come a little later for a trolley ride and to see carolers and other fun!

November Theology on Tap

2005-11-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all who came out for the great Theology on Tap. Pete Cerneka and Erin Simmons did a fabulous job presenting "To Guatemala and Back: Service in the World." Also a big THANK YOU to Oddwalk Ministries' Shannon Cerneka and Orin Johnson who did a fabulous job as emcees.

Pete mentioned in his talk ways for us to be aware of what is happening in the world around us. He told us to ask questions, to educate yourselves and to vote! Below are some links to resources Pete had mentioned, if you were interested.

From the Diocese of St Paul, MN - A good site on Catholic Social Teaching

The League of Women Voters
(This is listed as a good place to start on educating yourself. Please read and take their opinions and examine them with your conscience and with Church teaching.)

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
This is a missionary order whose charism is to serve and bring the Gospel to those who are most abandoned. They also own and operate the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, in Belleville.

I hope many of you will be able to make it to the next Tap. The Title is "Stand, sit or knee?" and discussing our mass and what is happening there. Our liturgy is rooted in tradition and ritual that is truley beautiful, but often feels routine or even "boring." Come be reminded or learn for the first time what is going on during mass!

December 11, 6:30 gather and get settled with a drink and something to eat.
7pm - speakers Jared Ainsworth-Bryson and Orin Johnson will "wow" you with their knowledge of liturgy!

Have a great Thanksgiving!
erin

Prayer of the Week (10.30.05)

2005-10-30T21:44:00.000-06:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn:
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek:
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful:
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-10