We, the people of St. Clare Catholic Parish, In the Diocese of Belleville, are called by God

in baptism to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Centered in the Eucharist, and strengthened

by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we strive to live the Gospel and further the reign of God.

We do this by creating a vibrant faith community, by actively promoting justice and evangelization, and by using our gifts in the service of God’s people, to give God

glory and reverence all of Creation.

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 1411 Cross Street

O’Fallon, IL 62269 618/ 632-3562

www.stclarechurch.org

Fr. Jim Deiters Pastor Dennis Vander Ven Deacon Marcia Fix Parish Secretary Jamae Shubirg Administrative Assistant Ed Seipp Business Manager Patrick Jurgensmeyer Facilities Manager Stephen Eros Music and Liturgy Director Jane Dotson Family Faith Formation Matt Flynn Adult Faith and Mission

ST. CLARE SCHOOL 632-6327

214 West Third Street, O’Fallon, IL Milissa Faust Principal

Gloria Schmidt Secretary

Eileen Yahl Accountant

MT. CALVARY CEMETERY 632-3562

Jim Deschesne, Sexton

PARISH TRUSTEES

Michael Crupe

John Dempsey

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL 632-4270

Emergency Assistance

Fi h Sunday of Lent April 2, 2017

Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton Bishop of Belleville

St. Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us!

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

BAPTISM—Preparation classes for parents are offered every other month for infant baptism. Call the Parish Office to sign up. Adults wishing to be baptized should also call the Office.

RECONCILIATION—Saturdays 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. Community celebrations are also offered every Advent and Lent.

MATRIMONY—Contact Pastor a year prior.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK—Communal celebrations twice a year, or by appointment.

From Our Pastor...

Recent Deaths: Maria Paule, Sister of Margar ita (Mike) Crupe Donna Bender, Grandmother of Jamie (Stephen) Eros Kayla McNamara, Granddaughter of Dorothy Schwaegel We extend our loving and prayerful sympathy to Margarita, Jamie and Dorothy and their families at this time of loss. May our prayers give them comfort and peace and may their loved ones rest in the peace and love of Christ.

April 1 Robert Glazebrook Joscelyn Russell Melvin Heisserer Jeanne Smith Whitney Wisnasky Kristie Randolph Tyler McDaniel AJ Vassen Elliot Mauch Paula Goldberg Aubrie Hohm Clare Naegele April 2 Matty Ueda James Boeving Jamie Raber Matt Chambers Chris Kramer Alexavier Jansen Claire Feger April 3 Michael Earley Jim Cavins Stacey Cutter Jill Jones Jodie Rodriguez Amie King Christina Zabbo Maria Burke Chaz Stephens Lexie Newcomb Ermerson Nieroda Claire Eberhart April 4 Deacon Dennis Vander Ven Anna Schoendienst Steven Kuca Keith Evans Leanne Morrison Greg Saplin Natalie Heitzman

April 5 Earl Wilcox Kenneth Troy Cheryl Matzker Diane Vernier Kim Pierson Timothy Lewis Cyndi Witt Richard Ransom Robert Clancy Gus Smith Peter Skipworth April 6 Natalie Born Barbara Warren Craig Reno Brett Wright Lynette Gage Jocelyn Pavelschak Trevor Dollahon Abigail Killian Nathan Rodriguez April 7 Jim Colombo Ed Epplin Victoria Gainor Matthew Blomberg Katelyn Knaust Jude Rotz Paxton Werle April 8 Marjorie Hines Matt Heins Camerina Fernandez Jessica Thomas Addison Gomez Kristen Buechler Chad Duckworth Gavin Benedick Luke Terrell April 9 Brian Heisserer Alyssa Trelow Grant Gruenloh Gretchen Ertel

Making a Good Confession… This Thursday is our Communal Reconciliation Service and eight additional priests will be here for individual confessions. I want to strongly encourage you to join us for this great sacrament that many of us shy away from for various reasons. Perhaps it has been too many years and you don’t know ‘where to start’ with a confes-sion. We provide a simple worship aid for the service in which you do not need to worry about the ‘how to.’ The most important preparation is to take the time to make a good examination of conscience. There are many forms of an exam-ination and can easily be found through a search on the Internet. Basically an examination can be one of the following: 1. Compare my daily living with the 10 Commandments. 2. Compare my choices with Jesus’ Teaching: Love God above

all things, love self and love neighbor. 3. The US Bishops website www.usccb.org has an examination

based on Catholic Social Teaching. Making a good confession can be the best thing we can do not only for our relationship with God but it is just as helpful for our relation-ships with family and friends. We may have past hurts, resentments, built up anger, feelings of distance, or a sense of failure in our rela-tionships. A good examination before confession requires us to ask our self, “What do I need to change in myself to be a better parent, spouse, friend, son or daughter, and Christian in the world?” Set aside Thursday, April 6, 7:00 PM, for this great experience of God’s Grace. If married, please bring your children and spouse with you! If you cannot make Thursday night, there are other nights available as listed later in the bulletin. Come celebrate God’s uncon-ditional love and mercy! In Christ, Fr. Jim Deiters

Please pray for the sick, their loved ones and caregivers; may they never lose sight of the love of God… Jennifer R. Barajas, Wray Barr, Bill Bettorf, Shirley Carroll, Linda Cipfl, Yasuko Estabrooks, Rita Ferreri, Sharon Gage, Tom Giger, Jean Green, Hannah Grubofski, Rita Haukapp, Margaret Heinke, Jessica Holmes, Liz Klingler, Ami Kovach, Dawn Papproth Kuhn, Abelina Leon, Mary Lugge, Matthew MacAinsh, Carol Martz, Nona Morgan, Doris Prosser, Pauline Puttmann, Dale Reeser, Megan Saldana, Madelean Sanford, Rosa Garcia, Craig Seipp, Mary Ann Seipp, Richard Smith, Donna Sparks, Michelle Strube, Betty Tomasovich, Jake Van Hook, Jenny Vogt, Patricia Weiler, Steve Wells, Walter Woods

If you have a family member that is homebound due to illness or hospitalized, please call the parish office. Please pray for our military men and women, especially those separated from loved ones by deployment.

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, April 1 Fi h Sunday of Lent 5:00 p.m. Clete Schwaegel Sunday, April 2 Fi h Sunday of Lent 8:30 a.m. Robert and Clara Schachner George and Norma Axmacher 10:30 a.m. Joe Burroughs *Eucharis c Adora on following Mass Monday, April 3 Lenten Weekday 11:45 a.m. Benedic on 6:00 p.m. Gene and Delores Ellio Tuesday, April 4 Lenten Weekday, Saint Isidore, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 7:30 a.m. Rita Rehkemper 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Chapel Wednesday, April 5—No Mass Lenten Weekday, Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest Thursday, April 6 Lenten Weekday 8:30 a.m. Mass in School Chapel First Friday, April 7 Lenten Weekday, Saint John Bap st de la Salle, Priest 7:30 a.m. Father Jack Joyce 6:00 p.m. Sta ons of the Cross Saturday, April 8 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 5:00 p.m. Irmine Jurgensmeyer Paul Louis Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 8:30 a.m. Robert, Sally and Raymond Haselhorst Nancy Wright 10:30 a.m. James Mannix, Sr.

Readings of the Week April 3-9 Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62]; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:1-11 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Mt 21:1-11 (procession); Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14 -- 27:66 [27:11-54]

Next Weekend: April 8/9

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Saturday 5:00 Jorge Avila, Nancy Buttimer, Jim Calandro Ellen Gravlin, Jessica Kalmer, Nancy Karrigan Barb Kenney, Jack & Patti Leisure, Lucy Mixen Kevin Mulheran, Walter O’Dell, Shirley Suski

Sunday 8:30 Betty Deschesne, Jacklyn Gross, Michael Howk Frank Morski, Mark & Amie O’Connor Caron Proffer, Kevin & Linda Rademacher Ken & Jeanne Smith, Kristy Turner

Sunday 10:30 Margaret Andrasko, Ksana Bialick, Steve Bovich Krystle Hatter, Kitty Luehrs, Dominic & Rena Sabatino Christopher, Tara & Hannah Sill, Richard Smith Toni Stanton, Betsy Weinel Readers Saturday 5:00 John Jackson & Barbara Calandro Sunday 8:30 Simone Wheeler & Jamie Eros 10:30 Patty Klingelhoefer & Kathy Sjoquist

Servers Saturday 5:00 Cassidy Lurk, Elizabeth & Madeleine Henken 8:30 Jordan Nguyen, Anya & Heather Kenney 10:30 Ryan Clancy, Allison LaSalvia, Tyler Stanton Ushers Saturday 5:00 Don Gravlin, Ken Kenney, Carl Lurk Richie Meile, Eric Sheesley, John Winkelmann

Sunday 8:30 Dennis Collins, Jim Hendricks, Su Holmes Pat Jurgensmeyer, Don Proffer, Craig Sewell

Sunday 10:30 Jason Holzum, Tyler McDaniel, John Meise Stephen Smith, Mark Stevens, Zakharie Stoll Gift Bearers Saturday 5:00 Scott, Theresa, Ryan, Kylie, Tyson & Skylar Voss Sunday 8:30 Clarence, Michelle, Sophie & Cara Reilly 10:30 Joe, Heather, Gretchen & Hanna Ertel

Greeters Saturday 5:00 Kit, Deb, Josh, Kyle, Ryan & Katie Zimmermann 8:30 Mona Peach, Gib & Pat Vollmer 10:30 Christopher, Amy, Aiden, Grace & Nora Stapenhorst

Sound Board Saturday 5:00 Jim Colombo Sunday 8:30 Jacob Nguyen 10:30 Colby Mank

Bread Bakers Stephanie Chambers, Shelley Mank, Sarah Mattingly

Children’s Word Saturday 5:00 Lucy Ueda & Sophia Cherry Sunday 8:30 Judy Lemansky & Matthew Turner 10:30 Barb Smith & Hunter Barr

Nursery Meaghan Bovich & Kim Huber

Servers for Stations of the Cross Friday, April 14 Ryan Voss, Faith & Quin Rackers

March 25/26

Tithe $20,445.45

New Church $ 3,420.00

Voca on Corner

“Leaving high school, I didn’t know whether or not I was called to be a priest. But prayer and spiritual direction led me to a deeper dis-cernment, and I entered seminary. I looked to stories of the saints and examples of my parents as reasons that led me to trust that God had a plan. I experienced falling in love with Christ and above all peace in my vocation. The most im-portant lesson I’ve learned is to trust. The peace and direction I have in my life are a testament to that. Others trusted in me, which in turn allowed me to trust in Christ.” Josh Bathon, CSC, Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Ind. Columbia March 2016

“One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; Another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Proverbs 11:24

We’re so glad you are here at Mass. But, who is missing?

“Preparing the Way” As part of our parish’s ini a ve to pray for inac ve Catholics,

we are sending brief videos from CatholicsComeHome.org to you every Monday this Lent. If you missed the previous emails

the videos, you can find them at: www.stclarechurch.org/Lent2017 This week’s video is about responding to difficult situa ons that

some mes keep people away from the Church. To Sign Up for our Weekly e-newsle ers go to

stclarechurch.org/enewsle er

For more videos, visit: www.catholicscomehome.org/educa onal

At our Monday night Soup and Speaker Series, we will offer addi onal encouragement for evangelizing. And, of course,

we want to con nue our St. Clare Parish hospitality by always welcoming everyone—some of whom may be visi ng for

the first me or returning a er some me away. “You are the light of the world.

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

Join us in praying the Divine Mercy Novena

St. Clare Church Good Friday at 2:30 p.m.

Stations at 3:00 p.m. For the following 8 days

(through Sat. Apr. 22) The Diocese of Belleville is sponsoring

Divine Mercy Sunday events at St. Clare on Sunday, April 23

from 1:30—3:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet pamphlets are available on the Table in the Gathering Space this

weekend. Please feel free to take one home if you prefer to pray the Novena at home.

DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SERVICE & MINISTRY

APPEAL

Thank you to those that already pledged to support the mission of the Church to teach, preach, minister and serve in the name of Jesus through their financial support of Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal. So far $18,942 has been pledged. Our financial target is $37,850. If you have not yet responded, please make every effort to do so.

Come and See Weekend at the Seminary for High School Students April 7—9

Come and See Weekends provide an opportunity for high school age men discerning the priesthood to visit Kenrick-Glennon Semi-nary in St. Louis. Join us for a few days where you will meet the

students and staff, experience Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and learn more about the Cardinal Glennon College Program. The

weekend begins on Friday with check in at 4:30 and ends Sunday with a celebration of the Eucharist at 9:00 a.m. followed by

brunch, families are invited to attend Mass and brunch.

Meet the Sisters in Alton Illinois! Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George Veni Si

Amas Retreat April 21-23. For single Catholic Women ages 17-30. Visit www.altonfranciscans.org/events

A New Order of CDs, Books and Pamphlets Coming! Be sure to check out the kiosk in the Gathering Space the next few weekends for some great new talks and books.

A great way to grow in your knowledge and faith! Suggested donations: CDs $4 or 3 for $10

Books $5 and Booklets $3; Pamphlets are free. Your feedback on our Lighthouse ministry is greatly

appreciated and if there are any topics that are of interest to you, please fill out a comment form on the kiosk and drop it in the payment slot at the bottom. Thank you!

ST. PEREGRINE DEVOTION Patron Saint of Cancer Patients

FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Belleville

Mass at 8:00 a.m. —-Devotion following

For more information, or to carpool, please call our parish office at 632-3562.

Journey to Calvary Medita ons on

the Sta ons of the Cross Friday, April 7 at 6 p.m. Enter Holy Week with this evening of prayer.

Living Stations performed by the St. Clare Youth Group with

musical reflections by our parish choir.

Lenten Soup Series The Mystery and Reality of the Church

6:00 p.m. Mass 6:30 p.m. Soup Supper and Speaker April 3 Are you ready for Easter yet? Is Lent starting to drag? Come get some good (and bad) news! Matt Flynn addresses what it means to be a part of a Church that considers itself a “Pilgrim People”. Childcare is available by contacting Matt at 632-3562.

St. Clare Penance Service Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m.

(Holy Trinity) St. Stephen, Caseyville Sunday, April 2

Corpus Chris , Shiloh Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m.

St. Nicholas, O’Fallon Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m.

THE TRIDUUM Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. Eucharis c Adora on Night Prayer 9:30 p.m.

Good Friday Morning Prayer 8:00 a.m. Sta ons of the Cross 3:00 p.m. The Lord’s Passion 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday Morning Prayer 8:00 a.m.

Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m. Easter “Breakfast” following in Fellowship Hall

Easter Sunday Masses 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

On Tuesday of Holy Week, April 11, Bishop Braxton will celebrate the Mass of Chrism at

the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville. The Mass will begin at 11:30. The Chrism

Mass is one of the principal expressions of the life of our Local Church. On this day,

the Priests and the Chris an Faithful of the Diocese gather as the Bishop consecrates

the Sacred Chrism and blesses the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick.

All are Welcome!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

Eucharistic Adoration Sunday, April 2 after 10:30 Mass

until Monday, April 3 Reposition at 11:45 a.m.

XLT FROM 5—5:45 P.M. SUNDAY

“Here is the living fountain of Your mercy; here souls receive consolation and refreshment” St. Faustina of Kowalska

Healing Prayer Service for Divorced and Separated April 11 at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Rigali Center 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis 63119

Reflection by Fr. Aaron Nord, Marriage Tribunal Opportunity for private prayer with the Healing Prayer Team

April 1 Youth Rally at St. Mary, Mt. Vernon carpool 7:45 a.m. from St. Clare/return 6:10

April 2 XLT in Church 5—5:45 pm Meeting with Food in Youth Room 6-7:30 pm

April 7 Living Stations and Choir in Church 6-7 pm

April 9 Meeting in Youth Room 6-7:30 pm

April 16 Easter Sunday—No Meeting

April 22-23 Retreat at Hoyleton 8 am Sat—4 pm Sun.

April 30 Crazy 8’s Minute to Win It Games 5-7 pm

PSR Parish School of Religion St. Clare School, 214 W. 3rd Street, O’Fallon

April 2 PSR Class

April 9 PSR Class (1st grade Soup Kitchen)

April 16 Easter Sunday NO PSR Class

April 22 First Communion Practice

April 22 Confirmation students dinner w/Fr. Jim

April 23 NO PSR First Holy Communion

April 30 Last PSR Class

Calendar

Confirmation Calendar

April 13-15 Easter Triduum— Required! 7 p.m. Holy Thursday and Good Friday 8 p.m. Saturday Easter Vigil

April 29 Dinner with Father Jim (youth only) Sit together at 5:00 Mass, then pizza and discussion in the Fellowship Hall

May 13 Rehearsal 10:00 a.m. in Church with sponsors. Turn in your service logs and Mass Journal by rehearsal.

May 15 Confirmation Mass 7:00 p.m. Students arrive by 5:50; Sponsors 6

Teachers & Adult Leaders Meeting

April 10 at 7 p.m. Church Library

New Volunteers Welcome!!

Youth volunteers in Grades 6 & Up needed. Sign up forms coming in April. Training June 10 from

9—10:30 a.m. at St. Clare School

Only If You Mean It High School Youth Retreat 

From  8 am April 22 

to 4 pm April 23 

 

Hoyleton  Children’s Home  

Find out  how to  

make your faith the center  of your life 

Faith Sharing, service, food and fun with  no outside distractions.  Register with  

youth leader, Karen at Youth Group or email janeadotosn@yahoo.com by April 11.  cost is $15. 

1st Communion Rehearsal Saturday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Church

For students receiving First Communion On Sunday, April 23

Fundraiser! Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% or your food purchase to

St. Clare Youth Group When you give the flyer to your server on

Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flyers available after Mass

in Gathering Space!

ALTAR ANGELS APRIL 8: Marie Berry, Jackie Burke Jeane e Giebels, Eleanor Henken, Judy Lemansky HELP PREPARE OUR CHURCH FOR PALM SUNDAY! The Art and Environment ministry welcomes extra hands this coming Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Ques ons? Contact Kathy Sjoquist at kathysjo@sbcglobal.net or 618-974-1380. BAPTISM CLASS SUNDAY, APRIL 2 AT 1:00 IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY. If you would like to schedule your child’s bap sm at St. Clare and have not a ended a recent bap sm class, please plan to a end. CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE New or gently used children’s books will be collected at St. Clare April 1/2 for OTHS In-teract Club’s book drive for a new library for underprivi-leged children in grades Pre-K through 12 in Lamao, Phil-ippines. Just drop your books in the marked basket in the hallway across from the restrooms at church. ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CHICKEN DINNER April 2 from 11—3. All you can eat! 123 E. Dee Street in Lebanon, IL. 618-537-4991. ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO CHURCH ANNUAL REVIVAL Monday to Wednesday, April 3-5 at 7:00 p.m. “Renewed, Restored and Ready to Witness” Revivalist, Rev. Maurice J. Nu , C.SsR., D.Min, Director of Ins tute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in Louisiana. Monday “You Don’t Know Me Like That” 1Samuel:1:9-20 Tuesday “Lessons From the Storm” Ma hew 14:22-33 Wednesday “I’m Covered” 2Samuel 9:1-13 For more informa on or direc ons to 400 Rev. Joseph Brown Boulevard, East St. Louis, IL, call 274-0655. PREGANANCY CARE CENTER ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION Saturday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. at McCormick Center in Belleville. Dinner at 6:15 p.m. Tickets: Ages 13 and old-er $18; Children ages 5—12 $7.50; Four and under free. For ckets, please write to: Connie Reitano, PCC 309 Roanoke Drive, Belleville, IL 62221 or call Connie at 277-8571 or email to PCCDinnerAuc on@gmail.com Reserva ons due by Friday, April 15. For ques ons/dona ons, call Kathy at 830-1147 or Gloria at 235-6797.

Join us for the St. Clare School Art Fair on April 4 at 6:30—7:30 p.m. As students of all grades showcase thier ar s c talents. This exhibi on only event will feature student pain ng, sketching, clay, photography and LEGO crea ons! Mark your calendars for the 8th annual Saint Clare Easter Eggstraordinaire 3 Mile Run with Kids’ Fun Run and Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15. The race begins at 9 a.m. at Rohr Field.

Calling all Cooks! Come share your heritage by

cooking food & sharing samples at the Parish Pentecost Festival

Sunday, June 4 St. Clare Church

East Lawn 11:30—2:30

Food booths needed to represent your ethnicity

or unique region of US. Get a group of family or

friends together and plan to prepare food samples!

Call the parish office for more information!

GARDEN HELP NEEDED!

If you would be interested in helping to plant, water, weed and harvest our Flower and Vegetable Gardens this spring and summer, please call Bill at 741-6012.