This great feast of Pentecost gives us as a parish an opportunity to really celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit so visible in our midst here at St. Clare. Our parish picnic this weekend especially celebrates our unity in the midst of our diversity. The various ethnic groups represented at the picnic help us see how diverse our parish is: from the founding immigrant European families who moved here in the 1800’s to the newer parishioners from cultures around the world. I am so grateful to all who helped with the picnic planning, especially our talented parishioners who made all the food.
Two other important topics/dates:
Corpus Christi Procession: Mark your calendar to join us for our annual Eucharistic procession Sunday, June 11, following the 10:30 Mass. The procession is 1-mile long, walking from here and through O’Fallon to our old church (now the school chapel) for Benediction. A bus will be provided to bring you back here if you want. If you cannot do the 1 mile walk, you can simply join us at the Chapel for Benediction. It is a great tradition to have this procession in which we ‘take into the world’ the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus, praying for the Lord to bless our town and country with God’s Mercy and Peace.
Summer Mass Schedule: Please consider joining us for a weekday Mass during the summer months. I especially want to entcourage parents to think about bringing their children to a weekday Mass where the liturgy is simpler and somewhat more ‘peaceful’ and meditative. Monday and Thursday Mass is at 12 Noon and Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 a.m.
The Spirit’s Gift of Peace be with you, Fr. Jim Deiters