Happy Anniversary!

I like how our Oktoberfest celebration is always held on the weekend closest to the anniversary of the dedication of our new church, which was on September 30, 2007. For those who are new around St. Clare, this marks our 16th year of being in this beautiful church and we couldn’t be more excited about all the great things that have happened at St. Clare during these blessed years as well as those yet to come!

The Oktoberfest is not only a great event for the whole O’Fallon-Shiloh area but it is also a great testimony to all the generous people of St. Clare who give so much of their time and other resources for its success. It is inspiring to me as your pastor to see so many of you pitching in for this important cause. This is our main fundraiser that helps greatly with our debt on the new church.

Each donation of time and money truly makes a difference and is greatly appreciated by your fellow parishioners and me. Thank You for the way you bless our parish of St. Clare!

Grateful to God for all His many blessings, Fr. Jim Deiters

PS: An extra Thank You to our beloved Poor Clare Sisters (Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy in Belleville) whose prayers always seem to ‘convince’ God to give us such beautiful weather for Oktoberfest. They also sent over various donations for our basket raffle. We are so blessed to have these Faithful Sisters as part of our St. Clare family.

Please keep our Bishop and the priests of our diocese in your prayers this week while we are attending the Annual Priest’s Convocation from Monday through Thursday.Thanks for your prayers and support.