Week of Dec. 4
Poland > Effingham > U.S. Citizen – Fr. Michal Rosa’s unique story – Fr. Michal Rosa, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Effingham, became a U.S. citizen July 7. It’s a journey he would have never imagined, growing up in Poland. So how did this all happen, how did Bishop Paprocki play a role, what does Fr. Rosa think of America, what does he miss the most about Poland (besides family), and what aspects of our faith does he wish America prioritized more? We Dive Deep with Fr. Michal Rosa. Go to dio.org/podcast or youtube.com/diospringfield or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe.
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins
Culture of Life Essay Contest: National Right to Life is having an essay contest for middle and high school students. For essay prompts and information to submit essays go to: https://www.nrlc.org/wp-content/uploads/nrlc-essay-contest-2024-updated.pdf. Essays are being accepted from December 20, 2023 to January 21, 2024. Essays must be postmarked by January 21, 2024.
Project Rachel: Help for women and men to heal from the pain of abortion. For assistance call 1-877-RACHEL-5.
MCA Christmas Artwork Contest: Calling All Young Artists – Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) has an annual Christmas Artwork Contest for students from K-8th grade. Entries should be sent to the Office for the Missions no later than January 31, 2023. For information on submitting an entry go to: dio.org/missions/missionary-childhood-association.
Retreat for married couples offered – Worldwide Marriage Encounter presents weekend experiences for married couples to rekindle romance, enhance meaningful communication, and deepen and renew commitment. Sign-up now! For more information or to apply, go to wwme.org or call Terry & Eric Engholm at 314-649-7317. Next ones:
2/2/2024 – 2/4/2024, St. Peters, MO
3/15/2024 – 3/17/2024, Cape Girardeau, MO
4/5/2024 – 4/7/2024, St. Peters, MO
Here is a logo you can use as well
STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN REFLECTIONS
December 10, 2023
2nd Sunday of Advent
“Prepare the way of the Lord…” – MARK 1:3
We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, puts us on the path to holiness and is an example for others to be holy, too. We are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well. How are you helping others get to Heaven?
December 17, 2023
3rd Sunday of Advent
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 thessalonians 5:16 – 18
This scripture reading sums up Stewardship. “Rejoice always” means place your trust in God; He will provide all that you need. “Pray constantly” means prayer should be a running conversation with God throughout the whole day, every day. “Give thanks in all circumstances” means even in bad situations, thank God. Suffering a little bit helps build empathy for others in similar situations and shows our dependence on God.
December 24, 2023
4th Sunday of Advent
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” – Luke 1:28
After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s call. Mary teaches us to live with joy for all we have been given. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to reflect Christ’s light to the world through our gratitude and generosity.
December 31, 2023
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“…as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” – colossians 3:13
Forgiving is one of the hardest things for people to do. We can’t give what we don’t have. We need to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others. Go to the sacrament of Reconciliation and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. Then, share the gift of forgiveness with someone – a family member, a friend or a co-worker. Pick up the phone or text someone right now.