Here are some recent notes from Father John:

We are in need of more Mass requests.

Thank you for your Poor Box Donations.

New volunteers are needed for Second Hand Rose. Call Anne Vock at 946-4338 if you can help.

We are in need of new choir members. Please share your time and talents for the Glory of God.

Please find the time to give me your yearly intentions for my Mass book. In the future I am not changing dates of already anchored Masses. The only exception would be a funeral.

Baptisms call for an hour's meeting on the catechizes of the sacrament. One God-Parent must be a Catholic.

We are in need of Eucharist Ministers and Lectors.

Please do not forget your loved ones by remembering to have Mass said for them. I would appreciate at least five weeks notice for a weekend memorial Mass. Phone me at 946-2535.

Please consider blessing of homes. I like to do this on a Sunday after Masses.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - Parish Council Meeting, 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 9, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 - St. Mary's Youth Group Fall Work Day. Contact the Vocks at 946-2940 if you need help with raking leaves or yard work.

Sunday, November 16, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, November 16, 2008 - Children's Mass at 9:30 Mass.

Sunday, November 23, 2008 - Parish breakfast by St. Mary's Youth Group after 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Saturday, December 6, 2008 - Sacramental Preparation Workshop - Grade 3 - Reconcilation (to be announced).

Sunday, December 7, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 14, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - Children's Christmas Eve Program - to be announced

Sunday, January 11, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, January 25, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, February 8, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, February 22, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, February 22, 2009 - Children's Mass at 9:30 Mass.

Sunday, March 15, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 26, 2009 - Evening of Recollection. Speaker for the evening will be announced at a later time. The entire parish is invited.

Sunday, March 29, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, March 29, 2009 - Children's Mass at 9:30 Mass.

Sunday, April 19, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 26, 2008 - Religious Education Classes: Grades 1-6, 8:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. - Grades 7-12, 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 3, 2009 - First Communion at 9:30 Mass

Sunday, May 17, 2009 - May Crowning by First Communicants at 9:30 a.m. Mass

Sunday, May 17, 2009 - Women and Girls Breakfast after 9:30 a.m. Mass

Please note that a calendar for any activities that require the use of the church or church basement is posted on the bulletin board in the church vestibule. All organizations are responsible for putting their dates on this sign-up calendar and checking to see if anyone else is already on for the same date. If there is another activity listed, please phone to clarify if it is feasible that both activities can take place on the same date.

St. Mary's Altar & Rosary Society

Altar & Rosary officers for 2005-2006: President Betty Bleistein, 946-3475; Vice President Carol Glenn, 225-7201; Secretary Kay Tyne, 946-3585; and Treasurer Theresa Lannen, 946-4043. Activities Thursday, December 4, 2008 - Christmas Dutch Treat Luncheon. Mass at 12:00 noon. Lunch at the Pinecriker Cafe in Polo at 12:30. Sunday, December 14, 2008 - Christmas Treats Thursday, March 26, 2009 - Evening of Recollection. Speaker for the evening will be announced at a later time. The entire parish is invited. Thursday, April 9, 2009 - Holy Thursday. Hot Cross Buns following Holy Thursday Mass. Thursday, April 23, 2009 - Regular Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Program: Linda Johnson - Alzheimer's Association Sunday, May 17, 2009 - Women and Girls Breakfast after 9:30 a.m. Mass Thursday, May 21, 2009 - Installation of new officers, 6:30 p.m. Salad and dessert supper to follow installation of new officers. Bring a salad or dessert to share. Bread and drinks will be furnished.

Church of St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 9987 Meets in Church basement at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. For information contact Mr. Patrick O'Brien at (815) 946-3301 All men of the parish more than 18 years old are cordially invited to become a part of our newly reorganized Knights of Columbus Council here at St. Mary's. For information phone Patrick O'Brien at (815) 946-3301. Regular meeting is scheduled on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Church. The first Sunday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Mass is the Knights of Columbus Mass.

Youth Group Activities and Events St. Mary's Youth Group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month from 4-6 at the Vock residence on Buffalo. Phone 946-2940 for more information. Saturday, November 15, 2008 - St. Mary's Youth Group Fall Work Day. Contact the Vocks at 946-2940 if you need help with raking leaves or yard work. Sunday, November 23, 2008 - Parish breakfast by St. Mary's Youth Group after 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Parish Respect Life Larry Plachno was recently appointed Parish Respect Life Coordinator. Please watch this space for information on new Respect Life activities and programs. Volunteers, program managers and helpers are badly needed. Please phone Larry at (815) 946-2341 for additional information.

Corrected to 10/26/08