Here are some recent notes from Father Brian:

Dear Friends,

As wonderful as Rome was, it is nice to be back home in the parish - rejuvinated and renewed in mind and spirit. Looking at the many artifacts and buildings which memoralize so well the history of our salvation which God has wrought upon mankind through Jesus and the wonderful church he has established on earth, Rome reminded me of how much we are all connectec to the life and efforts of the Saints and all who have bravely gone before us to preserve the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Especially in seeing the Roman Coliseum, where so many Christians died to plant and water the seeds of our faith, one can realize the great price that is often asked of us for the sake of preserving the faith for future generations.

Although we probably won't be asked to die for the cause of our faith, we are still asked and expected to make certain sacrifices for the church and for the sake of the faith of the generations yet to come. We can always be assured that our efforts will not go without notice or fruitfulness in the eyes of God.

We are nearing our target in the Diocesan Stewardship Program, but are still a few hundred dollars short. Please pick up an envelope in the literature rack in the vestibule, if you have not yet made a pledge. In addition, we are on the brink of making a decision about the roof and very soon we will undergo the effort of raising funds for that purpose. There are many other minor things that we have to tend to concerning the upkeep of the church building and grounds as well; including power-washing the exterior bricks, a handicap lift to the naive of the church and re-sealing the blacktop parking lot. I know that many are suffering from the proof economy and my heart and prayers go out to them. That's why the generosity of those who can afford to support our efforts are all the more needed and appreciated.

May God bless all of you and continue to bless our parish.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Brian

August 15, 2010, Sunday - The Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

November 1, 2010, Monday - The Solemnity of All Saints. (Not a Holy Day of Obligation since it falls on a Monday)

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 2009-2010: President Mary Williams, 946-2926; Vice President Carol Glenn, 225-7201; Secretary Kay Tyne, 946-3585; and Treasurer Theresa Lannen, 946-4043. Activities TBA, Sunday - Men & Boy's breakfast.

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. Please see one of our members to order your coffee cake. Our members are: Kristin Powell, Mallory Hopkins, Lana Scholl, Holly Scholl, Megan Scholl, Cole Engelbarts, Morgan Vock, Sarah Rademacher, Panjee Plachno, Olivia Gorzny, Drew Cheatham and Natalie Faivre.

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 06/13/10