From Father Al's Pen

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time



The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a central doctrine of the Catholic faith. It is regarded as a revealed truth proved by both scripture and tradition. This week’s gospel, indeed the entire “Bread of Life” discourse (Jn 6:26-72), is an essential passage of scripture that supports the teaching of Christ present in the Eucharist. Along with scripture, the other proof of the doctrine is tradition. Since the first century, only a brief time after the death of Jesus, Christians linked their celebration of Eucharist with the words of Jesus at the last supper—they celebrated Eucharist as a memorial of Jesus.

Daily Mass Schedule - This week we return to our normal (Fall/Winter) daily Mass schedule: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 7am and Wednesday at 8:15. For any visitors who go to the website, this will be the displayed default times. Any changes to be made will be done in the bulletin from week to week. So, if their only source is the website, they should also check the bulletin for any last minute changes.

Enjoy this nice weather as school is off and running!



Fr. Al

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”   John 6:56

This line from Scripture is what ultimately separates Catholics from our Protestant brothers and sisters. Jesus is really present in the bread and wine that are consecrated at Holy Mass. It is His actual body and blood that we consume. This is the greatest gift that we can receive. The Eucharist shows us how great of love that Jesus has for each of us.

Bulletin Sponsor of the Week

This week we spotlight

Henson Robinson Company

 Please support this and all of our bulletin sponsors. 

Church Attendance

August 10 & 11, 2024

Unavailable

Stewardship of Treasurer

August 10 & 11, 2024

Unavailable

In Our Thoughts & In Our Prayers

Our Parishioners - At Home

Matilda Cortes

Danielle Loftus

Margie Richards

Patricia Zaffiri

Beverly Jackson

Bill & Linda Lehnert

Joanie Darnielle

Patricia Johnson

Carmen Koches

Jean Pape

Margaret Rollings

Alyce Vespa

Concordia Village

Fran McCue

Eleanor Novotnak

Mary Bryan Home

Rhonda Roeper

Bill Smith

Sharon Fisher

Brendan Gardens

Beulah White

Lois Hall

Fran Retzda

Richard Zanetello

Lewis Memorial

Marilyn Choudry

Regency Care

Natalie Clarke

Taylorville Care Center

Betty Page

Cedarhurst

Frank Woodcock

Reflections Memory Care

Msg. John Ossola

Barb Wagner

Villas East

Veronica DeRosa

Sherman Memory Care

Doris Clarke

Bryan Manor

Trevor Matticks

The Bridge

Helen Rackauskas

Carriage Crossing

Lea Titone

Mary Jean Glisson

Assisted Living - Wisconsin

Lora Roscetti

If someone moves to a different location, needs to be added, or needs to be removed, please contact the church office. This will help us keep the list updated/correct. Thank you.

Men's Club

LF Men’s Club invites all men of the parish to join them to help make a positive difference in the LF community. Interested in joining the Men’s Club? Regular meeting dates are usually the second Monday of every odd month. They meet in the Parish Center (Gym) at 5:45 p.m. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.  The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024. All men of the parish are welcome to join us.

St. Therese Guild

The next Guild Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Have a great Summer! All ladies of the Parish are welcome to join the Guild.

 Young At Heart

Are you 55 years old or older? If so, you are welcome to attend any Young At Heart events, trips, etc. The Young @ Heart group has picnics, plays Bingo, attends events - such as musicals and shows, cookouts, wine tasting, dessert socials, etc. They are nice people who enjoy each others company and have a good time when they get together. There is no official membership registration to join. Just attend the events. You are always welcome!



Local Events: (Curt Drew)

Fall Picnic: Thursday, September 19th @ Noon. Southern View Park. Chicken provided. Bring a covered dish to share. Bring your own drinks. RSVP the Church Office at 217-529-1606.

Bus Trips: (Dee Stern)

"Nunsense" at The Little Theatre on the Square - Thursday, August 15: Lunch before the show at Sullivan's VFW. $95.00 covers show ticket, lunch and tip, bus and driver's tip, water and snacks on the bus. The trip is now full, but you can be added to a waiting list in case someone cancels. Contact the church office at 217-529-1606.

REQUIRED: Covid Vaccinated and (hopefully) fully boosted!

Mass Intentions

Monday, August 19:

No Mass

Tuesday, August 20:

7:00 a.m. - Sam McFadden

(Lynda Snadsmith)

Wednesday, August 21: 

8:15 a.m. - Isaac Weitekamp

(Dennis & V.C. Weitekamp)

Thursday, August 22:

7:00 a.m. - Bev Schwartz

(Sue Feger)

Friday, August 23:

7:00 a.m. - Paul Dun

(Pitz Family)

Saturday, August 24:

4:30 p.m. - Jim Hay

(Nancy Hay)

Sunday, August 25:

7:45 a.m. - Mary O'Bryen

(Tom & Jean Fowler)

10:00 a.m. - Little Flower Parish Family

Baptism Preparation Class

This class is required before baptizing your children. 

Please call the church office at 217-529-1606.

Friday, August 16:

No Mass

Tuesday, August 20:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

Wednesday, August 21:

8:15 a.m. - All School Mass

LFS Back To School Night

Thursday, August 22:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

7:30 - 4:00 - Adoration

12:00 p.m. - Finance Committee Mtg.

6:00 p.m. - Pastoral Council Mtg.

Monday, September 2:

Labor Day

No Mass

No School

Church Office Closed

The Forge

Attention Young Adults! The Forge is a Springfield based young adult Catholic ministry. All young adults are welcome!

More information: @Theforge on Facebook, https://the-forge-online.com/Email contact: Andrew Hansen: andrewhansen1@yahoo.com

DIOCESE NEWS

Bishop Barron and Bishop Paprocki and the Number 1 Things –Bishop Robert Barron is one of the Church’s leading theologians. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is one of the Church’s leading Canon lawyers. They are both some of the Church’s best teachers of the faith. Dive Deep sits down with both of them to get their thoughts on the number one things about their own struggles with God, how to deepen your faith, how to improve your relationships, being a bishop, and more. Go to youtube.com/diospringfield or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe. Dive Deep is the podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

How to stay in love and have a beautiful marriage – Marriage, raising kids, navigating life, and knowing the intentions of your spouse is difficult and messy! How should you navigate it all so you can stay madly in love with your spouse and have a beautiful marriage? Dive Deep is pleased to talk to Beth Sri, a Catholic speaker and author and mother of 8 children. She serves as the Denver Chapter Coordinator for Life-Giving Wounds, a Catholic ministry for adult children of divorce. She is also the co-author with her husband of the award winning book, “The Good, The Messy and The Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life.” Go to youtube.com/diospringfield or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe. Dive Deep is the podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

The Holiest Adventure: Mother/Daughter Edition – Join other mothers and daughters for an experience of exciting activities, bonding games, stiff competitions, as well as Mass, adoration, and delicious food! Date: Sept. 21, 2024; Location: Villa Maria Retreat Center, 1903 E Lakeshore Dr., Springfield, IL 62712; Who: For any mothers with their daughter(s) in grades 4-10; Meals: Lunch and dinner provided; Cost: $50 per mother/daughter pair. $10 per additional son; Time: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.; For questions about the event, please contact Daniel Heffernan at dheffernan@dio.org. Register at dio.org/events/.

WINE founder and Catholic singer to present at convention in Carlinville. Register now for Aug. 28 experience – Kelly Wahlquist, founder of the WINE evangelist ministry and a dynamic Catholic author and speaker as well as Donna Cori, a singer who puts her beautiful music to Catholic prayers, are both presenting at the Lake Williamson Retreat Center in Carlinville (17347 Cottonwood Ln.) on August 28. Sponsored by the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (Jerseyville Deanery is the host), this is part of the group’s 95th annual convention called “Sent on Mission – Fortified by the Eucharist.” Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. at Ss. Mary and Joseph Church in Carlinville followed by 9 a.m. Mass with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. The program will then follow at Lake Williamson Retreat Center. The cost is $60 or $65 after Aug. 7 or the day of. Cost includes breakfast, lunch, and t-shirt. Consult your parish office for registration forms or contact Teresa Goetten at 618-535-0555 or mtmgotten@gtec.com.

Have you been married 50+ years? Time to celebrate! – On September 22 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, all couples married 50 years or more are invited to attend a special Mass honoring their marriage vocation! The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. A reception will follow after Mass. Please register for the Mass by going to dio.org/events. When you register, please upload (not mandatory) a photo from your wedding day and present day, as we’ll be showcasing a slide show during the reception.

Fr. Tolton Religious Award – Our local Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting has created a new patch award for Venerable Fr. Augustine Tolton! The award requirements are patterned after similar programs from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting and Scouts of any national program may earn the award. Details are online at dio.org/scouts/.

Project Rachel: Help for women and men to heal from the pain of abortion. For assistance call 1-877-RACHEL-5. 

Faithful Citizenship-Civilize It Course -

Mondays, September 9^, 16, 23, 30 6:30pm @ St. Agnes

During this election cycle we are once again seeing vitriol, polarization and animosity. This combined with a very biased media, can make it difficult to have conversations with others and to make decisions regarding our options at the polls. This 4 week course will NOT discuss political partisanship, parties, conservatism or liberalism or party positions on any issue. But, IT WILL discuss how Catholic Social teaching intersects with our informed consciences, how to be a media literate Catholic (to view media with a critical eye) and how to have civilized conversations with others who may not agree with us. We will use materials from the USCCB Faithful Citizen and Civilize It and the Center for Media Literacy. All are welcome! For more information contact Cathy Becker at cbecker@stagnescatholicparish.org or 217-793-1330

English Classes for Women: Women age 18 or older who want to learn English are invited to receive individual tutoring from trained instructors. Classes are offered on the campus of the Dominican Sisters’ motherhouse, 1237 W. Monroe. Daytime classes and two evening classes will be available weekly for 90 minutes. A registration fee of $25 contributes to the cost of materials. No student will be turned away for inability to pay. Students will need to provide their own transportation. To register, contact Sister Katherine O’Connor at 217-415-8377 (voice or text).

Evening Bible Study for Women: In a world where women are measured by their beauty, achievements, and possessions, wouldn’t it be nice to find a place where you could just be valued for who you are? Living in the Father’s Love will lead you to that safe place where you are unconditionally loved, baggage and all. This brief but powerful Bible study is the ideal way to revive and refresh yourself. Discover just how much God loves us and how the gospels are deeply relevant to our relationship with God and with those we love. 6 weeks, Thursday evenings, Aug 22 – Sept 26 @ 6:15pm $20 workbook.

Call the Cathedral @ 217/522-3342 or email vcompton@cathedral.dio.org to reserve your spot and order a workbook.  

Healing Hearts - Children and Teen Grief Support Group

This support group is for any children who have lost a significant person in their life through death. The group is facilited by Chaplain Dee Stern, Psy.D., LCPC - a licensed clinical professional counselor and a grief therapist. Meetings include age-appropriate activities for children 5-18 years of age, light snacks and drinks, and an opportunity for parents to speak with Dr. Stern. June - August, second and fourth Mondays, 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. @ Southwind Park, Erin's Pavilion outdoor patio overlooking lake - 4965 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL. For more information, contact the Spiritual Care office at 217-814-8295, ext: 20-55675.

Caregiver Interfaith Volunteer Services

CIVS is a network of religious and community agencies that provides services to adults 60 and over who live independently. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and grocery shopping for persons no longer able to leave home.

To volunteer or to receive services call 217-757-6621 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital to find the help that you need. There is no charge for the services, however, donations are appreciated. 

WHY WE ARE HERE:

Church of the Little Flower Mission Statement

• Our mission guided by the Holy Spirit is to unite in our common faith, through celebration of the Word and Eucharist;
• form a caring, loving and prayer-filled community, strengthened by the sacraments, that reflects the presence of Jesus;
• bring Jesus' presence to all, especially the poor of our world;
• recognize and affirm the gifts, talents and needs of others.

We journey together imitating the example of our patroness, St. Therese the Little Flower, in doing little things centered in the love of God and one another. We endeavor to make our parish a faith-filled community, a place to meet friends, and a place we call home. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A bequest can take many forms. You may have designated the parish as a beneficiary in your will, trust or as the beneficiary of an asset such as an IRA, annuity or life insurance. You may also designate your parish as the recipient of a bank checking or savings account with a "transfer-on-death" or "pay-on-death" designation. There are five types of bequests:

Specific Bequest - This is a gift of a specific item to a specific beneficiary. For example, "I give my house to Church of the Little Flower, Springfield, IL." If that specific property has been disposed of before death, the bequest fails and no claim can be made to any other property.

General Bequest - This is usually a gift of a stated sum of money. It will not fail, even if there is not sufficient cash to meet the bequest - even if other assets need to be sold. For example, "I give $50,000 to Church of the Little Flower, Springfield, IL."

Percentage Bequest - This is a convenient way of making sure your heirs and those charities you support receive equal shares, and no one is left out. "I give devise and bequeath my estate to my three children and Church of the Little Flower, Springfield, IL

Endowed Bequest - This bequest allows you to restrict the principal of your gift, requiring the funds to be held permanently and used only the income generated or a fixed percentage. "I give $20,000 to the Church of the Little Flower, Springfield, IL Endowment Fund."

Beneficiary Designation - One of the simplest and cheapest ways to add charity to your estate plan is to change a beneficiary designation on retirement assets, IRAs or Life Insurance. There is no charge to make these changes. Any asset with a beneficiary designation can have a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary. Consult your plan administrator or insurance company for a beneficiary change form. Simply insert Church of the Little Flower of Springfield, IL into the form.