St. Pius Catholic Church

    Congratulations to our Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education, Julie Nonnenmann, and her staff of adults and young people for a tremendously successful Vacation Bible School this past week.  Ninety children had a very enjoyable week and now have a better understanding of the Mass which was the theme of the week.  Also, congratulations to Katherine Moens for all the improvements that we have noticed in our Sunday Bulletin which is now printed by St. George Publishing, Inc.
    One of the challenges we have as a parish is to recognize that Jordan Catholic School is our parish grade school.  Truly, it is not only our school.  It is also the parish school for four other parishes.  The fact that five parishes are involved is both a strength and a potential weakness.  It’s a strength because there is strength in number.  All of us working together can assure an excellent Catholic education.  It’s a potential weakness in that sometimes when everyone owns something nobody really takes responsibility.  It seems that everyone presumes somebody else will step up to the plate when needed.
    The Catholic Order of Foresters is currently giving us an example of taking responsibility for the needs of Jordan.  Illinois State budget cuts have taken away funding programs for textbooks that would have benefited Jordan.  This will be a huge unanticipated expense in the 2010-2011 budget.  The Foresters have come forward and are sponsoring a sweepstakes to raise money for textbooks.  The date for the prize drawing is August 15th.  If you have questions, call Bob DeBo.  Thanks Foresters for your good example and for taking responsibility for Jordan.
    All of us need to ask ourselves how we might take ownership and responsibility for Jordan Catholic Grade School.  I’d appreciate hearing any ideas and suggestions you might have as to different ways we can, like the Foresters, keep Jordan excellent!
    This coming week I’ll be in Amarillo, Texas, as part of a team presenting a workshop on the RCIA.  Please keep me in your prayers.
                                    Mike Schaab, Pastor