St. Pius Catholic Church

    Last Tuesday, February 2nd, was the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple.  That feast, occurring 40 days after December 25th, is the final feast of the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle.  Just 15 days after the Presentation, the season of Lent begins on Ash Wed. Feb. 17th.  In between we have Mardi Gras.  Enjoy it!
    Please check the insert in today’s Bulletin for some Lenten activities that you might want to attend.  I’ll be doing a series on Moral Theology.  I’m teaching a course on moral theology this Spring to the Peoria Diocese permanent deacon candidates and their wives.  I’ve abbreviated it a bit to make it fit into our 40 Day Preparation for Easter.  These two weeks before Ash Wednesday are important days not just for Mardi Gras but also for reflecting on how best to use the 40 days of Lent.  Let’s keep one another in prayer so we’re all open to the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
    This past week we celebrated Catholic Schools Week.  Over the years I’ve come to see the parish schools in our Diocese as missions of the Church.  We have missions in different countries and to different cultures and we’re always taking up collections to support these missions.  The Catholic school is a mission in our own community but a mission to a different generation.  Please keep this most important mission in your prayers.
This Sunday is Boy Scout Sunday and we recognize both the youths and the men and women who guide them in the Scouting Program.  They do a great job. 
    Finally, in making reservations for using Farrell Hall, know that you can now contact our parish office where the scheduling of Farrell Hall is done on computer.  Thanks for your cooperation.
                    Mike Schaab, Pastor