St. Pius Catholic Church

    Some years we pick our Lenten penances and other years the penance is forced upon us.  A week ago I went in for my semi-annual check-up and the doctor gave me high marks.  He said my blood sugar, cholesterol and weight were all high, the highest they’ve been in 7 years - due I suppose to my inactivity for 3 months while I’ve waited for the plantar fasciitis to heal.  So exercise has been introduced into my Lenten routine.  The message is that we need to be open, not just before Lent but also throughout Lent, to some new adjustment that the Lord, and our changing life situation, might call us to. 
    Susan Stanforth is our new Youth Minister for the parish.  Once she’s settled in she’ll introduce herself to us after Masses some weekend in the not too distant future.  In the meantime, please keep her in your prayers and be ready to volunteer when she puts out the word that she needs our help.  Remember that youth ministry is the work of the whole parish!
    The Diocese of Peoria has given Jordan Catholic School permission for a feasibility study as a first step toward adding facilities for 7th and 8th graders to the existing school at Jordan Central located on our parish grounds.  A feasibility study consists of surveys, interviews and small gatherings of priests and parishioners from the five parishes feeding into Jordan to determine how much support there is for this building program.  It should also determine how much money a capital campaign might be able to raise.  If you receive an invitation to be part of this study, please be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to share your views with the interviewers.
    During Lent, the traditional Soup Supper has been moved to Wednesday evening after the 5:15 Mass.  The soup supper is an old tradition in our parish and in many others.  It is a reminder that we are not going through Lent alone.  We are part of a community and we can rely on the support of others in the community.  Also, we need to be aware and responsive to the needs of others in our community and even of those outside our community.  The three essential acts of Lent are praying, fasting and alms giving.  It’s that third one, alms giving or taking care of others, that often alludes us. Alms giving is taking on the needs of others.  It’s exactly what our Savior did for us.  Now He calls on us to do the same.  May we have a very blessed 40 Days.                                                                                               Mike Schaab, Pastor