March 26, 6:30 p.m. @ St. James Panel Discussion on: “Catholicism: Views from Around the World” Speaker Series Info: Presentation will be a brief overview of church history in the context of secular historical events with emphasis on the history of the Church in the United States. Dimensions of the presentation will include social philosophies and technologies and their influence/impact on Church and expressions of faith. This evening’s event will include a panel discussion of many people from our parishes and surrounding area who have been involved in traveling abroad on pilgrimages, missions, etc. Each will present on their experiences, and time will allow for questions from the audience. Panelists are: Pete Pipes travels internationally for his job, and has had to find underground churches in China. Pete will explore those occasions, when we are in different places outside our home turf, finding a Mass to attend, and visiting Catholic places of worship. Fr. Jerry Wickenhauser, M.M., a retired priest and Maryknoll Missionary from Godfrey, Illinois, has worked in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil. Iris Daiber, a student at the University of Illinois, had the privilege of going on a pilgrimage to Italy last summer. Iris toured many different cities and villages, from Rome to Assisi to San Giovanni. She was able to see Pope Francis, sites of St. Padre Pio and many other saints and apostles. Dusty Barr, a teacher and Varsity Baseball Coach at Carlyle High School, joined a Christian missionary group last summer on a trip to Cercadillo, Dominican Republic, where the group put on a four-day baseball camp for over 100 Dominican children. Valerie and Austin Garber recently visited the Vatican and several cathedrals in Italy. Austin joined the Catholic Church at the age of 10 and Valerie was baptized at the Easter Vigil at St. Jerome in 2014. Austin and Valerie are expecting their first child in early February. Shelly Sands coordinates the Parish Twinning Project, connecting St. Elizabeth and St. James with a parish in Guatemala. Shelly will share the highlights of this fruitful relationship in terms of our catholic (global, worldwide) Church.  Funding for the speakers is being provided Deacon Bob Crosby, OFS, has a varied background including careers in both the Air Force and corporate world. He is a professed Franciscan, was ordained to the diaconate in 2012, and is currently assigned to St. Jerome Parish in Troy, IL, with ministry support extending to St. James, St. Elizabeth, and St. Gertrude parishes. Dcn Bob has an A.S. in Mathematics and Science, a B.S. in Industrial Technology, an MS in Meteorology, and a certificate of studies in scripture and theology from St. Meinrad University. Dcn Bob’s favorite areas of study are an eclectic mix of science, history, scripture, technology, liturgy, and theology. He and his wife Marian recently celebrated 40 years of marriage and are the parents of three and grandparents of one.  The speaker series is *FREE* of charge to any adult (recommended 18 and older). through our diocese’s Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign for adult faith formation.  Childcare for ages 2 and up is available each night. This will include the dinner provided, games, snacks, & movies.  Six Thursdays of Lent: Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 & March 26  Two held at each Tri-Parish  Topics were top-voted among all four parishes in survey Parish Contacts: Ron Knapp – St. Jerome’s Pastoral Associate, Faith Formation 511 South Main St Troy, IL 62294 618-667-6571 [email protected] LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES St. James’s Speakers March 19 & March 26 March 19, 6:30 p.m. @ St. James Deacon Bob Crosby, OFS, presents: “The History of the Catholic Church” This year instead of giving something up….. Rene Barr – St. Gertrude’s 202 N. Locust Highland (Grantfork), IL 62249 618-521-8375 [email protected] Sheryl Hess – St. Elizabeth’s 120 N. Windmill Marine, IL 62061 618-791-3154 [email protected] Janet Highlander – St. James’s 305 Washington St. Jacob, IL 62281 618-792-0904 [email protected] www.StJeromeParish.org …..how about you add something? The 6 Thursdays of Lent Supper: 6:00-6:30p Speaker: 6:30-8:00p Social: 8:00-8:30p Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. @ St. Gertrude T.J. & Nanette Norrenberns present: “Putting God in Your Life and Work” Popular media often visualizes Catholicism as out of touch with the modern world. But in fact Catholicism’s enduring appeal has to do with what is essential: our church’s vision of what God is doing in the world and how we fit into that plan. Come and talk of life’s biggest questions and what wisdom Catholicism may have in wrestling with them. T.J. and Nanette will share their life story of conversion, and how the Lordship of Jesus Christ has become real, relevant and practical – at home and at work. Their prayer for the evening is to be instruments to open our hearts to receive God’s word, grace, and love. Ann Garrido, D.Min., is a longtime lay minister in the St. Louis region, having served on the faculty at Aquinas Institute of Theology and as a catechist at College Church (SLU) for many years. Ann is the author of four books, including two this past year - Redeeming Administration (on administration as a spiritual journey) and Preaching to the Choir (a series of reflections originally written for the Aquinas community). Ann is married and has one college-aged son. Silver Creek Pastoral Council thanks: St. Gertrude’s Altar Sodality St. Elizabeth’s Altar Sodality Ladies of St. James Springfield Diocese ● Ron Wildhaber T.J. and Nanette Norrenberns have been married for ten years and have three children. In 1995, T.J. founded TJC Markets, Inc., which includes Red Bud and Millstadt IGA supermarkets. Nanette has degrees in Vocal Performance & Music Education, with an Elementary Education certificate & Catholic Theology minor. Along with having been a first grade teacher, classroom music teacher, and voice & piano instructor, she has sung professionally for 30 years in many venues, including The Muny and as a soloist at World Youth Day in Colorado for Pope John Paul II’s visit. Both T.J. and Nanette see their professions as a means to minister to others. In order for each parish to prepare, please R.S.V.P. via the website: www.stjeromeparish.org OR turn in the R.S.V.P. form to the offertory basket. St. Elizabeth’s Speakers March 5 & March 12 St. Gertrude’s Speakers Feb. 19 & Feb. 26 Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. @ St. Gertrude Ann Garrido presents: “Rediscovering Your Catholic Faith” March 5, 6:30 p.m. @ St. Elizabeth Maribeth Clancy presents: “Growing Old Well” March 12, 6:30 p.m. @ St. Elizabeth Fr. Barry Harmon presents: “Jesus’ Story” During this event, Maribeth will share her insights on this topic that touches each of us in a profoundly personal, unique way. She will include ways to develop our spiritual and inner life to prepare for the many changes we face as we grow old. The story of Jesus as our savior, as we know from Sacred Scripture and Tradition, includes his teaching/preaching, ministry, death, Resurrection, Ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Harmon will approach this evening through key questions: How do we connect Jesus’ story with our stories? How is our journey of faith shaped by Jesus’ parables? How can the Gospels, proclaimed at Mass and read devotionally, draw us into a deeper lived relationship with God? Maribeth Clancy, M.A., studied Gerontology and Communication at SIUE. She worked in nursing home and hospital settings with programs for older adults. She also facilitated an Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers for many years. She stayed home raising and homeschooling her three daughters, during which time she developed her interest in art & creativity. She now teaches classes to children and adults, encouraging others to explore and develop their creative side through art and writing. Silver Creek Pastoral Council thanks: St. Gertrude’s Altar Sodality St. Elizabeth’s Altar Sodality Ladies of St. James Springfield Diocese ● Ron Wildhaber Fr. Barry Harmon was ordained a priest of our diocese in 1990. He serves as parochial administrator of two parishes: Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia, and St. Joseph Parish in Ramsey. In addition, he serves as a prison chaplain and assists in the formation of permanent deacons. He completed a doctoral degree in preaching, which has enhanced his natural gift for giving homilies that are engaging, fresh, and relatable. In order for each parish to prepare, please R.S.V.P. via the website: www.stjeromeparish.org OR turn in the R.S.V.P. form to the offertory basket.