From Father Al's Pen

1^st Sunday of Advent

I’m not a big fan of waiting! Anticipation is pretty good; getting prepared and getting ready are OK, too. But when it comes down to being all dressed up and ready to go, I’m just hopeless at waiting. If Advent is a time of pointless waiting for Christmas then we’ve somehow missed the message. Rather than just waiting, Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. But it’s not just about anticipating Christmas. That’s part of it, sure. However, Advent is about reminding ourselves that we have a job to do: preparing for the reign of God—in our personal lives and in our world.

Immaculate Conception: This year, the holy day of Immaculate Conception has a caveat to it. Next Sunday is December 8^th the traditional day of the Immaculate Conception. The feast is therefore transferred to Monday, December 9^th. However, since this is the patronal feast day of the Diocese of Springfield, the obligation is not removed. So, even though it falls on a Monday it is still a holy day of obligation. Here at Little Flower we will have the morning Mass at 8:15am as an All School Mass and   evening Mass will be on Monday at 5:30pm.

Breadline Sunday -  Thank you for all who contributed to this year’s breadline Sunday event for Catholic Charities last weekend. The proceeds continue to support St. John’s Breadline and work they do to help keep our community well fed!

Children’s Advent Worksheets - Instead of a children’s booklet this year, I am doing online activity pages each week of Advent. These can be found in the school Thursday packets or on the Little Flower Church Facebook page.

2024 Collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious - This annual appeal assists nearly 25,000 elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests nationwide. It will be collected next weekend so do not forget to use the envelope provided in your packets for this important collection.

Have a great first week of Advent. 

                                                                         

Fr. Al

Happy Thanksgiving!

1st Sunday of Advent

"But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." - Luke 21:28

We celebrate Advent each year in preparation for the birth of Jesus, His first coming, as we await His second coming. What will you do differently this Advent season to grow in friendship and love with Jesus? How will you inspire others to do the same? Start by sharing your God story with others, especially those that are closest to you. Invite and accompany them on their faith journey this Advent.

Bulletin Sponsor of the Week

This week we spotlight

Staab Funeral Home

 Please support this and all of our bulletin sponsors. 

Stewardship of Treasurer

November 23 & 24, 2024

(Weekly Amount Needed: $13,800.00

Envelopes: $ 17,727.00

Loose: $ 95.00

EFT: $ 3,185.00

Total: $21,007.00

Church Attendance

November 23 & 24, 2024

Saturday @ 4:30 p.m. - 166

Sunday @ 7:45 a.m. - 108

Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. - 203

Total for the Weekend - 477

PSR CLASS

PSR class will meet on Sunday, December 8th at 9:00 a.m.

New families are welcome any time.

Rod Hughes: 217-899-3762

Springfield Right To Life 2025 Calendars

The Springfield Right to Life 2025 Pro-Life Calendar will be available for sale after each mass on the weekend of December 7th & 8th. Calendars are $20 each and feature the artwork of local area students, grades 5-12. Proceeds of the sale of the calendars help support the Pro-Life activities of Springfield Right to Life. Online orders are also available at www.springfieldrtl.org. Thank you for your generosity.

In Our Thoughts & In Our Prayers

Our Parishioners - At Home

Alice Bulinski

Ann Rine

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 Bryant Home

Rhonda Roeper

Bill Smith

Sharon Fisher

Brendan Gardens

Beulah White

Lois Hall

Fran Retzda

Richard Zanetello

Regency Care

Natalie Clarke

Mary Jean Glisson

Reflections Memory Care

Msg. John Ossola

Barb Wagner

Edelma DePollo

Villas of Holly Brook

Frank Woodcock

Villas East

Veronica DeRosa

Sherman Memory Care

Doris Clarke

Bryan Manor

Trevor Matticks

The Bridge

Helen Rackauskas

Marilyn Choudry

Carriage Crossing

Lea Titone

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

Interested in joining the Men’s Club? 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, January 13, 2025.  All men of the parish are welcome to join us.  

St. Therese Guild

Annual Christmas Party! 

All LF ladies - Please join us on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at LF Parish Center. Doors Open at 5:30 pm & Dinner is at 6:00 pm. Entertainment begins at 7:00 pm. 

Buffet with Chicken Breast, Pork Loin, Salad, Vegetable, Rolls, Carrot Cake & Drinks. 

$26 per person. RSVP no later than Noon on December 4th to the Parish Office with your check (no cash). No refunds after 12/4/2024. 

Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry

For questions and to request a shawl, contact Arlene Kocher at

arlene.kocher@gmail.com or 217-306-6413.

 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)

Watch for coming events to be announced.

Dee Stern is offering a night at UIS to see the Broadway show “Pretty Woman” on Friday, February 21, 2025.  Before the show, dinner at Golden Corral. $105.00 per person. No bus involved. Drive yourself. Make your reservations and pay in the church office. Limited number of tickets.

Bus Trips: (Dee Stern)

Watch for a 2025 list of bus trips to be announced.

REQUIRED: Covid Vaccinated and (hopefully) fully boosted!

Baptism Preparation Class

This class is required before baptizing your children. 

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

St. John’s Breadline

LFC will prepare 1 meal (meatloaf) on December 21st to feed the hungry in our community. We can answer God’s call to be stewards of His kingdom. Volunteers are needed to cook and serve. Visit the sign-up tables in the vestibules. 

Sue Feger 217-529-5300.

New Family Formation Program (Formerly PSR Class)

New Family Formation Program is a family-based catechetical program that helps families grown in the transforming love of God by understanding and living the Catholic Faith. Practically, it will involve the usual student sessions (K-8th grades) on Sunday mornings. It will, also, have a component of family lessons that can be done at home. This program is open to ALL parish families who are interested. To sign up, call the office or notify Rod Hughes: (217) 899-3762.

RCIC Class

A Parish process for children ages 7-16 who wish to become Catholic.  Classes will meet every Wednesday right after school in Sister Linda's office (Church Office). Contact Sister Linda: 217-529-1606.

RCIA Class

"Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults”. This class is for adults who want to learn about the Catholic religion and join the church. More information coming soon. Coordinator: Marvin Kocher: 217-306-6414.

MASS INTENTIONS

Thursday, November 28:

9:00 a.m. - Wilson Gregory Park

(Rod Hughes)

Friday, November 29:

No Mass

Saturday, November 30:

4:30 p.m. - Gus Pflugmacher

(Janice Spears)

Sunday, December 1: First Sunday of Advent

7:45 a.m. - Little Flower Parish Family

10:00 a.m. - Marie T. Henebry

(Annette Nelson)

Monday, December 2:

No Mass

Tuesday, December 3:

7:00 a.m. - Rufino Gotanco

(Renaldo Gotanco)

Wednesday, December 4:

8:15 a.m. - Marie T. Henebry

(Annette Nelson)

Thursday, December 5:

7:00 a.m. - Mary Dunne

(Cathy & Pat Gietl)

Friday, December 6:

Dan Chevalier

(John & Susan Klemm)

Saturday, December 7:

4:30 p.m. - Little Flower Parish Family

Sunday, December 8:

7:45 a.m. - Don Kissel

(Kissel Family)

10:00 a.m. - Helen Clarke

(Mike & Sharon Crowley)

Wednesday, November 27:

7:00 am - Mass

No School

Church Office closes at 12:00 Noon

Thursday, November 28:

Happy Thanksgiving!

9:00 am - Mass

No School

Church Office Closed

Friday, November 29:

No Mass

No School

Church Office Closed

Saturday, November 30:

4:30 pm - Mass

Sunday, December 1:

First Sunday of Advent

7:45 am - Mass

10:00 am - Mass

Monday, December 9:

Holy Day of Obligation -

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:15 a.m. - All School Mass

5:30 p.m. - Mass

Tuesday, December 10:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

5:30 p.m. - St. Therese Guild Annual Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 11:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

Thursday, December 12:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

1:15 p.m. - LF School Penance Service

6:00 p.m. - LF Church Penance Service

Sunday, December 15:

7:45 a.m. - Mass

10:00 a.m. - Children's Mass

Breakfast with Santa

Tuesday, December 17:

6:00 p.m. - Pre-School & Kindergarten Christmas Program in Church

Thursday, December 19:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

6:00 p.m. - Grades 1 - 8 Christmas Program in the Church

Saturday, December 21:

Winter Begins

4:30 p.m. - Candle Light Mass

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Night of Pause

Tuesday, December 24:

Christmas Eve

4:30 p.m. - Mass

9:30 p.m. - Choir Sings

10:00 p.m. - Mass

Wednesday, December 25:

Christmas Day

Holy Day of Obligation

9:00 a.m. - Mass

Thursday, December 26:

No Mass

Church Office Closed

No Adoration

Friday, December 27:

No Mass

Tuesday, December 31:

New Years Eve

No Morning Mass

5:30 p.m. - Mass

12:00 p.m. - Church Office Closes

Wednesday, January 1:

New Years Day

Holy Day of Obligation

Solemnity of Mary

9:00 a.m. - Mass

Church Office Closed

Thursday, January 2:

No Mass

No Adoration

Church Office Closed

Friday, January 3:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

The Forge

Attention Young Adults! The Forge is a Springfield-based young adult Catholic ministry to help you stay connected through spiritual and social events. All young adults are welcome!

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

DIOCESE NEWS

What Angels and Demons Can and Cannot Do – Angels, guardian angels, the devil, demons. What can their spiritual powers do and not do? How can they impact our lives for the better or worse? What about being possessed and needing an exorcism? Father Chris House, who has given a presentation on angels and demons breaks it down. 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.

Support St. John’s Breadline with Breadline Sunday – Catholic Charities St. John’s Breadline is kicking off its annual fundraiser in November to support its decades-long mission of serving food to people in need in the greater Springfield community. Since 1985, the Breadline Sunday fundraiser has provided critical funds for the operation of Springfield’s St. John’s Breadline. Thousands of people have turned to the Breadline over the years to receive quality made-from-scratch meals in a dignified environment. Tax deductible donations to Breadline Sunday can be made online by visiting cc.dio.org or sending a check to the St. John’s Breadline, 430 N. Fifth St, Springfield, IL 62702.

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. 

Retreat for married couples offered – Worldwide Marriage Encounter presents weekend experiences for married couples to rekindle romance, enhance meaningful communication, and deepen and renew commitment. Sign-up now! For more information or to apply, go to wwme.org or call Terry & Eric Engholm at 314-649-7317. Next ones:

1/31/2025 – 2/2/2025, St. Peters, MO

4/4/2025 – 4/6/2025, St. Peters, MO

6/13/2025 - 6/15/2025, St. Peters, MO

Let us do the baking for you. 

The 24th annual St. John Vianney Cookie Walk, Raffle and Christmas Gift Gala will be on December 14, 2024, at the St. John Vianney Activity Center, 902 St. John Drive in Sherman, IL. Hundreds of beautifully decorated homemade cookies, candies and breads will be available for purchase. A raffle with top notch prizes from local merchants will be going on throughout the morning. Direct Sale Vendors will be available to help you finish your holiday shopping with cash and carry purchases. The jolly ole man himself, Santa, will be on hand from 8:30 -10:30 for photo ops with free will offerings being donated to the Holy Family Food Pantry. And for all our shoppers – complimentary refreshments will be served. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Cindy Trainor (217) 414-4279 or visit our Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/share/56UKkMgTrPJ9umMg/

O Come All Ye Faithful!

St. Frances Cabrini Parish invites you to The Nativity Festival

Saturday, December 7, 2024 & Sunday December 8, 2024

                  Noon – 4 p.m.                            11 am – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas! If you are interested in displaying your Nativity Set, please contact the parish office at 217-522-8555 by November 1, 2024 to have a registration form mailed to you. We welcome all previous displayers as well as new ones. You’re welcome to bring more than one set.

Keeping in Balance for Women

Come along on a journey throughout Scripture as we discover the relevance of Old and New Testament wisdom to our daily challenges. In this study, we’ll explore biblical ideas for managing life’s pace and pressure while living with calm and steadiness. Your lifestyle of health and holiness awaits. To register and order your workbook call 217/522-3342 or email vcompton@cathedral.dio.org

Thursdays @ 1:00 at the Cathedral, starting Jan 2nd for 22 weeks, $45

Lectio: Eucharist: Discovering the Mass in the Bible, for Women

Acclaimed author and teacher Dr. Brant Pitre digs down to the biblical roots of the Eucharist, through its foreshadowing in the miraculous events of the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Apostolic teaching.

"The Lamb of God," "The Bread of Life," "The Body and the Blood of Christ"... these are phrases we know from the Mass. But do we understand what they mean in the greater and deeper context of Scripture and Church teaching? We'll discover firsthand how Christ's Body and Blood are an integral and wondrous part of God's plan for our salvation. To register and order your workbook call 217/522-3342 or email vcompton@cathedral.dio.org

Thursdays @ 6:00pm at the Cathedral, starting on Jan 2nd for 10 weeks, $20

Grief Share At Cathedral

Cathedral parish will be hosting Grief Share, a weekly, faith-based, grief support group. If you, or someone you know, would like help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend, please join us beginning Tuesday, Oct 22, 1:00-2:30 in the Cathedral School Library. (Enter through the atrium doors off 5^th street parking lot) Grief Share runs for 13 weeks, but guests may join the series at any point and can pick up content they missed during the next cycle. For more information go to https://www.griefshare.org/ or contact Berni Ely @ 899-6637 or jackandberni96@yahoo.com To register call 217/522-3342 or email Vicki at vcompton@cathedral.dio.org All adults, of any or no faith background, are welcome!

An Introduction To Spiritual Warfare

Do you know that a fierce war rages for your soul? It’s a spiritual battle with crucial consequences in your everyday life — and its outcome will determine your eternal destiny. You live on a hotly contested battlefield, and you can’t escape the fight. You have no choice but to engage the Enemy — that is, Satan and his demons. Are you ready for battle? An Introduction to Spiritual Warfare, hosted by Dr. Paul Thigpen, is a new 8-part video series designed to help you recognize, resist, and overcome Satan’s attacks. Thursdays, 1:00pm @ Cathedral, Oct 31 – Dec 19. Contact Vicki Compton vcompton@cathedral.dio.org or 217/522-3342 to reserve your spot.

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.