From Father Al's Pen

Ascension Sunday

The gospel of Luke is the only one of the four canonical gospels that describes the Ascension of Jesus and, to reiterate it, the writer begins with the same event at the beginning of Acts.

If we regard the two volumes of Luke-Acts as a single work, we see the events as all part of the one story. The life and ministry of Jesus is only the first half of the story. The story continues through the Book of Acts as the disciples and believers enter into a new way of witnessing to the ministry of Jesus - attempting to take on that ministry themselves and spread the message even further than Jesus was able to do in His life. Seen in this light, the gospel account of Jesus’ ministry establishes a model and a pattern for the ministry that the followers of Jesus seek to emulate in their own lives after His Ascension. The Ascension is the pivotal event between the two volumes, but it was also the pivotal event in the ministry of Jesus. The Ascension, and the subsequent events of Pentecost, was essential for the shift in emphasis from the ministry being carried on by Jesus to the same ministry carried on by millions of people throughout time.

Heritage Days – Enjoy this weekend’s Heritage Days celebration! Get your raffle ticket before they run out! Bring the kids over to the carnival rides, have a beverage and a bite to eat while listening to live music. Don’t forget to join us for the drawing on Sunday afternoon! Most of all, enjoy the entire weekend!

Baseball May Day - My take of season so far-Guide: team payroll above .4 Billion; above .3 Billion, above .2 Billion, 150 million and below. Right now the playoff teams are: Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, San Diego, Chicago, AND, wait for it… The Cardinals! (notice, no underline, no bold, no italics) With low expectations along with the low payroll, GO REDBIRDS! WOW!

A reminder that this week I will be away at Priest Retreat. There will NOT be mass on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. However, mass WILL be held on Thursday and Friday. Thanks to Fr. Paul Kala, visiting with his brother, Fr. Samuel, who will preside!

As we enjoy this Heritage Days weekend, let us enjoy some fun parish fellowship, music and food!

Fr. Al

7th Sunday of Easter

The Ascension of the Lord

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelations 22:13)

This is a reminder of how we should live our lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - putting God first in all that we do. Not only when I am at Mass and parish activities, but when I am in the world, at work, or at school. Living gratefully and generously is an intentional lifestyle. Every decision you make either moves you closer to God or farther away. Choose wisely!

Our Parish Family offers prayers and sympathy for the family & friends of

Kathryn "Kit" Corley (Age 7)

Ainsley Johnson (Age 8)

Alma Buhnerkempe (Age 7)

Rylee Britton (Age 18)

Bulletin Sponsor of the Week

This week we spotlight

Kelderman's Therapy Services

 Please support this and all of our bulletin sponsors. 

Stewardship of Treasure

May 24 & 25, 2025

(Weekly Amount Needed: $13,800.00)

Envelopes: $ 8,930.00

Loose: $ 120.00

EFT: $ 6,019.00

Total: $ 15,069.00

Church Attendance

May 24 & 25, 2025

4:30 p.m. - 155

7:45 a.m. - 82

10:00 a.m. - 258

Total - 495

An Old Fashioned Birthday Potluck!

Father Al is turning 60!

Saturday, June 21, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Parish Center

RSVP on the sign-up sheet in Church.

Please bring a side item or salad.

Main course & desserts are provided.

Please join us!

Cleaning Person

The Parish is in need of a new housekeeper. This would entail a few hours a week working in the Parish Office and Rectory. Spread the news, if you know of a worthy candidate. If interested, please submit a resume to the Church Office.

2025 Mens Club Golf Outing

The Men's Club golf outing will be on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Lincoln Greens Gold Course. $80.00 per person which includes golf, cart, lunch and 6 pack of beer or soda. Please show up by 12 p.m. and the shot gun start is at 12:30 p.m. Please sign up by Friday July 4th, 2025 by emailing mensclublf@gmail.com or at the church office. For any questions, please call Tom Madonia 217-899-0232 or Tom McBride 217-319-9296.

Golf Outing Hole Sponsorship

In support of the Golf Outing on July 11, the Men's Club is looking for hole sponsorships. The sponsorship fee is $150.00 per hole. For any questions, please call Greg Cooper at 217-652-6746.

Friday, May 30th

Saturday, May 31st

Sunday, June 1st

2025

Caution - Children at Play

Spring/Summer is here! Children are outside walking, riding bikes, playing, etc. The sound of children outside playing is wonderful! Please watch for them when on LF campus and around town as you drive.

Hospitalization

When you are hospitalized or entering the hospital, please have a family member notify the church office at (217) 529-1606 so that we can be of service to you and your family. 

Safe Environment Training &

Background Checks

A Safe Envionment Training class and background check are required for ALL volunteers - active or occasional. If you are a current volunteer and you have not yet logged in to the new CMG website, please email or text Colleen to find out your login information and let Colleen know that you are still an active and current volunteer. To register, please contact: Colleen Olson, 269-519-4588 (call or text) or email at clo2004@gmail.com. All adults 18 years and older must take the class to be eligible to volunteer.

SDCCW Women of Distinction

The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) will host the WOD Mass & Luncheon at the Cathedral in Springfield on Saturday June 21st, 10 a.m. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is the celebrant with many priests concelebrating. A luncheon at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield follows Mass. Deadline to register for the luncheon is June 4th. For all questions please contact SDCCW President Janet Zimmerman at (217) 494-4743.

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, July 14, 2025.  All men of the parish and school are welcome to join us. 

St. Therese Guild

The St. Therese Guild welcomes all ladies of the parish to be members. They will meet again beginning in September. Please watch the bulletin for updates. Have a great Summer! 

Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry

For questions and/or 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 the bulletin and News To Use for future event information.

Bus Trips: (Dee Stern)

Thursday, June 12: Quincy, Illinois: Underbrink's Bakery, St. Francis Solanus Church, Sprout's Inn, Underground Railroad. $85 per person. Sign up and pay in the church office.

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.

New Family Formation Program (Formerly PSR Class)

New Family Formation Program is a family-based catechetical program that helps families grow 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.

Ordr of Christian Initation for Adults (Formerly RCIA Class)

Have you ever wondered what the Catholic Church is all about? Are you or someone you know interested in joining the Catholic Church? In the OCIA, adults who have not been baptized, those adults who have been baptized in other Christian faith communities, and other Catholic adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to enter into full initiation into the Catholic Church. Anyone interested in registering or needing more information should contact Marvin Kocher at penguins13@sbcglobal.net or 217-306-6414.

MASS INTENTIONS

Friday, May 30:

7:00 a.m. - Jerry Moon

(Shirley Moon)

Saturday, May 31:

4:30 p.m. - Henry Bermingham

(Bermingham Family)

Sunday, June 1:

10:30 a.m. - Samuel Parra

(Lisa Thiele & Jeanette Parra)

&

Little Flower Parish Family

Monday, June 2:

No Mass

Tuesday, June 3:

No Mass

Wednesday, June 4:

No Mass

Thursday, June 5:

7:00 a.m. - John Voorhees

(Voorhees Family)

Friday, June 6:

7:00 a.m. - Dan Chevalier

(Frank & Linda Filliponi)

Saturday, June 7:

4:30 p.m. - Ben Lake

(Linda Feraris)

Sunday, June 8:

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

10:00 a.m. - Paul Boll

(Paul Steil)

Monday, June 9:

No Mass

Tuesday, June 10:

5:15 p.m. - Mary O'Bryen

(Anita Myers)

Wednesday, June 11:

7:00 a.m. - Mary Ann Laub

(Mike & Linda Murphy)

Thursday, June 12:

7:00 a.m. - The Fleckenstein Family

(Tony Fleckenstein)

Friday, June 13:

7:00 a.m. - Howardene "Bernie" Floyd

(4th Degree Ladies Auxillary)

Saturday, June 14:

4:30 p.m. - Gus Pflugmacher

(Steve & Mary Ann Keenan)

Sunday, June 15:

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

10:00 a.m. - Pat O'Bryen

(Kathy O'Bryen)

LOOKING AHEAD

Friday, May 30:

Heritage Days Festival

Saturday, May 31:

Heritage Days Festival

Sunday, June 1:

Heritage Days Festival

10:30 a.m. - Mass

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Mostaccioli & Meatballs Family Lunch

Monday, June 2:

Summer Camp Begins

Monday - Wednesday

June 2 - 4: No Mass

(Priests Retreat)

Sunday, June 8:

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, June 15:

The Most Holy Trinity

Father's Day

Thursday, June 19:

12:00 Noon - Finance Committee Meeting

Sunday, June 22:

Corpus Christi

July 1 - July 15:

Father Kemme on Vacation

Friday, July 4:

Independence Day

No Mass at Little Flower

Field Mass

Church Office Closed

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

Dive Deep Podcast: Marijuana, Smoking, and Alcohol. Where is the Moral Line? – What does the Catholic Church teach about smoking marijuana and cigarettes and drinking alcohol? Are they morally OK, morally wrong, or is there gray area that depends on certain factors? How much is too much? Bishop Thomas John Paprocki discusses.

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.

The Curia Is Hiring! – The Diocesan Curia is hiring 4 full-time positions. They are a Maintenance and Groundskeeper, Database and Parish Service Administrator, Diocesan Liaison and Advocate, and Executive Secretary. If you know anyone who has these skill sets and is interested, please direct them to dio.org/careers.

Watch Local Documentary, God Is Alive, Part II – The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is happy to announce you can now watch the documentary, God is Alive, Part II | Incredible stories of faith and miraculous events in the Midwest. If you are full of faith, clinging to faith, or have lost hope in faith, this one-hour documentary will get you inspired, move you to hope, and fall in love with faith in a whole new way. God is Alive, Part II will take you to Gower, MO, Edwardsville, Ashland, and Chicago to show you miracles still happen, God is alive not matter the circumstances, and including God in your life is what will make the difference. Go to dio.org/documentary to watch. God is Alive (Part 1) is also available to watch there.

Diocesan parishes have chosen their 2025 Women of Distinction (WOD) – The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will host the WOD Mass & Luncheon at the Cathedral on Sat, June 21, 10 a.m. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is the celebrant with many parish priests con-celebrating. A luncheon at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield follows Mass. Deadline to register for the luncheon is June 4th. Go to dio.org to register.

Attention College Students! Take your faith with you to school! The Newman community at your school would love to connect with you and help you continue your faith journey while away at college. To find out more about the Newman program at your school, visit newmanministry.com/. 

Interested In Attending World Youth Day In Seoul, South Korea In 2027? Connect with us! The diocese is organizing a group to go – Are you interested in attending World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea in 2027? Whether you want to go, you are thinking of going, or would just like more information about possibly going, connect with the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to express your interest. Father Zach Samples, parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield, is the lead organizer for the pilgrimage for those who are thinking about attending World Youth Day, which is intended for those between the ages of 16 and 35. Go to dio.org/wyd and fill out the interest form. Note, the exact date of World Youth Day, the cost, and details have not been determined. This is simply an interest form so we can start to gather a group from our diocese now. You do not have to know for sure if you are planning to attend.

Come Be Renewed at the ICSC Stewardship Conference!

Join us this September for the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) Annual Conference — a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of stewardship, connect with fellow parish leaders, and be inspired by practical ideas to bring home to your parish. Whether you’re involved in hospitality, formation, prayer, or service, there’s something for everyone!

Dates: September 21-24, 2025

Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago

For more information or to register, visit catholicstewardship.com. If you have any questions or need help with registration, feel free to reach out to Debbie Benz at the diocese: dbenz@dio.org or 217-398-8500. Let’s grow together in our call to live as faithful stewards!

Carlinville Catholic Charities Beef Raffle 2025 Annual Fundraiser – Where is the beef? It’s at Carlinville Catholic Charities! Support your community and stock your freezer by purchasing a ticket for our beef raffle. The winner will receive 100lbs of beef, including 4lbs of sirloin tip roast, 13lbs of chuck roast, 5 t-bone steaks, 2 porterhouse steaks, 9 sirloin steaks, 7 ribeye steaks, 50lbs of ground beef, and 5 ¼lb hamburger patties. All proceeds go to Carlinville Catholic Charities. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. Drawing to be held on Monday June 30, at 4:00 p.m. Get your ticket today at cc.dio.org/events/carlinville-beef-raffle.

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:

6/13/2025 – 6/15/2025, St. Peters, MO

8/1/2025 – 8/3/2025, Cape Girardeau, MO

12/5/2025 – 12/7/2025, St. Peters, MO

One Day Marriage Enrichment Retreat – Attend A Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience that will enrich couples’ understanding of the spirituality of marriage and introduce them to a personal couple prayer they can continue at home. This one-day marriage enrichment retreat entitled, “God Chose You for Me,” is an experience designed to deepen the spiritual connection between married couples. Dates and locations for this special enrichment in 2025 include:

• Saturday, May 10 – Cardinal Rigali Center in St. Louis, MO
• Saturday, August 16 – Sacred Heart Parish in Valley Park, MO
• Saturday, September 20 – St. Nicholas Parish in O’Fallon, IL

This special one-day enrichment is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. To register, go to: stl-wwme.org/communitynews.php

The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts Bible Study

The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, dwells among us and showers us with spiritual gifts. In this study Stephen Binz has chosen key biblical texts to help readers discover how to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit and allow God's Spirit to manifest these divine graces and spiritual gifts more richly within them. He shows how the same Spirit who inspired the prophets and evangelists and who filled the life of Jesus now blows within and among all God's people. Purchase your own book through Twenty-third Publications or elsewhere.

First and Third Wednesdays beginning June 18, 6:15-7:45pm, Cathedral School Library, rsvp to vcompton@cathedral.dio.org or 217/522-3342

St. Patrick Catholic School Alumni are invited to join us for an evening of fellowship on Wednesday, June 11th from 5:00–7:00 PM at Route 66 Mother Road Diner, 625 E. St. Joseph St., Springfield. Enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, and great company at our Foundation for the Future Campaign Envelope Party - all in support of keeping St. Pat’s open and thriving for generations to come. With the help of a generous $200,000 Matching Gift Challenge from St. Katharine Drexel Parish, every donation made by June 15 will be matched dollar for dollar. Whether you’re an alum, a friend, or someone who believes in Catholic education, we invite you to be part of this effort. For more information or to make a donation, visit our website: st-patrick.org or call 217-523-7670.

Two Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center

(formerly Springfield Right to Life) 

Job Opening – Part-Time Administrative Assistant

Two Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant. This vital role serves to manage the day-to-day operations of the PRC.  If you or someone you know has strong organizational skills and a heart for life-affirming ministry, please visit our website for a detailed job description and instructions on how to apply: springfieldrtl.org/part-time-office-assistant/   

Summer Alpha at the Cathedral

Alpha is a 10-week course that creates a space where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about Jesus. It is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith, in a friendly, open and informal environment, over a meal. Alpha is no-cost, no-pressure and no-commitment. In 2024 over 2200 Alpha courses were held across the U.S. in Catholic contexts, engaging approximately 73,429 participants. The program is particularly effective in reintroducing the basics of the faith to non-Catholics and revitalizing the faith of active Catholics. Cathedral is running two tracks for Alpha. One for adults and one for 12-13 yr olds entering 7th and 8th grade (8 week course). RSVP to vcompton@cathedral.dio.org or 217/522-3342, or just show up. You will be welcome!

Mondays starting on June 23, 6:00-7:30pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Cathedral Women's Evening Bible Study - Grounded in Hope

In a world where levels of despair, addiction, and suicide are rising, we need more than clichés or positive thinking. Grounded in Hope, a 17-week study based on the book of Hebrews, will help you encounter Jesus in such a powerful, comforting, and stabilizing way that He will become your lifeline. The Book of Hebrews will comfort you and challenge you. Every word of it has a treasure to mine, and those who are willing to make the effort will be richly rewarded.

Thursdays starting on June 12 @ 6:00pm at the Cathedral, $45 for the book. Register by calling the Cathedral 217/522-3342 or by emailing vcompton@cathedral.dio.org 

Cathedral Daytime Women's Bible Study - The Wild Goose

“Wild Goose” was a term that the ancient Celts had for the Holy Spirit. Shot in various locations from Niagara Falls to the California desert, The Wild Goose invites viewers to an encounter, or a renewed encounter, with the Holy Spirit. It is a 14-part series featuring Fr. Dave Pivonka, President of Franciscan University.

Thursdays starting on July 3 @ 10:00am or 1:00pm at the Cathedral, Free study guide provided. Register by calling the Cathedral 217/522-3342 or by emailing vcompton@cathedral.dio.org

Vatican II Faith Formation Series & Jubilee Indulgence

In the Decree on the Granting of the Indulgence During the Ordinary Year Jubilee Year 2025, one of the ways for the faithful to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence is to “participate in popular missions, spiritual exercises, or formation activities on the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, held in a church or other suitable place, according to the mind of the Holy Father.” With that in mind, the Cathedral will be hosting monthly faith formation sessions during which we will delve into the four major Constitutions from the Second Vatican Council. Please join us as we reflect on these important documents, that they might serve to renew our hope during this Jubilee Year, all while being able to also gain an indulgence! January 30, February 20, March 20, April 10, May 15, and June 19. 7:00 pm in the Cathedral Atrium

Majestic Germany Pilgrimage with Fr. R. Dean Probst

August 18-28, 2025. Visiting Frankfurt, Cologne, Hanover, Potsdam, Berlin, Nuremberg, Rothenberg, Munich, Oberammergau, Lindau, Lake Titisee, The Black Forest, Heidelberg and Mainz. Cost $4,599 per person from St. Louis, Mo. Call/text Fr. Dean 217-494-6326 or email rdprobst@gmail.com.  

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.