The Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Biloxi are still reeling from the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In the Diocese of Biloxi, 428 of the 433 Church-owned structures were destroyed or severely damaged, with insurance covering only $35,000,000.00 of the more that $70,000,000.00 in destruction. The Archdiocese of New Orleans suffers from $122,000,000.00 of uninsured damages to its Church-owned structures. While the original collection for hurricane relief raised more than $130,000,000.00, most of that went for immediate humanitarian needs. The Bishops in the United States have authorized a special collection for these two dioceses to be taken up on August 26-27, 2006. Archbishop Raymond Burke asks that every parish take up a second collection on August 26-27, 2006, for these two dioceses and encourages all of our faithful to be as generous as possible.

PSR registration for fall PSR classes began last weekend. Forms will available at the back of the church. Please complete the forms and leave them at the back of church or turn them into the rectory office. This year we will be offering Confirmation preparation classes for students entering grades seven through twelve and have participated in a Catholic education program for the past two years. For more information call Jamie Weiss at 431-8012. PLEASE NOTE: We will have a meeting for all PSR teachers/guardians of PSR students following the 10:00a.m. mass in the Church Hall on August 27, 2006. Please try to attend.

BONNE TERRE SENIOR
NUTRITION CENTER

The Bonne Terre Senior Nutrition Center is looking for people that would be interested in donating some of their time to help feed our senior citizens. Help is needed Monday thru Friday from 9:45a.m.until noon. A free meal for yourself is included! Use this opportunity to put Stewardship in your life by giving of your time and talent.

Please remember that all decorations must be removed from the graves at St. Joseph cemetery in order for the maintenance crew to "KEEP OUR CEMETERY BEAUTIFUL." The general rule is "NOTHING ON THE GROUND." You may place decorations on the monument itself as long as they do not interfere with grave maintenance. Absolutely no glass or metal containers are allowed in the cemetery. The rule for many years has been that on the holidays of Memorial Day, July 4^th. and Labor Day, you may place decorations on the graves and leave them for a period of one week following the holiday. At that time, the maintenance crew will remove the decorations left on the graves.

The cemetery has recently been cleaned to meet our standards. I apologize that I have not been more vigilant in keeping our cemetery beautiful. I may have also left the impression that our cemetery rules no longer apply. I am sorry for any hurt feelings. I will endeavor to make you proud of our cemetery in the future. We will maintain it with respect and provide a beautiful setting for you to visit your loved ones.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

Fr. John H. Schneider

(Ephesians 5:15)

Stewardship is a wise and good way to live. It is wisely recognizing that all we have comes from God. It is thanking God every day for all His many blessing. It is recognizing that God has blessed us for a reason and He wants us to be partners with Him in His work here on earth.

Today, you will find Friends for Life envelopes in the pews. Please be generous in supporting the pro-life programs and outreach efforts of the Archdiocese.
Bingo

BINGO FIGURES FOR AUGUST 10, 2006
GROSS PROFITS $1,403.75
92 PLAYERS
WORKERS FOR AUGUST 24^TH.
TEAM # 3SACRISTY
CLEANERS

Aug. 11 Adrienne McKenna

  
CHURCH
CLEANERS
Aug. 7 Team # 1
Aug. 11 Frances Gosling