Words cannot express the joy and happiness that your Parish Council felt after last Sunday's spaghetti dinner. To say this event was a success underestimates the rave reviews that we received from practically everyone who feasted last Sunday. Approximately 750 persons had a fabulous meal. I express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this a Banner Day at St. Pat's. Your cooperation, participation, enthusiasm and presence gave great happiness and joy to my heart.

You're wonderful - Thanks a million and know of my love and affection for all of you.

With a prayer,
Father Jim

Lord, our work is constant. The problems of the poor continue, so our work continues. Help us to remember that everyone can do something beautiful for God by reaching out to the poor.

Bless this day with Light and Hope.
Fill our hearts with your love and compassion,
our minds with an awareness of your constant Presence,
and our bodies with strength, health, and energy.

Help us to do ordinary things with extraordinary love,
to work for the good of those whom we meet today,
and serve them with kindness, dignity and cheerfulness
so that at the end of this day, they too, might know you better.

Guide our footsteps along your simple path, knowing that
the fruit of silence is Prayer;
the fruit of prayer is Faith;
the fruit of faith is Love;
the fruit of love is Service; and
the fruit of service is Peace.

Any person interested in serving on the St. Patrick Grade School Board for a three year term commencing in June of this year is asked to contact the school office (726-2924). Any parish member over the age of 21 or a parent of a child in school is eligible.

Last Sunday you contributed $8,371.51 to your church. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Just a reminder!!!

Our annual "Wine and Cheese Party" will be March 25 at 1:30 in the school gym. We all look forward to this spring event. You will be able to sample various cheese and wines. For anyone who prefers something non-alcoholic, grape juice will also be available.

At this time we will have our yearly nominations for officers. Father Jim and Cathy Wilhelmi will up-date us on future activities for our group. All Seniors 55+ are welcome. Dues are only $5 for the year.

Feast of the Annunciation The Knights of Columbus have a special Relationship with Our Blessed Mother and the Rosary. They have proclaimed, by resolution at their Supreme Convention, March 15, "The International Day of the Unborn Child". This is the day that Mary was informed by an Angel of the Lord that she was to be the "Mother of Jesus". Her response is an example to all women, who are with child, "Thy Will be done". "This is the day to begin our pilgrimage as we follow the development of Our Lord, as an unborn Child, until His birth on December 25. Please put this day aside for special prayers to bring an end to the scourge of abortion across our great land and to return our Nation, under God, to a "Culture of Life".

Each year on December 25 we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For centuries the Church as also celebrated his conception on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation. Our parish Respect Life Committee invites you to begin the nine month novena with the Memorare Prayer below. A different prayer will be listed each month.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Our thanks to the many friends of Mary Krol for their donations to our Adopt-A-Child fund, given in her memory.

We also thank Denise DeMattie for her donation to this same fund.

The Illinois General Assembly is currently considering two positive bills that would ban human cloning while promoting adult stem cell research in Illinois.

Please contact your State Senator and Representative to urge them to vote yes and sign up as a co-sponsor for SB 2934 (Illinois Senate) and HB 6693 (Illinois House), the "Human Cloning /ban/Adult Stem Cell Research Act."

We urgently need a strong bill in Illinois to ban this unethical experimentation. Human cloning has never helped a single patient, and exploits people by turning procreation into a manufacturing process, treating human life as a commodity.

In addition, this legislation encourages adult stem cell research and other ethically responsible alternatives, which have already helped hundreds of thousands of patients.

To find your sate legislators, log on to Catholic Conference of Illinois. or go to legis.state.il.us or call the Capital Switchboard at 217-782-2000 and ask for your Representative and Senator offices.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the Joliet Diocesan Life Office at 815-838-1002 or the Catholic Conference of Illinois at 312-268-1066.

Lent should be more than a time of fasting. It should also be a joyous season of feasting. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It is a season in which we should:

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal Truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.

What a great way to enter deeply into the Season of Lent.

God Bless

Father Jim

During Lent, Stations of the Cross are prayed every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in church. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will follow Stations. This is a fine opportunity to meditate on the Passion of Our Lord.

On Friday, March 26, Father Jim will complete the "Know Your Faith" series following the 8:00 a.m. Mass in church. The series will be held in the Bishop Vonesh Hall in the rectory and will conclude around 10:00 a.m. A light breakfast will be served. Open to All!

Special presentation with Matthew Kelly

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality

Dynamic and extraordinarily engaging, popular author and speaker Matthew Kelly comes to the aid of individuals searching for some meaning in life deeper than the pursuit of material things. Born in Sydney, Australia, Matthew's message rings out with a truth that is unmistakably challenging and attractive.

God Wants You To Become
The Best Version Of Yourself.

Please join us on Thursday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m. as we welcome Matthew Kelly to St. Patrick Church, 710 West Marion Street.

In his talk, Matthew will reveal the essence of Catholic spirituality while addressing some of the most important questions we face today, both as individuals and as a Church.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend

This year rather than having a three night mission, we are planning three special evening reflections on February 29, April 1, and May 2. All sessions will be held in church.

The keynote speakers are as follows:

      Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
Father David Medows, Associate Pastor St. Mary Immaculate Church in Plainfield. Father Medows, a former Lutheran minister, spoke on our "Journey to the Lord."

      Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Matthew Kell, a renowned Australian Evangelist and speaker will address the topic, "Finding Jesus in our Everyday Life."

      Sunday, May 2, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
A Carmelite Father will speak on "Marian Spirituality in Today's Church."

Please mark your calendars now! You will be in for a real treat.

More information to follow as we get closer to these special events.

Father Jim

During Lent, plan now to spend some quality time in prayer and in silence. Consider spending one hour on Monday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. in church in communal praying of the Rosary, singing songs of joy and moments of quiet adoration. This opens the heart to God and is a wonderful way of preparing for Easter.

Last week six children became members of the Family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.

The Home and School Association of St. Paul the Apostle School presents its 19th Annual Spring Potluck Salad Buffet on Wednesday, March 31, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Parish Activity Center, 130 N. Woodlawn. Come join us for delicious roast beef, country fried chicken, hot dogs and much, much more! Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Ham Dinner
April 4, 2004
Palm Sunday
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Hall
704 Landau Ave.
Joliet, IL. 60432

Menu includes Ham, au gratin potatoes, vegetables, bread, coffee/tea.

Desserts will be available.

In addition:
     Big Money Raffle
     Various Goods Raffle
     Crafts
     Hooligan

Tickets at $6.50 may be purchased in advance OR at the door.

Carry-outs will be available.

St. Joseph Parish, Joliet, April 9 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Park, Raynor and Theodore Sts. in Joliet. Dinner includes white fish, parslied potatoes, coleslaw, dessert, bread and coffee. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children. Carry-outs available. For more information, call the rectory at 727-9378. All KSKJ members are asked to bring bakery donations to the park April 8 or after 10 on the 9^th.