From Father Al's Pen

Secretary/Receptionist

Church of the Little Flower

The Church Office seeks a full-time secretary and receptionist to provide routine secretarial and clerical support to the Pastor and/or office group. Position requires general knowledge or organization and involves basic support and telephone service. 

Key Responsibilities

¨ This ‘director of first impressions’ will greet parishioners, visitors and assist guests arriving for an appointment. Act as receptionist, answering written and verbal requests and inquiries for routine information, receiving telephone and personal callers and routing them to the proper office. Take messages and provide to the appropriate employee.

¨ Receive incoming and outgoing mail. Accept, process and coordinate Mass stipends and scheduling. Assist with bulk mailings, ministry schedules distribution, etc. Maintain office calendar.

¨ Directly provide clerical support to the Pastor. Compose documents, work with Excel, data entry, format and proof materials.

¨ Support office by using automated equipment such as facsimile machines, personal or networked computers and printers, copy equipment, voice messaging and electronic mail systems, and telephone equipment.

¨ Coordinate, create, publish weekly bulletin with Diocesan Publications. Create publications as requested after coordination with Pastor.

Qualifications

¨ High School Diploma or GED; clerical experience preferred. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted. Working knowledge of office practices, procedures, and equipment; ability to produce documents using automated equipment and Microsoft Office software including Microsoft Outlook and Publisher; ability to file documents.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following to Fr. Allen Kemme, Pastor, at cotlf@little-flower.org or mail to: The Church of the Little Flower, Attn: Fr. Allen Kemme, 800 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703

¨ Cover letter detailing interest and qualifications

¨ Current resume

¨ 3 letters of reference

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025

COTLF has a salary range for the position of $16 to $20 an hour depending on experience, skills, etc. More specific information will be provided upon request. 

"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit." - Luke 6:43

Are you using your gifts in the way God intended? Have you asked God how He would like you to use them? Do you compare yourself to others and complain about what you don't have instead of being thankful for what you do have? God gives each of us unique gifts and a unique plan. Listen to how God is calling you to use your gifts, to bear good fruit, for the glory of His name.

Bulletin Sponsor of the Week

This week we spotlight

Butler Funeral Home

 Please support this and all of our bulletin sponsors. 

Stewardship of Treasure

February 22 & 23, 2025

(Weekly Amount Needed: $13,800.00)

Envelopes: $14,079.25

Loose: $50.00

EFT: $2,925.00

Total: $17,054.25

Church Attendance

February 22 & 23, 2025

4:30 p.m. - 156

7:45 a.m. - 94

10:00 a.m. - 153

Total - 403

PSR CLASS

PSR class will meet on Sunday, March 16, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m.

New families are welcome any time.

Rod Hughes: 217-899-3762

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.

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, March 10, 2025.  All men of the parish and school are welcome to join us. 

St. Therese Guild

All ladies of the parish are invited to join the St. Therese Guild. The next meeting is March 11, 2025. Gather at 5:30 p.m. with a soup supper at 6:00 p.m. "Jubilee Farm Presentation" at 6:30 p.m. followed by a short business meeting. Ladies, if you are attending Mass at 5:00 p.m., we would love for you to come. R.S.V.P. to Janet Zimmerman: janetzim14@yahoo.com or 217-494-4743.

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)

Saturday, April 26, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Mystery Dinner Show at Maidaner's Restaurant, 222 S. 6th Street. Meal choice of chicken or salmon. $60.00 per person. Please go into the Church Office to sign up and pay your $60.00.

Thursday, May 22, 12:00 Noon: Spring Picnic at Southern View Park. Fried chicken will be provided. Please bring a covered dish to share. Please let Teresa know if you plan to attend. No fee.

Bus Trips: (Dee Stern)

Thursday, March 13, 2025. "Irish in St. Louis" - Tour of St. James the Greater Church, lunch at Seamus McDaniels-Irish Pub, The Kerry Cottage, short tour of Campbell House Museum and a performance by Irish dancers. $135 per person. Please sign up and pay in the Church Office. Limited number of seats.

Thursday, April 3, 2025: Fox Theatre to see "Kimberly Akimbo" and dinner to follow at the Fox Theatre. $181.00 per person. Please sign up and pay in the Church Office. More information coming soon.

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.

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

Saturday, March 1

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

Sunday, March 2

7:45 a.m. - Mary O'Bryen

(Stephen & Susan Friedman)

10:00 a.m. - Amelia Zimmerman

(Family & Friends)

Monday, March 3:

No Mass

Tuesday, March 4:

7:00 a.m. - Ray Sendejas

(Rita Sendejas Russell)

Wednesday, March 5:

8:15 a.m. - Isaac Weitekamp

(Dennis & V.C. Weitekamp)

5:30 p.m. - John & Mercedes Dunn

(Cathy & Pat Gietl)

Thursday, March 6:

7:00 a.m. - James "Jim" Moon

(Helen & Mary Ann Rackauskas)

Friday, March 7:

7:00 a.m. - Joanne Crumly

(Mary Ann Rackauskas)

Saturday, March 8:

4:30 p.m. - Mary Ann Laub

(Sara Vanhala)

Sunday, March 9:

7:45 a.m. - Kurt Teeters

(Tom & Jeannette Bland)

10:00 a.m. - Little Flower Parish Family

Friday, February 28:

No Mass

6:00 p.m. - LF School Musical

Saturday, March 1:

4:30 p.m. - Mass

6:00 p.m. - LF School Musical

Sunday, March 2:

7:45 a.m. - Bishop Paprocki attends Mass at LFC

10:00 a.m. - Bishop Paprocki attends Mass at LFC

Monday, March 3:

No Mass

No School

Tuesday, March 4:

5:15 p.m. - Mass

5:45 p.m. - Stations

Wednesday, March 5: ASH WEDNESDAY

8:15 a.m. - All School Mass With Ashes

12:00 p.m. - Service With Ashes

5:30 p.m. - Mass With Ashes

Thursday, March 6:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

Friday, March 7:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

2:00 p.m. - Stations

5:00 - 7:30 p.m. - Fish Fry

Saturday, March 8:

4:30 p.m. - Mass

Sunday, March 9:

Spring Forward 1 Hour

7:45 a.m. - Mass

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

Monday, March 10:

No Mass

5:45 p.m. - Men's Club

Tuesday, March 11:

5:00 p.m. - Mass

5:30 p.m. - Stations

5:30 p.m. - St. Therese Guild Meeting

Wednesday, March 12:

8:15 a.m. - All School Mass

Thursday, March 13:

7:00 a.m. Mass

Friday, March 14:

7:00 a.m. - Mass

2:00 p.m. - Stations

5:00 - 7:30 p.m. -- Fish Fry

Illinois Pro-Life March

(Formerly, the Illinois March for Life)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

1:00 pm - Rally

2:00 pm - March

3:00 pm - Lobby

The Lincoln Statue, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL

Come help celebrate and defend LIFE!

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

Attend free premiere showing of documentary, God is Alive, Part II in Springfield – The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is happy to invite you and guests to the premiere showing of the documentary, God is Alive, Part II | Incredible stories of faith and miraculous events in the Midwest. It takes place Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield in their auditorium.

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 and fill out the quick RSVP form. You can also watch the trailer video there. The event is free, but there is limited seating so act fast!

LAST CALL! Nominate a teacher for the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award – Do you know a Catholic school teacher who strives for academic excellence with a focus on the Catholic mission? Know a teacher who left a lasting impression on your child? Know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his or her students and who lives authentically Catholic? Nominate that teacher for the diocesan wide St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award! Nominations are due by March 10. Go to dio.org/schools/eas.

Illinois Pro-Life March takes center stage in Springfield – On Tuesday, March 25, you are invited to join thousands of pro-life advocates, being a joyful witness to life and raising your voice for the voiceless at the Illinois Pro-Life March. There is a rally at the capitol at 1 p.m. and then a march around the capitol at 2 p.m.

Attention 2025 Catholic female high school graduates! Apply for SDCCW $2,000 scholarship now! – The SDCCW (Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women) is pleased to give $2,000 for education beyond high school to four 2025 female high school graduates from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois who exemplify the SDCCW’s mission. The mission of the SDCCW is to support and empower all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service.

To apply for a SDCCW 2025 scholarship, mail the following three documents by April 1 (postmarked by at least April1) to:

Rita Devore

Coordinator of the SDCCW Scholarship Program

1006 Shenandoah Ave., Effingham, IL 62401

For questions: email: r_devore01@hotmail.com or call: 217-821-7517

1. SDCCW Scholarship Application: Put your full name, address, phone number, email, phone, home parish (name and city), high school (name and city), and the name of higher education institution will be attending.
2. A typed essay (two pages maximum), signed by you, indicating A) how you have shown during your high school years values of leadership, faith, and service to your family, parish, and school and/or community, and B) how you plan to continue embodying the values of leadership, faith and service to your family, parish, school and/or community. Obtain your pastor’s signature attesting of your eligibility for the SDCCW Scholarship.
3. A letter of recommendation from an adult that is familiar with how you have demonstrated values of leadership, faith, and service to family, parish, school and/or community.

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.

Attention families! FREE Video Series – Strengthen and grow in your faith for your families with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family.” The videos can be found on the Knights of Columbus website for free: “The Mission of The Family” videos: kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html. The five videos are less than 14 minutes in length. 

DIVE DEEP PODCAST: The Do’s and Don’ts of Receiving the Eucharist – There is more than just sticking out your hand or tongue when receiving our Lord in the holy Eucharist. Our Father Marty Smith spells out the do’s and don’ts when preparing for holy Communion, receiving holy Communion, the time after holy Communion, and even before you even leave for Mass. Are you doing any of these things?

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.

Looking for a good way to enhance your Lenten Season? Attend the Catholic Women Prayer Breakfast March 22 – Are you looking to grow in holiness during Lent? Are you wanting to spend time with the Lord and receive Him in holy Communion? What about becoming more inspired to becoming an authentic disciple of Christ? Then women, we have an experience for you. You are invited to attend the Catholic Women’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 22 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland (1411 Main St.). Adoration begins at 7 a.m., then praying of the Rosary at 7:30 a.m., then Mass at 8 a.m. with breakfast afterward, and then a talk by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. Pre-registration is required for the breakfast meal. The cost is $30. Register before March 1 to reserve your spot and meal ticket. Proceeds benefit our seminarians. For more information, email: womensbreakfast2025@gmail.com or text Rose Wascher at 847-274-3916. REGISTER AT: stpaulhighland.org.

Poland Pilgrimage with Bishop Paprocki – Please consider posting this graphic in your bulletin advertising a pilgrimage to Poland with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki in July 2025.

Madison County Catholic Charities – Hosts 24th Help On The Move Annual Fundraiser – Madison County, Illinois – Catholic Charities will be hosting their 24th annual Help On The Move fundraiser on Saturday, April 15, 2025 starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at Julia’s Banquet Center, 101 Eastgate Plaza in East Alton, IL. The evening will include dinner, drinks, DJ music, a $10,000 raffle, and activities. The event will include the presentation of the 2025 Community Service Awards. Dinner tickets are $50 each. Raffle tickets are $25 each or buy 2 and get 1 free. Tickets may be purchased on our website cc.dio.org or by calling 1.618.462.0634.

Attend special Holy Hour for vocations in Springfield May 4 in Decatur – Come pray for holy vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage during a holy hour at Holy Family Parish in Decatur on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. There will be adoration before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and confession will be available. You can pray vocation-specific prayers, a Rosary, or whatever you like. Benediction will close the Holy Hour. A short homily on discerning vocations will also be given.

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:

4/4/2025 – 4/6/2025, St. Peters, MO

6/13/2025 – 6/15/2025, St. Peters, MO

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



St. Patrick Catholic School Blarney Bash

Friday, March 14th, 5:30 - 8:00

LRS Hangar at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport

$40.00 per person or $400.00 for a reserved table of 8.

Tickets may be purchased at: www.st-patrick.org or by calling 217-523-7670.

Hors d'oeuvres & Libations a'plenty, live auction, live music by Dave Littrell & Micah Walk.

Green attire encouraged!

Catholic Women's Prayer Breakfast

St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland

8:00 a.m. - Noon

Adoration - 7:00 a.m., Rosary - 7:30, Mass - 8:00

Catered breakfast/guess speaker Bishop Thomas Paprocki.

For more information email: womensbreakfast2025@gmail.com or text Rose Wascher at 847-274-3916. Pre-registration is required for breakfast. Register at stpaulhighland.org. Deadline to register is March 1.

Lent at the Cathedral

Few experiences in our Catholic faith bring more anxiety than going to Confession. But, when we have a profound encounter with God’s mercy in this sacrament, few things in our Catholic faith bring greater peace! Come and learn about how to prepare well to receive this sacrament and so experience the remarkable gift of freedom that the Lord offers us from going to confession.

March 26 @ 6:00pm in conjunction with the CCCW-sponsored soup supper, presentation repeated on March 27, 12:45pm, Cathedral Atrium.

Daily Mass

Cathedral will again be offering a 12:05 weekday Mass, Ash Wednesday- April 16. This is in addition to the 7:00am and 5:15pm weekday Masses.

Extended Confessions

Cathedral priests will again be offering an extended time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Friday, April 11 12:30-6:30pm, Saturday, April 12 9:00am -4:30pm.

Join Two Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center & Springfield Right to Life for their Annual Fundraising Breakfast featuring keynote speakers Dr. Jim & Annette McDermott! 

March 29, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m.

Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, Springfield

Attend this free event and help raise funds to support life-affirming work in our community. Table Hosts are needed! Reserve your table today by calling (217) 523-2700 or by email @ springfieldrtl@gmail.com or visit springfieldrtl.org for details. 

Singles Upper 50s And Above

Are you looking for a renewed sense of purpose & belonging? Register today for a life-changing RENEW weekend retreat at the Pallottine Retreat Center (30 minutes from downtown St. Louis), on March 28-30, 2025. Take a chance and get involved... You won’t regret it! Visit www.RenewRetreats.org, email: renewretreat.stl@gmail.com or call (314) 703-1002 for details.

Have you wondered why women might choose religious life? Join the Dominican Sisters of Springfield at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 28th to learn more. A 40-minute virtual gathering will showcase various sisters’ ministries. A Q&A period is included. Register at: springfieldop.org/events.

Illinois Pro-Life March

(Formerly, the Illinois March for Life)

When: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

             1:00 pm - Rally

             2:00 pm - March

             3:00 pm - Lobby

Where: The Lincoln Statue

401 S. Second Street, Springfield, Illinois

Why: To celebrate and defend LIFE!

Last year, we had more than 3,000 people marching with us - and this year, we’re expecting even more! Please join us!

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 $4599 per person from St. Louis, Mo. Call/text Fr. Dean 217-494-6326 or email rdprobst@gmail.com.  

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 @ 6:15pm at the Cathedral, starting on Jan 30, 10 weeks, $20

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.