Please click here to see the letter from Rita

Please see the letter below regarding the changes in friars at St. Benedict & St. Joseph parishes in the summer of 2022 from Wayne Hellmann OFM Conv., Minister Provincial 

Pew Repair and Refinishing It has become obvious, following the pandemic, that all the cleaning and sanitizing of the pews in our beautiful church has taken a toll. They have darkened in color and many are sticky to the touch. The pews need both repairing and refinishing. We also need to adjust and repair the kneelers to make them more comfortable and accommodating. The lowest bid was nearly $100,000 from a firm in Tennessee. An anonymous donor has generously pledged to match any gift given for this project, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000. The pews would be disassembled. They, then, will be taken in two stages, so as not to disrupt the operation of the church. When the first batch is done and reinstalled, the second batch will be done. The project will begin soon after Easter and finished this summer. If you are able, please participate. Our beautiful church is worth it.

As I'm sure you know, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to stay mentally healthy due to the social and economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. It has hugely impacted the labor market and public health, affecting our everyday lives. In order to combat the worsening problem, we created a comprehensive resource that shows how owning house plants can help improve one's mental health during this time of uncertainty. Here are some insights that we found: • 64% picked up the hobby of plant keeping during the pandemic • 93% of older Americans (54 & older) say keeping plants helped their mental health during the pandemic • 90% of Americans expect to continue keeping plants after the pandemic ends You can view the full study here: https://www.trees.com/plants-improve-mental-health

Faith & Racial Justice by: JustFaith Ministries, Thursdays in May at 7:00p in Hellmann Hall Facilitator: Nicole Krasean Funk. We had a great first session with 12 parishioners participating in a fascinating and informative simulation! You are welcome to join us any Thursday evening. No registration required!

The Altar Society would like to thank all who purchased Altar Candles in 2021. Sponsors for 2022 are now being taken. The large red candles in the Sanctuary and Tabernacle are $12.00 and will burn for 2 weeks. The names of those purchasing the candles will be listed in the bulletin as well as whom they are honoring. If interested, please call Pat Boatman at 765-832-9115 or 812-236-6508

Congratulations to: Week 1, Jan. 7-Dean Dawson, the 1st Early Bird Winner of $250! Week 2, Jan. 14-Linda Niemiec, the 2nd Early Bird Winner of $250! Week 3, the 3rd Early Bird Winner is Jim & Mary Canarecci! Week 4-Will Fenio-Week 5 Jennie Martin Week 6-Charles Pattenaude. Week 7-Joe Haley. Week 8-Ryan Loftus.Week 9-Shelia Priester. Week 10-Joe Duby. Week 11-Curt DeBaun III-Week 12-Steve Shaffer. Week 13-Danielle Ambrose. Next drawing on June 30 , for $10,000 & $2,500! GET YOUR TICKET!!!

May the Eucharist forever be their source of life, unity, and strength. Congratulations to our First Communicants! Autumn Cooper, Ellie Higgins, Jameson McVey, George Miller, Caitlin Olah, Wesley Sitarsk,i Viola Taylor, Claire Wright.

New Members in the Body of Christ – Our neophyte, the newly baptized, Samantha, has been fully incorporated into the Body of Christ. As a member of Christ’s Body she now shares in the mission of Christ and the Church and will be discerning her role in the mission of the Church.   The period of mystagogy, the Easter season, is a time for all the baptized to reflect upon the Easter mystery – the Resurrection of Christ Jesus. As disciples of the Risen Christ, how do each of us continue his mission for the life of the world? How do we bring the Good News of life everlasting to those who are lonely, misguided, addicted or in need of a helping hand?   In addition, our parish is blessed with baptized candidates and new inquirers who meet on Tuesday evenings to develop their relationship with God and learn the teachings of the Church. A new inquirer who lives at Signature Healthcare needs transportation to Mass and to our Tuesday night sessions. If you could please help with transportation, please contact Rita at 812.232.8421, ext. 112 or at rita@stbenedictth.org. Thank you!

Save the Date for the THYM Welcome! We will be hosting a board Game Palooza on Sunday May 22nd from 12:30 to 2:30 at St. Pat’s gymnasium! Any 8th Grade student or high school student is welcome to attend! Our last coffee chat of the year will be 5/9 at 7am!

Theology Uncorked, Saturday, May 14, 6:30p at St. Patrick’s Moran Center.

Please note the dates for bulletin article submissions. Email your bulletin announcements to dee@stbenedictth.org. Bulletin for 3/13 due Noon March 4th: Bulletin for 3/20 due Noon March 11th

HOSPITALIZED? If you or someone in your family is hospitalized, please contact the parish office directly at St. Benedict Church to let us know you are there (812-232-8421) You should contact the hospital’s Chaplain’s Office to receive communion during your stay, however, please do not rely on the Chaplain’s office to let the parish know you are admitted.

There are lots of ways for you to get involved in our parish efforts toward justice, peace and integrity of creation! We need your ideas and input! Wednesday, November 17, 7:00p – Racial Justice Concerns group meets in Hellmann Hall. Helping Afghan Families Resettle – Our Global Solidarity Ambassadors are part of an interfaith conversation about helping resettle Afghan families, possibly in Terre Haute. To join the road trip or the conversation or for more information about any of these JPIC efforts, please contact Rita at rita@stbenedictth.org or at 812.232.8421, ext. 112.

Congratulations to the St. Benedict students being confirmed this weekend on Sunday, August 15th: Luna Rogers, Isabelle Miklozek, Lilly Jensen, Claire Jensen, William Kinne, Oliver Smith. Pray for them and for all young Catholics, that they may remain strong in their faith and take the message of the Gospel out into the world!

A bequest is a special way to express gratitude to God for a lifetime of blessings!  The ability to make gifts is a good reason to have a will because it allows your legacy to live on and reflect your personal values. Your bequest to the parish is not assessed and 100% will be received by the parish.  In addition, your gift reduces assets and may save your loved ones tax expense.  Actual wording in your will should be determined by you and your attorney, so contact a qualified estate planning attorney to help you ensure that your loved ones are cared for and your bequests are honored.

Our responsibility to Mother Earth continues.  When we educate ourselves about climate change and realize what is happening around the world it is somewhat overwhelming but we are not in this alone.  We see corporations and individuals working throughout the world to help create a more sustainable environment.  How are you immersing yourself and your family into this movement of caring for God’s creation?  Using a phrase we hear a lot today, “Together we can do this!”  You can google “Catholicclimatecovenant.org or “careofcreation. org” for more information.  

Simply, text “app” to 88202 to download the App. Once installed, select St. Benedict Church as your parish, and access is complete.