St. Nicholas O'Fallon

Another successful VBS week in the books! Our program is only possible because of the many people who share their time, talents, and treasures. We are so grateful to all who generously support our ministries. Thank you!

Don't forget to drop off your items for St. Vincent de Paul this week! ❤️

Our drop-off lane will be open to make donating quick and convenient. Please enter using the entrance closest to Cherry Street and 3rd Street. The drop-off lane will operate as a one-way entrance only, so we ask that everyone follow the designated traffic pattern for the safety of our volunteers and families.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping support those in need through St. Vincent de Paul. Every donation makes a difference! 🩵🛍️🙏

As members of the Metro East Vicariate, we are all invited to attend Mass with Bishop Godfrey at Immaculate Conception Church - Columbia, Illinois on Thursday, June 18 at 6pm!

Meet our new bishop at a special Mass of Thanksgiving at 6pm on Thursday, June 18. A light reception will follow. We are delighted to welcome Bishop Godfrey and the clergy and parishioners from the Metro East Vicariate (our location within the Diocese of Belleville).

Welcome to new parishioners: Nicholas, Evangelina, Jolene, and Margaux Hess! We hope St. Nicholas feels like home and are so happy you're part of our community.

Ushers are parishioners who provide assistance to others during the Mass. They help people find available seats, take up and secure the collection, and assist in emergencies. We always welcome more parishioners in this ministry. All who are interested in learning more may contact the office at 618-632-1797 or email Karen at [email protected].

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a religious formation program for children ages 3 to 12. Based on Montessori teaching principles, it seeks to create and facilitate a sacred “hands-on” environment for children called an atrium, in which both the children and the catechist can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Christian faith as revealed in Scriptures and Liturgy.

Saint Nicholas will be offering Level I Catechist Formation starting in September. The Level I atrium serves children ages 3 to 6. Formation for catechists involves approximately 100 hours of Adult Reflections, Level I Presentations and Album Page assistance. The participants who complete the course will receive certification for Level I from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Even though CGS Formation is a gift you give yourself first, please also consider attending to help us continue to meet the spiritual needs of our youngest Saint Nicholas parishioners. While some participants may feel challenged by the time commitment in the beginning, most will begin to see it as a monthly retreat that accompanies them in the growth of their prayer life and celebration of the Eucharist, leading to a richer understanding of our faith traditions.

For more information, please contact Martie Rheaume at [email protected].

4 days, 120 students, and 30 volunteers... VBS 2026 is complete! We celebrated today by attending Mass together and then playing water games. We had such a great time together this week! Thank you to everyone who made VBS possible, especially those who shared their time and talents with our students! Have a wonderful summer, and save the dates for next year - June 7-10, 2027!

Day 3 of VBS - we were excited to be outside but even happier to cool off inside! Today, we learned the music for Mass tomorrow (Hope to see you there - 930am in the church) and posed together to show our group names. Lots of laughter and games, new friendships growing, and an even better understanding of baptism! One day left!

Day 2 of VBS was so much sunnier...and the colors of Creation bloomed all around us after that much needed rain! We got outside and around campus, and we decorated the patio with our group names: Lobsters, The Tigers, The Bananas, The Lime Green Prophets, God's Gaters, the 5th Ark, and Purple Angels. Our celebrity guest was Fr. Nick, who talked with us about the importance of our names and vocations. We are looking forward to another awesome day tomorrow!

When we picked the theme this year, we intended to invite our students to celebrate the waters of baptism... not the storms and downpours to drench us! We thanked God for the rain on behalf of farmers. 😄 Despite the weather, our first day of VBS rocked! Our volunteers and participants pivoted several times during the day to stay safe and (mostly?)dry. 😅 We're praying for a better weather day and more time outside tomorrow! 🙏