Happy Father's Day to all the dads in our parishes! As we celebrate the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time this weekend, we also pray in a special way for all our fathers, living and deceased. May God's special blessings be upon them. In today's modern world, there is no greater need than for strong Christian men to lead our families in the ways of the Gospel.

This weekend, the parishioners of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph will have the opportunity to vote for three candidates for our Parish Council who will begin their three-year terms in September. The candidates are Theresa Holt, Patty Oatney, Sue Peterson, Sharon Scanlon, Jane Stucker, and Mary Wheaton. We thank our out-going Council members, Craig Chmidling, Ann Christoffersen, and Georgia Scanlon, as well as our Youth Representative, Charlie Phillips, for their service and dedication to the parish. The winners will be announced in next week's bulletin.

Many thanks to the Immaculate Conception Altar Society and recruited helpers for the fine picnic last Sunday for the June celebration of our 150th Jubilee Year! Both Monsignor Charles McGlinn and Monsignor Michael Mullen gave memorable talks and enjoyed being back at Immaculate Conception.

We have ordered more 150th Jubilee Rosaries of many varieties. They are currently available at the Parish Office for anyone who would like to purchase one. They make a lovely memento of this special year.

The Carmelites of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary will be gathering for our Provincial Chapter this week, June 19-24, in Darien, Illinois. Every three years, the men of the Province come together to discuss our future and to elect new leadership. Having served the past six years on our Provincial Council, I am not eligible for re-election and look forward to passing the responsibility on to someone else! Fr. Roy, Bro. David, Bro. Joseph, and myself will all be attending the Chapter. Fr. James White, SJ, from Kansas City, Kansas, will be celebrating our parish Masses this coming week.

Make plans now for attending our 4th Annual St. Joseph Parish Germanfest this coming Saturday, June 25. We will have a German Heritage Mass at 4:00p.m. at St. Joseph Church, followed by a great German dinner, served from 5:00-7:30p.m. The Deutschmeister Brass Band of St. Louis, Missouri, will be entertaining us with fine German music from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. The band is well-known throughout the St. Louis area, regularly playing at the annual St. Louis Strassenfest. They have performed for various events for the German Cultural Society and have traveled to Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati for performances! Now they can add Leavenworth to their list! Don't miss this great parish event! All proceeds will go toward the Kinzler Hall Kitchen Improvement Fund!

God Bless you always!