Good News LETTER

10^TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Newsletter brought to you by BOTCE;   Board of Total Catholic Education.
Articles or ideas for articles should be submitted to the
EDITOR; Kate  Geiger: EMAIL kgeier2 @juno.com.  
Visit our  web site stphilipky.org

Marching along
By: Fr. Roger P. Cooney
An army marches on its stomach. Interestingly enough it was Napoleon Bonaparte who was credited with coining this line or at least popularizing it. The Church, from time to time, asks herself the same questionwhat is it marching on? And to bring the question closer to home, what is St. Philips marching on? Well, hopefully everyone in the area has enough to eat, but what else does this local church march on? Is there an underlying principle, or better yet, an underlying reality that gives the parish its character and sense of mission? Think for a moment about the volume of committee work, fund-raising ventures, volunteer work on the physical plant, teaching,  to mention but a few.
   Many longtime parishioners make a good point by saying that St. Philips church, school, outreach programs and offering people a place to gather, have been mainstays in the local community for nearly one hundred years. People take heart and feel supported with the constancy, consistency and commitment of a local parish.
   Who/What sustains all this? Sometimes the things that are assumed need to be brought out into the openmaybe to be rediscovered or at least brought before peoples eyes to challenge them and to encourage them to look at basics. The reality in question is our God, who under girds everything we are and have at St. Philips church and school. Advent for all people of faith is a time for reflection, reflection on the presence of God in our midst, a presence that parish and school in their prayer and work hope to promote.
   May we all find in these waning days of autumn and the beginning of winter the presence of God alive and well in our parish, and that we recommit ourselves to what the parish and school are here for, namely promoting Gods intereststhe Kingdom of God in our midst.
 

FROM THE PRINCIPALS DESK
By Sr. Dolores Gohs
   St. Philip has welcomed our new teachers:  Sister Dolores, Principal; Patricia Cummins, grades 1&2, and Mrs. Amy Schoultheis, gym.  We are all adjusted to the new surroundings. 
   We have an Honors Program this year: First Honors All A's , Second Honors All A's and B's,         
Saint Philip Honors No D's or F's .You must have A's or B's in conduct and application.  No negative checkmarks or excessive absenteeism
Student of the Week program this year : Students are picked randomly and a certificate sent home.  Their picture and interests are displayed on the Cafeteria bulletin board.  Parents can eat with them for lunch.
Thanks to PTC in collaboration with a grant from the Sisters of Divine Providence, we were able to purchase new spellers to replace the outdated worksheets we had been using.  The series chosen by the teachers is based on the latest research, and includes writing and other skills as an integral part of the program. 
Seventh and Eighth Grade News:  Eighth graders are working on Right-to-Life essays, and seventh graders on a contest from Maryknoll, Is It Possible to Love Your Enemies? 
    David Webster and Marissa Stegel won the Reader's Digest Word Power Challenge and are entered in the contest with students from around the country.   
   Susan Geiger attended a Writer's Workshop at Northern Kentucky University, with middle and high students from area schools.  Seventh and eighth graders have completed their own storybook.  Hopefully, we can enter some in competition.
     Julie Geiger will represent our school at the Junior National Youth Leadership Council in Washington, D.C. in the spring.
    Karah Webster and Daniel Schultz  represented our school at the Diocese and Catholic Social Services Leadership Training.   
    We also have a team in training, thanks to Mike Feinauer, for the Math Counts Competition in the spring.
   Our seventh and eighth graders also experienced a Bridge Building Competition with Mike Bezold from the Kentucky Dept. of Transportation.  Aaron Dennis built the strongest bridge, Miranda Hammons, Sean Brune and Kyle Fuchs.
Visits to area high schools:  Our eighth graders visited Brossart on November 6^th.  Four students visited NCCH on October 22^nd.  Entrance exams are coming soon. 
OCEA Convention:  Teachers at Saint Philip visited the OCEA (Ohio Catholic Education Association) Convention in Cincinnati on September 26^th.  The two- day event features nationally known speakers and workshops on every aspect of education.  Teachers came back with loads of ideas, samples, and the inspiration to try new and different things in the classroom and to learn what works best and pays off in education.   PTC paid our way.
Halloween:  We celebrated Halloween with treats, but began the day with an all-school Mass.  The petitions of the mass were accompanied by the hollowing out of a pumpkin with appropriate prayers for each part.  For example, when the student removed the eyes, the prayer was about "seeing" the good in others; when removing the mouth, the prayer was about "smiling" at and appreciating our neighbors; removing the seeds, we prayed to be rid of the seeds of selfishness.  After each petition, we prayed "Hollow me out, Lord."  It was impressive way to put a spiritual twist on a secular custom.
   Upper grade teachers are meeting periodically at Brossart with other Catholic school personnel from Campbell County to align the curriculum more completely, so there is consistency and no duplication of  textbooks, trade books, and curriculum  at the high school level.  We are trying to develop consistent curriculum in our area Catholic schools, so that one does not have an advantage over the other, and that students moving from one school to another do not miss out in certain areas.
   Its advent Pal time.   We will have our usual cards for classmates but this year we will also be collecting toothpaste, soap and personal items for Sister Ruths pantry for the poor in West Virginia. A collection box will be in the library.
KINDERGARTEN                                              
By:  Mrs. Wendy Nienaber
   The Kindergarten is off to a great year.  The Students have come eager to learn. We have a class of 10 students: Bradley Brown, Dawn Cropenbaker, Tyler Futscher, Taylor Mardis, Cole Miller, Hogan Oldiges, Kassi Parker, Emily Schultz, Logan Schultz, and Jonathan Twehues.
 We have learned about:
 How our body works,
Who Christopher Columbus was,
 Why leaves change colors,
 What makes the seasons change, 
When to be quiet and listen to each other.
    Well, actually we are still working on that last one, but the children are eager to learn.
   Soon we will be studying about the Pilgrims and Native Americans, creating new works of art, and learning more about this wonderful world we are blessed with.

KINDERGARTEN GRANT                   
   St.  Philip kindergarten is receiving a grant from the Diocesan Annual Appeal for $2,500.00.  Our first class just graduated from high school this May. Kindergarten was in much need of replacing many books and resources which were purchased when we started 13 years ago.  We also needed to update an ever-changing curriculum.  With the funds from the diocese we will be in great shape to make a great kindergarten even better.
   Many thanks to the Diocese and to all who contribute to the Annual Appeal to make this possible.
FUN IN THE FIRST/SECOND GRADE
By: Tricia Cummins
   What a great opportunity to share with everyone what is going on in the First and Second grade this year!  I want to thank the students, parents, and especially Sister Dolores for making this a wonderful first year for me.
  I am truly amazed with this bunch of students.  We have been able to accomplish so much this year through cooperation in the classroom and support of our parents. 
   I especially would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Debbie Feinauer for volunteering in the first grade twice a week, without her,  much of this would have never been possible.
   So far this year, our first and second grade scientists have experimented with water purification, filtration, and effects of wind and air.  In Social Studies, we learned about communities and even constructed a model community ourselves.  While studying government leaders and how they are elected the first week of November, we held a class election complete with a voting booth, campaign signs, and speeches.  Both first and second graders did a wonderful job!
   We are also participating in an international correspondence exchange.   Our class is sending a Character from a book we all read around the country and world in order to learn about other places.  It has been so exciting receiving letters, e-mails, and faxes from all over the world. 
   Recently, Firefighter Paul Hehman visited our class to explore fire safety with the students.  Mr. Hehman discussed with the students what to do in the event of a fire emergency and gave students a first hand opportunity to learn about and explore a real fire truck.
   Second grade students are preparing for First Reconciliation on Dec 11^t..  After a successful parent meeting in October, students have been learning about forgiveness and the importance of reconciliation in our everyday lives. 
   Have you visited the first grade website?  Our ten first graders have their own web pages complete with samples of their work.  Please visit our site and read under Newsletters for the latest information on the happenings in the first and second grades.

3^rd & 4^th GRADE
Mrs. Jennifer Dee
   Happy Holidays from the 3rd and 4th grade. We have been busy this year. We have read and discussed several literature books, reviewed and studied our addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts, and have learned about predicating the weather. We have completed our first project in Social Studies, which involved the New England States. We are getting ready to start our next project on the Middle Atlantic States. We also will be teaming up with the 5th and 6th grade while both classes study the Rain Forest.
   In October,  we had a blast at Tall Stacks.  We played many games that children our age played during colonization.  We look forward to going to the Taft and seeing the Children's Theater perform.  They did an awesome job performing the play Tom Sawyer, which we saw at Tall Stacks.

5^th & 6^th GRADE
By:  Jennifer Twehues
   The 5th and 6th graders have been hard at work this year.  We have learned about many famous artists and their works such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.  We even painted our own Mona Lisa and a religious scene like the Sistine chapel.
   We enjoyed our fall field trip to Tall Stacks.  There we met Abe Lincoln and Mark Twain.  We also learned about Boyd's Bed and how sausage is made.
We are currently finishing a unit in Science in which we learned about the water purification system, generators and turbines and how sneakers are made.  We even made our own glop that was like rubber.
   We are looking forward to the rest of the year.  Please check out our website at stphilipky.org for more about whats happening in our classroom.

WEB CLASS
By:  Pam Wagner
   I hope everyone who is able will visit St. Philips web site and take a look at what our school children are doing with some of their spare time.  They have been working hard to get the school portion of the site up and running and I think they are doing a great job.
   Adults who help students:  Pat Geiger, Ralph Cooper, Jennifer Twehues, Sr. Dolores and Pam Wagner.

 COMPUTERS
By: Pam Wagner
   The computer lab at St. Philip is up and running thanks to Pat Geiger, who took some computers we received from Bishop Brossart and our computers and put together a little better workable computer than the ones we had.  Our computers are about 5 years old and many of them are beginning to fail.  So thanks to Pat, we may be able to get another year or so out of them.

 SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS PREPARE FOR CONFIRMATION
By:  Tina  Verst
    Have you noticed our St. Philip Junior High students volunteering to help the community lately?  They are working hard to prepare for their Confirmation, which will take place in April of 2004.     
   The students are working toward a goal of at least 40 hours of community service each. This is one way that they can learn how important it is to become a full member of the adult Christian community. The students are also busy thinking about who to choose as a sponsor. They recently received letters from their schoolmates in the fifth and sixth grades asking questions about the sacrament. They were able to respond to the letters about the service hours, who will be their sponsor, the Bishop who will come in April and the other preparation that they are working on as well as prayer. The class started at the beginning of the year talking about the Holy Spirit and the gifts that are given by the Holy Spirit and will continue to prepare until the April Confirmation date. If you have community service activities that you think some of the students might be interested in please contact one of the students, Mrs. Verst or the school office.

WALK FOR LIFE
   The seventh and eighth graders once again asked relatives to pledge money for what has become an annual fundraiser for the New hope Center.  They walk down at Pendery Park and this year the students raised more money than ever before, over $500.00.  Great job kids and thanks to Donna Woeste for organizing this event, which gives the students the chance to help as well as become more aware of  the Right to Life issues.  The center is a place where pregnant girls can go for help as an option over abortion. You can send donations to The New Hope Center 3027 Dixie Hwy Building A Suite 109 Edgewood, Ky. 41017.

FUND RAISERS
By: Sr. Helen Louise
   Our fundraising is coming along quite well.  The following is an explanation of what we are doing.
Plastic bags from Krogers and Meijers We received a check for $200.00.  We send in a box of plastic bags - practically two a month. 
 Our General Mills Box Tops is progressing well.  Every two weeks the box tops are collected from the classrooms.  The children put their names on the back of each one. These box tops are counted for each room and then put into a general box of which we pick two names out. The winners get to pick out a stuffed animal. At the end of October a box of 2000 box tops and 355 bonus points were sent into General Mills.  From this submission we should receive a small check for approximately $230.00. On the grocery receipt from Krogers, the number of bonus box tops your order submitted is printed.  The bottom part where the box tops is printed can be sent in and we can use them for bonus points.
   Box tops can also be received by shopping on-line. Start at boxtops4education.com. Youll  find your favorite online stores. Up to 10% of each qualifying purchase is donated to the designated store.
Box Tops also has a Box tops for education Visa Card.  The designated school earns a full 1% on every purchase made with the Box Tops visa card.  There is no annual fee and a low APR. 
Meijer Community Rewards are also part of our fundraiser.  If you do not have a card for Meijer's, please let the school know.  We have some cards by which you can get a guest card.  In order to get a guest card you need to have the organization number of our school, which is 395429 . Every month the school receives a check from Meijer's as a percentage of each purchase totals.
We recently received a check for $80.95, It varies each month as to the amount received. These checks even though they seem like small amounts, help pay for various things.   Tyson Project A+.  When we receive 50 labels, we can send them in. Each label is worth 24 cents cash. I haven't sent many of these in since it takes a while for us to collect 50 labels.
Campbell Soup Labels   are also saved.  We haven't sent any labels in this year.  We will send them in before the end of this school year as we save the labels for something worthwhile.
Empty Computer Cartridges are also saved. When we get a good supply of them, we get in touch with the company and they send a representative out to pick them up.
So you can see, we are quite busy with saving various things.  If you are not sure if we save any item, just give us a call.                                           
 TRASH TO TREASURE::   So far these are the totals gleaned from a collection of various and sundry items:

(We have not received our first check for Boxtops for Education yet.  It should be about $200.00)
Other funds collected were:  

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
By:   Kevin Rumker
   The parish council is currently working on a parish survey, which will be distributed, to the parish sometime in January. This survey is to provide parish council with information, so that the parish may grow to better serve its parishioners and community. Please take time to fill out the surveys and return them as soon as possible, we will be looking forward to your returned surveys. Parish council currently has seven members, Pres. Kevin Rumker, V. Pres. Diana Hartig, Sec. Jennifer Twehues, Steve Hartig, Connie Cropenbaker, Henry Johnson and Paul Hehman. This April, Parish council will be holding election to fill two male positions. Kevin Rumkers term will expire and we need to fill another male vacant position as well as to fill one vacant female position.
      Please give thought to running for one of the above positions. There are six meetings held throughout the year and they normally last about an hour to an hour and a half. Parish Council wishes to extend to all a blessed and safe holiday.

 NEWSLETTER
By Kate Geiger  
   Ten years ago, our newsletter was born.  The idea came as a suggestion from BOTCE member Ralph Cooper.  As it usually works around here its your suggestionyou chair it.  In this case, Mr. Cooper became the editor writer and printer.  The earliest copy I have is spring/ summer 1993.
   Fellow BOTCE member, Lynn Studer then took over the task for about 3 years until she moved to another parish.
   We didnt want Ralphs idea to drop, so I think March of 1997, Pam Wagner helped me to format the newsletters since I had very little computer skills. She still answers my cries for help when I get into trouble.
  Sr. Ruth and I had been saving issues of Newsletters over the years.  We both had missed a few but together we have all the issues.  Pat Geiger has graciously scanned all these newsletters and put them into the archives of our web site. Log on when you get the chance and see what weve done in the past 10 years at St Philip.
   I also wish to take this opportunity to thank John Garlich for his help with getting the Newsletters printed.  He personally does whatever needs to be done to print, assemble, staple and distribute our newsletters for the past nine years. 
FESTIVAL REPORT
Many thanks for another job well done.

BOTCE
Alan Straman
   We always need to add funds to the Norbert Frilling Education Fund, which provides assistance to families who need help with tuition.  This year, on Aug. 16^th  we had a car wash at WalMart. We hadnt quite made $1,000 so a couple in the parish donated the money to make the even $1,000.  Walmart should match this amount. We also held a pancake breakfast on Aug. 24^th in the Parish Center after Mass.
   We made $2,900.00 on the inner-school raffle with St. Joes Camp Spring.
   We have a spaghetti dinner scheduled for Jan. 25^th. We need a great turnout since it will be held in the Parish Center. We also have Catholic Schools Week with Open House scheduled for Wed. Jan. 28^th.
    The Bengals games are a great fundraiser.  Parish members, not just school parents work the games.  It takes a good crew of at least 25 people. They work a good 8 hours shift.  It is work but it is also fun and it is one way that money doesnt come out of our pockets or our neighbors by buying chances etc.  Bengals money is becoming vital to our parish and school operation.
  We still have 8 more game monies to go into the account.  We have $16,780.10 on hand in the account to be used for any emergency or unusual expenses.  We are waiting for the furnaces to go.
   We used the Bengal Concession stand money initially for the Parish Center stage.  Here are some other purchases:
 

 COMBINED SCHOOL RAFFLE
Or Inner school raffle.
     Whatever you call it, its the one we sell tickets with St. Joes Camp Springs and share the profit.  One $10.00 ticket gives the winner a whole year of chances to win.
     2004 Raffle tickets are available now.  The first drawing will be Jan 25, 2004. Please try to sell these tickets.  We just received  $2,900.00 as our part of the raffle with St. Joes Camp Springs 2003.  The more we sell, the more profit our parish earns.

 2003 School Raffle Winners:
 3 each mo. @ $200-$75-$50
Nov 2002 Ryan Collins, Ed Collins, Rosemary Henderson
Dec 2002 Tom Verst, Jacob and Marie Heeb, Joyce Feinauer
January 2003 Dana & Marena Eglian, Helen Emerson, Mick Minshall
Feb 2003 Vickie Cutherell, Catherine Gindele, Brandon Scheper
March 2003 Dave Otto, The Frilling Boys, Margie Reinert
April 2003 The Riddle Family, Roman Enzweiler, Larry & Denise Schack
May 2003 Rosemary Henderson, Lynn Mowery, Roman Enzweiler
June 2003 Frank & Theresa Higdon, Gary Bree, George & Gina Csordas
July 2003 Paul See, Diane Dillon, E.R. Collins
August 2003 Theresa Kremer, Irene Doering, Roman Enzweiler
September 2003 Sally Anderson, Chris Gindele, Renny & Gerald Bezold
October 2003 Chuck Hehman, Charlotte Walsh, Sue Gries

ST PHILIP SENIOR GROUP
    The group has been busy.  They went on their first bus trip to Keeneland Oct. 8^th and had a great time.
     They had a special hat day.  A contest for  the funniest, prettiest etc.  Elmer Ruschman brought a hat for his sister Vi to wear.  She all ready had a hat so Elmer put it on and wouldnt you know - he won the contest.
PTC
By Jill Fessler
   Benton Clift is president, Shelly Braun is vice president, Jill Fessler is Secretary and Brenda Steelman is Treasurer.
Thanks to Theresa Brugger for organizing room mothers for the classrooms and collecting County market receipts.  For every $1,000 in receipts, St. Philip will receive $10
  We had our PIP participation incentive plan drawing held.  Each member is given a chance for every meeting they attend.  Congratulations to Micki Doyle and Jill Fessler.  They each won $100 towards school tuition.
 This summer PTC paid for the cafeteria paint. Thanks to Brenda Steelman for making curtain valances for the hall.
PTC paid for new window shades in the hall.
This fall we gave 7 teachers $50.00 start-up money to help with classroom supplies for the beginning of school for a total of $350.00.
 We provided our annual first day of school snack for the children.
Nov 2^nd  was the Turkey Raffle and the profit is estimated at $3,300.00.  Thanks to all for their help.
Paid $450.00 for our teachers to attend the OCEA convention.
 Paid additional monies for chaperones to attend the plays this year.
Paid for new spelling books $2,800. less the $1,500.00 grant from St. Anns Convent
We will work two of the Bengals games and earn the profit. Sept 21^st. and Dec. 28^th.
Looking to buy new Religion books in 2004.
 Stagette scheduled Feb. 8^th.

 PTC MARKET DAY
By:  Melissa Hurd
    Id like to familiarize with the program.   Market Day is our schools monthly fundraising program that provides restaurant quality foods for your family at a value while returning a percentage of the purchase price to our school.   Last school year we earned approximately $1,375.00 with this program.  Market Day products carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  You can order products online at www.marketday.com.  The Internet does offer discontinued products and online only clearance products that are not offered on the paper form.
   I encourage you to try Market day.  On the pick up days, stop inwe often have free samples and extra items you can buy on the spot.

BOOSTERS
The Boosters are never idle.  This fall we had a dance in the parish center to help with start up cash to pay the electric bill until rentals can bring in more income. Thanks to Jill and Larry Twehues for chairing this project.
   Basketball players have new red uniforms.
Thanks to John Fessler for building and installing doors for under the stage to conceal the tables and chairs.
   The big project on hand is getting the bleachers refurbished and set up in the parish center.  Men of the parish went up to the old Campbell County High School this summer and were allowed to haul away all the bleachers we wanted. They were being removed for updated replacement bleachers.  We have such a knack for acquiring good used stuff.
   November 8 was Night at the Races and there was a great crowd in the Parish hall again. Boosters also paid for a First aid Course as part of our PE Program at school and bought the equipment.

ALL SOULS DAY MASS
  Once again on November 2 at the 11:00 Mass, we remembered our dearly departed.  The year goes by too quickly and takes very special people from our parish family and friends.   A family member of each deceased person was given a name candle.  Family members were also part of the liturgical team by distributing programs, lecturing, and Eucharistic ministers etc.  It is always a very sentimental service. Thanks to Ann Wright for playing the organ music. Here is the list of those who have died since the last All Souls day service:

St. Vincent de Paul
By: John Schwer
  This time of the year is a busy time, not only for us and other parish Organizations, but also for you and your families.
   During the month of November we had our annual clothing drive which was very successful.  We also had our annual collection of cash and food donations at the Thanksgiving Mass, which, thanks to all of you, was also very successful.  Contributions of food, clothing and cash go a long way in assisting many families in our area.  We also provided families with Thanksgiving dinner.
   In December we help numerous families at Christmas with gifts and Christmas dinner.
   During the year our Conference provides families in our area with food, clothing, utilities, and other services.
   All the members of St. Philips St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and generosity.  We would also like to wish you a happy and joyous Holiday Season. 
   Our annual conference report from 10/1/ 2002 9/30/2003 was recently attached to the bulletin.  Following is a recap of our activities:
 

SESQUIFEST

   Sept 7 was an old-fashioned church picnic celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the diocese.  The four-hour family celebration included childrens games and activities, music, dancing, food, 43 booths and 11 events.   As part of the celebration, schools decorated benches and had them on display at the festivities.  St. Philip had a bench there thanks to Ben and Jennifer Twehues.  Since the cold weather has arrived it is in the hall in school.  There is a drawing of our school and the names of each student on it.

APPRECIATION FROM THE WORSHIP COMMITTEE
By: Bonnie Lackey
   On Tuesday, November 11, the Worship Committee hosted an appreciation dinner for all of those in ministry for the parish.  Fr. Cooney and members of the Worship Committee thanked all who had given of their time to serve in the numerous ministries. These include: Eucharistic Ministers; Lectors; Choir members; Greeters; and others that impact the liturgical service.  
   A special tribute was given to Pam Wagner for her many years of service not only on the Worship Committee, but for the parish as well.  Pam has been instrumental in the preparation of many of the special liturgies, such as the All Souls Mass, just held earlier this month.  Pams dedication and perseverance made the computer room a dream come true for our parish.   A successful Girl Scout program at St. Philip was also due to Pams continued commitment as a leader.
   For the last two years Pam also developed and implemented the Vacation Bible School program for the parish.  Because of this, our parish and neighborhood youth have been given the opportunity to grow more in their faith over the summer.  Pam exemplifies the word stewardship.         
  The Worship Committee is constantly striving to bring more meaningful liturgies to the parish.  This year a special 4^th of July Mass and Labor Day Mass were held to highlight the meaning of faith and freedom to our community.  Another special mass is planned for the Immaculate Conception on December 8.   Stay tune for more information to be shared in the bulletin in the weeks ahead. 
   If you should have any ideas concerning the liturgies, please contact a member of the Worship Committee.  We are always pleased to get ideas and feedback from the parish.  
   Sunday September 28 was the Sunday Liturgy to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  Participation in this opportunity for more graces was very good.
Labor Day Mass has become an annual event for some.  Those who attended were treated to cake and coffee and juice in the cafeteria afterwards. Hopefully more parishioners will attend next year.

 ST.PHILIPS WOMENS RETREAT
By: Joni Geiger
  St. Philips had their annual womens retreat on the weekend of Oct.3-5^th.
Mrs. Pam Wagner is our coordinator for this event. We had 3 people to attend from St. Philips, Pam Wagner, Joni Geiger, and Pams sister-in-law.
There were several other churches there, St. Paul, St. Barbaras to name a few. We met a lot of interesting and fun women.
The theme was women of the bible and our retreat master was Sr. Ruth Kettman CSJ .
   We read stories about women in Jesus time and compared them to our time.
Sr. Ruth gave us a lot of quiet time to reflect, talk to God, or just rest if that was what you needed. She had us go on a medicine walk, which was very interesting.  I think everyone enjoyed the weekend.
   I would like to ask the women of St. Philips parish to please consider going on retreat next year. It is usually the first weekend in Oct. I think if you just go once, youll want to come back. If nothing else you get away for a weekend and you dont have to cook or clean up. Its great!
     So please think about doing this for yourself and consider going next year. It would be nice to have a good showing from St. Philips Parish.

 ALTAR SOCIETY NEWS
By Theresa Frilling
   Here it is December 2003 and Thanksgiving is all ready over.  We would like to thank every one who donated decorations for the Sanctuary; everything was beautiful and so full of color. Thanks to those who made the Church look so gorgeous.  We are in full swing trying to get things together for our annual Altar Society Christmas Raffle.   This will take place at our December 4^th Meeting.  Membership is open to any parishioner who would like to join us.  We will begin our meeting at 7:00 P.M.  The names of winners for the Christmas Raffle will be chosen and will be called out after a short meeting.  Then we will have our annual Christmas Party and Christmas Bingo for our members.
   We are grateful to all our members for all their help with the Annual Christmas Raffle; we are selling tickets and gathering prizes.  We have at least 30 or more prizes all prizes are worth at least $10.00 most are worth more.
   We use the Memorial Ribbons to purchase flowers for the different Holidays celebrated throughout the year and other items needed in Church.
   Last Year with the help of the Memorial Ribbons we were able to purchase vinyl for the kneelers.  We would like to extend an invitation to everyone to make a donation of $10.00.  The Altar Society will gladly place the names of the person or persons you designate on a red velvet ribbon and display the ribbon in church. If the donation is received before Dec. 12, 2003 the ribbons will be displayed for Christmas 2003 and Easter 2004 in the back of church and some along the windows.  Gerri Cunnigan is in charge of this project.  Forms are in the vestibules of Church these can be dropped into the Collection Baskets in church or at the Rectory. If you have any questions about this feel free to contact Gerri at 859-441-2909.
   A big Thank You to all for all your help. Life is so much better when we work together. May God bless all the Parishioners and Their Loved Ones this Christmas Season.

 BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
By: Theresa Frilling
   On January 31,2004 from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. there will be a Retreat for Grieving Persons. Presented by: The National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved at The Community of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Cincinnati Ohio, 45249.
   The persons who will feature the retreat are: Kathleen Cassini & Ken Czillinger.  Some of the Parishioners attended a retreat at this church given by the same people, a few years ago.  It was very well presented and helpful. For more information please contact Fr. Cooney or Theresa Frilling. There will be more Information in the Bulletin about this in December and in January.
   The Bereavement Committee would like to thank everyone for the help with the Funerals we have provided for in the last year. Everyone  who sang at the funerals, anyone who has been a Special Minister or did Readings, made food,  or prayed for the families, you have all helped more than you may ever know.
   Anyone who has time and would like to be a Special Minister or do the readings, please let us know.
   If you are new in the parish or not so new, and would like to join our helpers just phone Theresa Frilling 635-3849, Dee Schroeder 441-4721, Mary McGrath 781-6991, or Marsha Gerhardstein 635-8843 and let them know.  The Lord will reward all kind deeds. A few parishioners have asked if they were still on our list. If any one has a question about this, please phone and we will check our records.
   If anyone would like to know more about the Bereavement Committee (Christian Concerns Committee) Please give one of the above persons a call, or talk to Fr. Cooney.

 AN UNSUSPECTING SPOKE IN THE WHEEL
By: Theresa Brugger
   Did you ever get a notion in your head and it just would not leave until you acted on it?  Well, that is what happened in April of this year to me. As we all know, with the completion and opening of the Parish Center, there now seems the daunting task of taking on more specific and detailed tasks within the Center itself.  Whether it is acquiring much needed kitchen equipment or finishing off the conference rooms or installing bleachers, they are all necessary steps to making our Parish Center complete.  Several months ago, I approached Fr. Cooney about the need for a podium in the Parish Center.  Remember that notion I mentioned earlier: well, I got this crazy idea about asking my father-in-law to make a podium for the stage. Not knowing what his response to my request might be, I felt like I went out on a limb on this one.  Its called living a little dangerously, and yet wanting to stay in my father-in-laws graces at the same time.  I e-mailed my request.  Shortly thereafter, he responded.  A favorable response, I might add.  He did caution me that it might take him a bit longer to complete the job since he is a retired fellow, a mere 86 years old. Before, long details were ironed out and the work of constructing a new podium began.  Attention was paid to every detail along the way, noting every preference and concern.  Then, on August 24, 2003, the constructor personally delivered the finished product.  Take a peek the next time you are in the Parish Center.  Note how well it was constructed. My father-in-law usually referred to as Bud, lives with his wife, Agnes in Springfield, Ohio (some 100 miles away).  They are vital members of their own parish, St. Teresa.  They have been devoted sacristians for some 22 years.  Who would have thought that an already busy and talented man would be able to come through for us?  Boy, did he!    
   Thanks for taking on the challenge ,Bud, and doing such a great job.  Oh yeah! I stole the phrase spoke in the wheel from Fr. Cooney.  We are all in this together trying to give glory and honor to God and making His presence felt in this world: an example of stewardship personified.

 THANKSGIVING ECUMENICAL SERVICE 2003
   As usual the service was held on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving. This year it was hosted by the First Baptist Church in Silver Grove.
Our parish was well represented at the services.  Rev. Matt Neace gave Scripture and prayer and the opening welcome.  Peggy Baldridge provided organ music with hymns performed by the First Baptist Church choir.  The children of their church provided a Thanksgiving Nic-Nacs puppet play.
The evening was reflective and spiritual with observations and brief devotional talks from Father Cooney of St. Philip, Dr. Sander, from Melbourne Methodist, Sister Kevin from St. Joes Camp Springs and Rev. Garber from St. John Lutheran.  We were all reminded of the purpose of the upcoming holiday and what we should be thankful for and to whom we need to give thanks.  We were all grateful for the fellowship of cakes and pie and beverages, which we gobbled up afterwards in their fellowship hall and for the wonderful hospitality displayed, by the congregation members of the First Baptist Church.

FAMILY NIGHT

By: Judy Garlich
   The second Saturday in September has been set-aside for Family Night at St.Philip.  This evening started with Mass at the Hilda V. Futscher Pavilion.  There was a sense of "closeness" experienced by those who attended, even though we don't all fit under the shelter itself.  The natural surroundings enhance the liturgy.
   After Mass, a catered meal was provided. Thanks to the Boosters for picking up the tab for food and drinks after each family and single adult gives a donation.   The children enjoyed the rest of the evening by playing.  Adults relaxed while gazing upon the almost manicured grassy areas, including the Butterfly Garden.

PACK 495
By: Jerry Brugger
Congratulations to the following scouts who received their Religious Scouting Award from Bishop Roger Foys:
Steven Geiger received Parvuli Dei.
Bailey Riley and Owen Boschert received Light of Christ.
The ceremony was Sunday November 2^nd at the Cathedral in Covington.
   Popcorn sales were excellent this year, topping $3000.  One third of the money supports our Pack activities, one third supports the district and camps, and the final third goes to pay for the popcorn.  Congratulations to all of the scouts for being such great salesmen.  Special thanks to Judy Joering for being our Popcorn chairman this year.  A job well done!
   Welcome to our newest Tiger Cub, Noah Prodoehl.  Noah and his family are members of St. Joseph Camp Springs.
   Cub Winter Day at Cub Adventure World is scheduled for Sunday December 14th.  We are looking forward to a fun filled day of outdoor winter activities.
   The Rain gutter Regatta race was held on Thursday November 20^th, at the Parish Center.  Each boy built his own model sailboat and competed for trophies.  All had a great time.  There were many close finishes.  Everyone did an excellent job building and racing his boats.
   What's next?  Our Christmas Party is scheduled for December 18^th, where we will enjoy skits, games and good food.  Pinewood Derby kits will be passed out for the big race on January 22^nd.  We also have Den meetings scheduled for December 4^th, and January 8^th.
   If you have a uniform that is taking up closet space, please consider donating it to the pack.  Contact Jerry or Theresa Brugger at 635-6080.

Recycle News
By: Theresa Frilling
  Here we are at the end of another year. We will try to make one last run to the recycling place within the next couple of weeks.    
  The blue barrels have been taken away from Ryan Field except for one. They will be placed there again in spring.
   So far this year we have gathered enough aluminum cans to help St. Philip's earn $129.00.  Thank you to all who have helped to make this possible and especially to all who helped keep the garbage out of the aluminum cans.  It made recycling so much easier. 
   We will continue to collect aluminum cans so please keep saving them and drop them off in the container by the cafeteria dock at school or in the receptacle at the Parish Center side door. Please try to keep all garbage out of them.  If more people would recycle we could earn more money.
   Thanks again to all for your help. Ill let you know the final total for the year when we get the rest up to the collection place.
BISHOP BROSSART DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Ron Heiert, Director
Mr. Sandfoss Retires: August 29^th  was the last day of service to BBHS. He has been the  custodian since 1983.  We will miss your jokes.  God bless you with many years of healthy retirement.
We welcome back Mr. Juan Aviles for his 3^rd year of service as our Annual Appeal Chairperson for 2003-04.
Our goal this year is to raise$105,000 with and increase of donors to 550.  We look forward to presenting our Phase IV plan to Bishop Foys after completing our feasibility study. 
Thank you for supporting our Turkey Raffle.  Over $6,700 was raised for BBHS.
Night in New York was a great success on Sat. Nov. 15^th , tickets were sold out with 440 guests in attendance. 60 students and 30 adult volunteers helped transform the gym into a spectacular event worthy of the name, Night in New York.
VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE on November 11 welcomed three local Army Reserve members from the 478^th Engineering Batalion form the Ft Thomas unit who recently returned from Iraq. The guests requested the visit to school to present an official letter of appreciation for the hundreds of letters our students wrote to the troops.
Congratulations go to St. Philip Alumni who were honored on November 6
 Stacey Woeste was inducted into the National Beta Club
 Emma Feinauer was inducted into the National Honor Society
Chris Farris was inducted into the Societe Honoraire de Francais
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Congrats to Stacey Woeste another fine year with softball and cross-country.
Congrats to Michael Doyle a great year with baseball
Congrats to Amy Gerhardstein for a fine year in soccer.
 to Renee Geiger participating in the dance team on Green and White night
Benton Clift   working on Student Council.

BBHS FALL SPORTS RESULTS:
Boys Cross Country Region Runner-up 3<sup>rd</sup> Place state
Girls Cross Country 3<sup>rd</sup> Place Region and 3<sup>rd</sup> Place state
Boys Golf Region Runner-up 12-2
Girls Golf 8<sup>th</sup> Place Region 15-2
Girls volleyball District champions 15-13
Boys Soccer District runner-up 13-7
Girls soccer District semifinals 5-13
189 district 8<sup>th</sup> graders visit BBHS Nov 5 & 6.
Entrance exam will be Dec 13
New Years Day Bingo will be a smoke free bingo on Thursday doors open at noon.  Bingo at 1:00 $15 all you can play paper game.
$1,000 jackpot with 150 patrons.

 FOURTH ANNUAL MICHAEL C. NELTNER SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING.
   Sept 21 was this years scheduled event.
Another successful one.  The event began at 3:00PM and included a cookout, major raffle and door prizes.  Four partial scholarships are awarded annually to BBHS students from the proceeds of this benefit.
     Jimmy Frilling was awarded one of the scholarships this past year. Congratulations Jim.

 My Journey Home
By:  Theresa Brugger
   For the past 3 years, I have been participating in the ride of a lifetime. Yes, it is a good old-fashioned bike ride. And there are no motors on the bike. My legs are what drive me. Might not sound too lofty. But consider a few facts first. This particular ride lasts 7 days and covers 500 miles. You might be thinking, why would anyone in their right mind do such a thing? That leads me to the other driving force besides my legs. The cause is Habitat for Humanity.   Cyclists from all over the country join together to raise awareness and funds for this non-profit organization dedicated to building homes and creating home ownership opportunities for low-income families. Families who are eligible to participate must invest 500 hours of labor to the home they hope to purchase and/or to other families' homes being built.  Habitat then sells them the home at a "no profit with a no interest mortgage. It's a "hands up" approach to helping families break out of poverty. Each cyclist must raise a minimum of $750.00 to ride. In the 3 years I have ridden the Habitat 500, you as loyal sponsors have helped me raise over $6,539.00 for the Northern KY affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Over $220,000.00 has been raised cumulatively from the 128 riders this year.  It is also worth noting that 14 different states were represented this year and 14 family combinations participating (i.e. Mother/daughter, father/son, etc.). I have been the only Kentuckian riding for the past 3 years.  Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota has hosted this ride for 2 years now. Witnessing the completion of the 1000<sup>th</sup> home being built in Minnesota was also a hallmark for this year's ride. I also got to go through the Judy Garland Museum and her home in Grand Rapids, MN during our off time.  The following is a breakdown of our day-to-day journey this year:
July 13   Duluth, MN to Moose Lake- 59.1 mi.
July 14  Moose Lake to Brainerd 87.5 miles.
July 15   Brainerd to Walker 68.5 miles.
July 16  Walker to Grand Rapids 101.1 miles.
July 17  Grand Rapids to Virginia   58.2 miles
July 18  Virginia to Lake Superior   79.8 mi.
July 19  Lake Superior to Duluth     38 miles.

   I need to mention here how my involvement in the Habitat 500 came to be. A fellow cyclist, Angie, has been my inspiration.  She told me about this ride several years ago. We had been riding on another ride at the time. Angie's determination, resilience and physical stamina were all attracting features to me. Not to mention the fact that her personality was and still is magnetic. Angie was 67 years old when she went on her first Habitat 500 ride. Her latest year to ride was in 2000. Had it not been for Angie I would have probably not discovered this ride.  She offered a fairly detailed description of the ride and the logistics of what I would need to do and bring.  It all sparked my interest. One thing led to another and before long I found myself on an airplane heading for Wisconsin  (2001) with my bike all boxed up and checked in for luggage. I wondered what I was doing as Jerry and the kids saw me off. I knew no one at my destination point in Wisconsin. I merely had the name of the person who was going to pick me up at the airport. Needless to say, that was then and this is now. Three years later and 3 rides under my belt, I have made countless friends in the Wisconsin/Minnesota area. Many are repeat riders. But each year brings new faces, new sights to see, more homes to be built and greater awareness for this "hands-up" approach to breaking out of poverty.
   So, are there challenges to be met on this journey home? You bet. And yes, they are within the grasp of the human condition.  Just ask the other 128 riders who finished with me. One person in particular met the challenge head on. Little did I know at the beginning of the week that I would meet it with him.   Four days into the ride I noticed a fellow cyclist, Mike, sagging with the VISTA worker from rest stop to rest stop. I inquired as to why he was not riding. I was told he had no one to ride with that day.  Did I tell you yet? Mike is blind.  He has his own tandem, but obviously needs a captain to ride in the front. Having ridden our tandem with Jerry, I knew what to expect there.  What I was not prepared for was the challenges that lie ahead on this particular day, day 6 of the ride.  Mike and I agreed to ride 26.5 miles to the first rest stop and see how things were going before committing to any additional miles. We ended up riding 83 miles that day. We started at 6:30 AM and finished at 5:30 PM. It was a challenge for both of us.  Mike liked to take frequent stops (almost every 5 miles).  He also weighed at least 100 pounds more than I do. Still, it was almost more of a psychological challenge for me. When we arrived at Lake Superior, it was all put in perspective for me. I would have given anything for Mike to see that sight, if only for just a moment.  I learned a lot that day and it had little to do with biking.  Mike had his own challenges to face and he has done so quite boldly for the past 5 years since his first Habitat 500 ride.
   Why do I call this my journey home?  I am not from Minnesota. That much is true.  To me, this is a challenge and a journey into the unknown. And yet it is all about building homes and helping to make home ownership a reality for low- income families.  This is just my way of contributing. Countless few have been as blessed as I have been.  Taking this journey home is such a small step in the great big scheme of things.  I need to mention here the supportive role my husband, Jerry has played in all of this.  He takes a week's vacation from his job as a mechanical engineer to be at home with the kids. He supports my sometimes-crazy ideas and he appreciates the value in endeavors such as this.
   By the way, next year's ride is already on my calendar (July 11-17, 2004). Want more information? Visit their website at:  www.habitat500.org .  You won't regret it.

 PARISH CENTERS ANONYMOUS GIFT
By:   Kate Geiger
   New furniture and final touches are continuously being added to the parish center.
   I recently was surprised when I dropped my son off for basketball practice in the gym.  In the foyer is a fine new wall decoration.  I had wondered what would adorn that space.  A wall display of sports trophies would surely take over this prominent area. 
  Then in an instance the message rang home to me.  Remember this really is not just a gym.  This is a Parish Center.  What a perfect way to remind parish members and visitors entering the building the main reason for the building. The person who should always be the center of our lives here at St. Philip. Jesus the Christ our savior and redeemer.
   If you enter the Great Hall, you cannot miss the wooden crucifix centered on the hallway wall.  It is the gift of a parish member who wishes to remain anonymous.  You know who you are and I thank you on behalf of the parish for your insight and generosity.

LABOR DAY- LAWNMOWER RACE
By: Jill Twehues
   On Labor Day, the summer campers at the Roost in Ross, KY held their second annual Lawnmower Race.  The race is part of the festivities that is held at the end of the summer.  The race is sponsored by Roost Schemes International.  The contestants must be a resident of the Roost and must mow their own grass.  In the race, they must drive a stock tractor that is capable of mowing grass.  Strategies to win are planned all summer long.  The riders do work on their tractor in secret.  One of the contestants even added sirens and strobe lights for special effects. 
   The first year of the race included nine contestants.  The first place winner was Jack Garlich and in second was Gene Joering.  This year there were seven Randy Kroger, Gene Joering, Uncle Dave Shotwell, Doug Siegmundt, Jack Garlich, John Garlich and Bill Kraft. 
    Before the race, the National Anthem was sung by Ashley Seiter.  Each driver wore a special racing suit.  The course was a figure eight.  The race began with a Reverse Lemans Start.  This meant that from the starting line the drivers had to run across the course, start their engines, back out onto the course and maneuver through the other drivers to begin the first lap.  Each rider must complete 10 laps around.  There were official counters to keep track of the laps.  In the pit area, each rider was required to consume three, sixteen-ounce beverages.  They could make up to three pit stops to fulfill the drinking requirement.  Pit crews were on hand to help.  In the middle of the race two tractors dropped out due to mechanical problems.  One broke a belt and the other engine started smoking. 
    The smallest tractor on the field driven by John Garlich managed to win the race.  In second place was Gene Joering.  The first place trophy is a steering wheel that is passed on from one year to the next.  The second place trophy was a beer mug cookie jar.  From one year to the next, the winner of the race retains all bragging rights.  
           A large crowd of people assembled to watch the race.  Each of the nine Roost campers always invites their family and friends to come to the Labor Day celebration.  After the race everyone eats at their own camps.  Later in the evening, everyone gathers again to watch a spectacular display of fireworks.  
   The evening concluded with a midnight re-match of the first years first and second place winners, Jack and Gene, respectively.  The course was tough as it was damp and only illuminated by car headlights.  The first place tractor won again.

A STROLL DOWN LOVERS LANE- LOWER EIGHT MILE 60 YEARS AGO.
By Jim Kremer
   On a Sunday afternoon in August of 1943, Mildred and her two sisters Edna and Marcella were walking down Lower Eight Mile Road from their fathers farm and was located at what is now Yung Farm Estates.  A car approached and stopped. The driver, Benny Heck and passenger, Elmer Kremer asked the girls if they needed a ride to their destination.  Accepting the offer, Mildred could not have realized she was just meeting her future husband Elmer Kremer.  They went to Midway, a local pub for a soft drink. 
   As they talked over the soft drink, they began sipping the drink of love that lasts a lifetime.  When they left the pub, sisters Edna and Marcella climbed into the backseat, Elmer quickly maneuvered to put the seat back so Mildred had to sit next to him in the front seat.  This first date came to an end as they dropped Mildred and her sisters safely at home.  Elmer wasted no time asking Mildred on a second date before he left her driveway.
   The following Wednesday night, Elmer picked up Mildred for their first official date.  They returned to Midway for another soft drink.  They resumed conversation and realized they had much in common.  They decided another date was what they both wanted.
   They continued dating even though Elmer was drafted into the Army in December 1943. They corresponded regularly while he was gone and saw each other only while Elmer was granted leave.  In October 1944, Elmer was honorably discharged.  The following Easter, Elmer proposed to Mildred.  She accepted and they were married in August of 1946 at St. Joes in Camp Springs.
They had two children.   Louise was born in 1948 and Jim in 1949.  They have one grandchild, Amber, who lives with her husband in Florida near her mother Louise.
  Elmer and Mildred lived in Ross for some time and have resided on Eight Mile Road for the past 34 years.  This location is very near the spot where they met when Mildred and her sisters strolled down Lower Eight mile some 60 years ago.
    In August, Mildred and Elmer celebrated their 57<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary.
Sound like an idea for a soft drink commercial? Its the real thing.