Click on the Links Below to Read About

Events in our Parish and Community

 

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

CURRENT EVENTS CALENDAR

REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS

NEWS AND INFORMATION

 

Please help Rachel Santos!

 

 

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

NEW EVENTS

 

One Minute Each Night

 

In WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people, and for peace. This had an amazing effect, as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in the United States. If you would like to participate, each evening at 8 PM (Central time), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, and citizens, and for PEACE IN THE WORLD.

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REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS

 

 

WANT TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST ABORTION? Sign the petition at www.grassfire.org to terminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood and other organizations who promote abortions.Want to take a stand against abortion? Sign the petition at www.grassfire.org to terminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood and other organizations who promote abortions.

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THE JOHN PAUL II STEM CELL RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
The John Paul II stem Cell Research Institute (JP2SRI) is a non-profit research institute whose mission is to advance research and education on stem cell research in a manner consistent with pro-life bioethics. The Institute strictly focuses on adult stem cell research and education. For more information, see the brochure at the back of the church or visit: www.jp2sri.org.

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PLEASE HELP RACHEL SANTOS!

 

I ask that parishioners from St. Mary's write a note to Senator Charles Grassley asking him to EXPEDITE immigration procedures for Cesar Santos-Adame, the husband of our secretary, Rachel Santos. Rachel has been living as a single mom with her young daughter and new son since mid-February and would like Cesar to be able to come home to his family! He is currently in Mexico awaiting the completion of the immigration process and was told he may have to be there until November of 2008. Please reference Cesar's case number in your letter:
CDJ 2005 790 483.

 

Senator Grassley's address is:
     Senator Charles Grassley
     135 Hart Senate Building
     Washington, D.C. 20510-1501

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Knights of Columbus Membership

 

Attention: All Catholic Gentelmen! Look in your mailbox for a letter from Father Ken inviting you to join Council 842. Call the Family Center (358-6469) or Council 842 (341-9097) for more information.

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Why Catholic?
Study of the Beatitudes

 

How do you form your moral conscience and how do you help your children form theirs? Consider joining a Why Cahtolic? group this fall or begin a study group of your own. In the first ssession, you will discuss the Beatitudes. Call St. Mary's office (337-4314) for study materials and more information.

 

Registration forms for the fall sessions will be out next weekend. Look for them in the parish bulletin or call St. Mary's office (337-4314).

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St.Mary's Adult Faith Formation

 

Sundays from 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

O'Keefe Hall, next door to the Newman Center

 

November 9th

Sacraments of Holy Matrimony
and Holy Orders

November 16th

Using the Catechism of the Catholic Church and
The Our Father (The Lord's Prayer)

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Preparation for First Reconciliation
and First Communion

 

Classes at St. Mary's for children in 2nd grade (and their parents) preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist will begin at the end of October. Letters listing all of the class dates will be mailed to those children registered at Regina or in one of the Religious Education programs. If your child is not in one of these classes, please call the parish office (337-4314).

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Initiation Sessions for Young People

 

We will soon begin our initiation sessions for young people; anyone first grade age or older who has not yet been baptized and any one who is eight years of age and older who has not yet received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. If you have a child or children in either of these categories, please call Sr. Agnes (337-4314). The first class will be on Wednesday November 12th at 6:00 PM in the parish hall.

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Join St. Mary's Adult or Children's Choir!

 

Do you like to sing? Would you like to share your gift with others? St. Mary's Choir would LOVE to have you! All adults and youth (grades 7-12) are welcome! Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, beginning September 3rd, in the balcony of the church. The choir sings both contemporary and traditional hymns of the Church. Come join in the fun!

 

St. Mary's Children's Choir, for children in grades K-6, will begin rehearsals Tuesday, October 28th, from 6-6:30 PM in the parish hall. There is no need to sign up. For more information, call Patti at 337-4314.

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STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

 

St. Mary's would like to invite you to explore opportunities to become involved in the life and activities of our parish. We have displays and information in the parish hall or you can follow our link to Ways to Get Involved at St. Mary's.

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STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

 

It's not too early to start planning your holiday shopping! This year, buy the present that gives in two ways. When you purchase certifcates from the SCRIP program, you receive a gift card equal to the pride paid AND St. Mary's Church earns cash rebates. You can get all your Christmas shopping done with just one stop at our srip table!

 

Attention grocery shoppers! Please remember to have plenty of Hy-Vee coupon books on hand. In addition to a $5 coupon redeemable with a $50 purchase, there are 50 other coupons worth over $80. St. Mary's SCRIP program makes $4 profit on each book sold! Fareway Stores, John's Grocery and LeReyna Supermarket also particpate in our program. So no matter where you do your shopping, support the vendors that give a portion of each sale to St. Mary's by first buying SCRIP gift certficates.

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Thanksgiving Volunteers Needed for Meals on Wheels

 

Share a warm and friendly smile on Thanksgiving Day. Meals on Wheels of Iowa City seeks interested persons to deliver meals to seniors in their homes. The delivery time requires approximately an hour on Thursday, November 27th. Delivery time is between 10:45 AM and noon. Drivers and substitute drivers are always needed for daily routes as well. Call Elizabeth Wallace at 356-5213 for more information.

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Help Families Pay for Catholic Education

 

As of October 22nd, the School Tuition Organization (STO) of Southeast Iowa has raised $135,400 of the $809,422 that is needed by December 31st. Of the money raised so far, $28,900 has been restricted to Regina.

 

Giving to STO can be a wise financial decision. In fact, one parent made a $2,500 contribution this year and plugged that number into last year's tax return to see what impact his gift had. He found that he saved $2,581 by contributing $2,500 to STO. He actually made money by giving it away. For more information, please contact Carol Trueg, Regina President, at 351-1415.

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BirthRight Needs Volunteers!

 

Each volunteer is asked to commit four to six hours per month. Training will be provided. Please call 338-8665 if you are interested in helping!

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St. Mary's
Neighborhood Liaison Program
Become a Liaison for your neighborhood!

 

The Family Life Commission would like to invite volunteers to serve as liaisons for our Neighborhood Liaison Program. Our goal with this program is to improve communication and foster a sense of community among our parishioners. There are many things happening in our dynamic and diverse parish. We want to keep you informed about events and invite you to get involved! Come find out what neighborhood you are in and see what the program is about! Please look for our display in the parish hall or click here for more information, or contact Natalie Robinson at (351-5630) or nlrobinson@mchsi.com).

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USHERS NEEDED!
for 5:10 PM and 11:00 AM Masses

 

We are still in need of ushers at the 5:10 PM and 11:00AM Masses. If you are interested in helping, please call the parish office at 337-4314.

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Music on Broadway

 

The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County are now accepting donations of new and used instruments for its Music on Broadway Program. The program provides access to instruments and lessons with professionals to underprivileged kids. Contact James Mims, coordinator, at 354-7989 for details.

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Habitat for Humanity
Pop Can Collection

 

A can collection box for Habitat for Humanity is located in the parish hall. You are encouraged to rinse and drop off any pop cans you may have. The five cent refund will help Habitat build new homes in our area.

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Help the Crisis Center Food Bank!

 

The Crisis Center Food Bank Needs Your Help! Due to increased demands on Food Bank resources, it has been challenging to address the rising need for basic essentials like food and diapers. At the current rate, the Food Bank will run out of diapers before the end of the year and the food shelves are nearly bare. The Food Bank regularly distributes to over 700 households per week with 80% of the food donated by local individuals, groups, and businesses. The Crisis Center hopes that while shopping for holiday groceries, you will purchase extra food items and diapers for those less fortunate and drop them off at the Crisis Center. Community members are also encouraged to make a monetary donation to the Crisis Center, to assist in providing the most basic items to families in need.

The Crisis Center has been helping residents of Johnson County over 37 years! It continues to respond immediately, effectively, and compassionately to those in need of assistance. We depend on the generosity of area individuals and businesses to continue its efforts in providing services to those who need it most. The Crisis Center is located at 1121 Gilbert Court in Iowa City. Donations can be taken from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact Dayna at 351-2726.

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Box Tops for Education

 

Thank you for collecting Campbell’s, Tyson Chicken, and Box Top labels for Regina! Please clip and return UPC’s off Campbell’s products to the collection basket in the parish hall. A complete listing of products included in the Campbell’s Labels for Education Program can be found at www.labelsforeducation.com, or call Vicki Holthaus (354-5954). Your collection efforts really do benefit the school!

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Youth Casserole Making

 

DO YOU LIKE TO COOK? On the Thursday before the third Friday of each month, join other youth from each high school and junior high as we collaborate together in St. Mary's parish hall and make four casseroles for the Free Lunch program. The casseroles created will be served the next day at the Free Lunch program. All youth are invited to participate!!
Our next "cooking class" will take place on Thursday, November 20th from 5:00 - 6:00 PM.

 

Free Lunch Servers are needed from 11:45AM - 1:00 PM on Friday, November 21st at the Wesley Center.

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Help Serve Free Lunch

 

Volunteers are needed to help serve the meal for the Free Lunch program, every third Friday of the month. Sign up sheets to bring food and to help serve, are posted in the church vestible prior to each Friday that St. Mary's will serve lunch. Please use the sign up sheets in the vestibule to contribute casseroles, salads, and desserts. Food may be brought to the parish hall on the prior Thursday evening between 7:00 and 8:30PM. Volunteers are also needed to serve the lunch. If you are interested in helping, please sign up next month!

St. Mary's will serve Free Lunch on Friday, Novembr 21st.

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Pantry Sunday

usually the 4th Sunday each month

 

The Crisis Center has been helping residents of Johnson County over 37 years! It continues to respond immediately, effectively, and compassionately to those in need of assistance. We depend on the generosity of area individuals and businesses to continue its efforts in providing services to those who need it most. We encourage parshioners to donate food items and diapers for those less fortunate. Community members are also encouraged to make a monetary donation to the Crisis Center, to assist in providing the most basic items to families in need. Donations can be brought to St. Mary's parish hall on Pantry Sunday, or can be taken directly to the Crisis Center from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Crisis Center is located at 1121 Gilbert Court in Iowa City. For more information, please contact Dayna at 351-2726.

 

We will have Pantry Sunday the weekend of November 22nd and 23rd. Below are the items that are usually the most needed.

  • Canned meats
  • Canned fruit (in its own juice)
  • Canned vegetables
  • Fruit Juice
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Potato and Rice Products
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Facial Tissue
  • Large Diapers (size 3 and 4)
  • Laundry Detergent
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Hamburg Inn Tithe Program

 

Hamburg Inn on N. Linn Street in Iowa City will donate 10% of your meal ticket to St. Mary's every time you dine! Just bring your Sunday bulletin to the Hamburg Inn and they will send St. Mary's a monthly check! This is Hamburg Inn's way of giving back to the community for the 60 years the community has supported this Iowa landmark.

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Regina Spirit Wear

 

Regina spirit wear is now available through Land's End! Choose from a variety of fleece, polo shirts, backpacks, and more. Visit www.landsend.com/school to see the huge selection. When ordering, please use our preferred school number 9001-1979-3, and then select the logo from the drop-down menu. A portion of every purchase will be donated to Regina.

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Bring Communion to
Homebound Parishioners

 

St. Mary's needs volunteers to bring Communion to parishioners who are unable to come to Mass for a variety of reasons. This ministry is very important and those who need it are very appreciative. Volunteers are called as needed. Some parishioners need Communion brought to them every week and some only for a week or two. If you are interested in helping, please call the parish office at 337-4314.

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NEWS AND INFORMATION

 

Iowa Catholic Conference (ICC) Newsletter

 

Bishop Amos, along with the other bishops of Iowa, encourage you to sign up for the Iowa Catholic Conference (ICC) newsletter. The ICC is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Iowa. The ICC educates Catholics on how to participate in the
political process and is an advocate at the Iowa legislature for policies that serve the common good. Go to www.iowacatholicconference.org and click on "Join the Network" to receive a newsletter and action alerts!
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Get the News in the Catholic Messenger!

 

Find out how the Diocese is moving ahead with reorganization as it emerges from bankruptcy and how the process affects you. Subscriptions to The Messenger are available in your envelope packets or you may call the office (337-4314).

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Annual PISA Sale of Holiday Items
November 1st - 19th

 

Annual Parents in Support of the Arts (PISA)
Wreath, Garland, Poinsettia and Butter Braid Sale

 

Wreath, Garland, Poinsettia, and Butter Braid Sale Proceeds will benefit the K-12 drama, music, band, journalism, speech, and visual arts programs. Order forms may be obtained at Regina or by going to the Regina website. Order forms must be returned by November 19th. Pick-up will be at Regina High School on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 AM to noon. For further information, contact Carol Lyon at 338-9290.

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Ornaments of St. Mary's Church
Saturday and Sunday
November 1st and 2nd,
8th and 9th, 15th and 16th

Sponsored by the
Catholic Daughters of America

 

Orders for beautiful glass ornaments featuring the St. Mary's Church will be taken before and after all of our Masses on the weekends of November 1,2 and 8,9 and 15,16. The cost is $10.

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Sacrament of the Sick
Saturday and Sunday, November 15th and 16th

 

On November 15th and 16th, the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated at each of our Masses. We will pray as a community for God's healing and strength.

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St. Mary's BIG Breakfast and Bake Sale
Sunday, November 16th

 

Come down to the parish hall from 8:00 AM to noon for a BIG pancake breakfast and bake sale!

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Thinking of the Priesthood Day
Saturday, November 15th
St. Stephen Student Center
Cedar Falls, Iowa

 

"Truly in our union to Christ and to the Virgin Mary we are nourished by that serenity and that faith of which we all have need, either for our apostolic work or for our personal existance" (Pope Benedict XVI)

 

This event begins at 10:00 AM and concludes at 5:00 PM with Mass and dinner following. Sponsored by the vocation offices of the four dioceses of Iowa, this day is for men, ages 17-45, who might be considering a vocation to the priesthood. This day will include informal presentations and discussions and sharing from vocation directors and seminarians. Fr. Jonathan Fassero from St. Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, IN will lead the discussions. For more information and to register contact Fr. Marty Goetz at 563-324-1912 Ext. 259 or goetz@davenportdiocese.org.

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Diocesan High School Youth Rally
Sunday, November 16th
at the Coralville Marriott

 

Alpha and Omega: Day by DayThe keynote speaker is Judy McDonald, a Catholic comedian who uses her off-beat stand-up style to glorify God. The day also includes breakout sessions, Mass with Bishop Amos, lunch, dinner, games, a dance, and much more! Permission slips are in the October SMART Newsletter or you may print one from www.davenportyouth.org.

High School Youth Rally Brochure

High School Youth Rally Flyer

High School Youth Rally Choir

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Regina Key Club
Annual Senior Citizen
Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 20th at Regina

 

Come for a gret meal and fellowship at the Regina Key Club's Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner at Regina! Bingo in the library begins at 10:00 AM and dinner will be served from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Pleae call the high school to make reservations (338-5436).

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The Catholic Messenger's
Annual Christmas Card Contest

Entries postmarked by
Thursday, November 21st

 

The children (grades K-6) of the Diocese of Davenport are invited to participate in our annual contest. Drawings should be done on white, 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper with colored pencil, crayon, markers or paints (no black and white drawings, please). Art should focus on the religious nature of Christmas. Please include your name, age, grade, address, school and parish on the back of the drawing. Messenger staff will judge on originality and the ability to convey the message of Christmas. Winning entries will be featured in the Christmas edition of The Messenger. Entries whould be postmarked by November 21st. Please send your entries to:

 

The Catholic Messenger

P.O. Box 460

Davenport, Iowa, 52805

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St. Mary's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 27th in the parish hall

 

Plan to join us for a gret meal and fellowship at St. Mary's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at 1:00 in the parish hall! This event happens because of the generosity of many volunteers. If you wish to donate a turkey, vegetables, salad desert, or if you are able to help set up, provide rides or deliver meals, call the parish office at 337-4314.

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Guard of the Advent Heart
New Melleray Abbey in Peosta

Friday, November 28th
through
Sunday, November 30th

 

Abbot Brendan Freeman will explore how this centuries-old monastic practice can be used by lay men and women who wish to deepen their Advent observances. Participants will also have the opportunity to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks, as well as enter into the silence and tranquility of the monastery for private meditation and reflection. Registration is $150, which includes room, meals and all retreat materials and handouts. The deadline for registration is November 24th. To register, call the guestmaster at (563) 588-2319 or visit www.newmelleray.org

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help Radio

KOUR-LP 92.7 FM

 

Have your heard about the Catholic radio station in our community? Turn your radio dial to 92.7 FM. This station is on the air 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For Catholic apologetics, faith sharing, faith-based advice and more, listen to or local Catholic radio station for porgrams from Vatican Radio, Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Catholic Answers, Ave Maria Radio, Relevant Radio and others! For more information, visit www.kourlp.org
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Holy Hour for Vocations
each Month

 

Join us on each Thursday that falls before the first Friday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Church for an hour of Adoration and prayer for vocatios.

Our next Holy Hour for Vocations will be Thursday, December 6th.

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Daily Rosary for Life
Monday - Friday, 11:40 AM

 

Please join other parishioners who attend daily Mass at St. Mary's in a Rosary for Life, beginning at 11:40 AM in the church, Monday through Friday, followed by the daily Mass at 12:10 PM.

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Legion of Mary
Sundays

 

Our local chapter of the Legion of Mary meets on Sundays at 4:00 PM in the parish hall.

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Widowed Divorced Separated
Mondays

 

Our Widowed Divorced Separated support group meets on Sundays at 7:30 PM in the parish hall.

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First Saturday Mass
First Saturday of each Month

 

The First Saturday Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM at St. Mary's church on the first Saturday of each month. The next First Saturday Mass will be on December 6th.

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Baptism Class

usually the 3rd Saturday each month

 

We have our baptism class, usually on the third Saturday of each month, to prepare parents who would like to have their new infant baptised during that month. Each class is at 9:30AM in the parish hall. Please call the parish office (337-4314) for information.

Our next Baptism Class will be held on Saturday, November 17th.

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Vietnamese Mass

one Sunday each month

 

St. Mary's celebrates one Mass each month in Vietnamese. The Vietnamese Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on the following Sundays:

     Nov 23rd
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Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Fridays at the Emma Goldman Clinic

 

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed at the Emma Goldman Clinic on Fridays at 12:50 PM. Everyone is welcome to participate in this prayer to end abortion.
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Monthly Free Blood Pressure Checks

Fourth Sunday of each month

 

On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Family Life Commission will be offering free blood pressure checks. This service will take place in the parish hall following the 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM Masses. If you are willing to help with this ministry, please call Barbara Shafer at 351-0415 or the parish office at 337-4314.

The next free blood pressure check will be offered on Sunday, November 23rd.
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Chapel of Perpetual Adoration

 

Here in Iowa City we have been blessed to have a Chapel of Perpetual Adoration since 1986. People are needed to spend one hour a week praying in the presence of the exposed Blessed Sacrament. Many spiritual blessings are waiting for those who are able to make the extra commitment to spend time with our Lord, who is exposed in a Monstrance 24 hours a day in the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration at St. Patrick’s in Iowa City. There are 168 hours in one week. Could you find it in your heart to give one of these hours back to God in the Chapel? To learn more or to sign-up for an hour, contact Janet Strand at 338-1863.
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Hope and Healing Ministries

 

Hope and Healing Ministries, a ministry of the Diocese of Davenport, offers healing retreats, toll-free hotline, and counseling referrals to those, including family members, who are struggling with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion or sexual abuse. Find the healing you seek. For more information, call 1-877-896-HOPE or 563-322-1684. You may also contact us by sending email to hopeandhealingministries@davenportdiocese.org
or by visiting www.davenportdiocese.org/HopeandHealing.
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Journeys in Faith Support Group

Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Newman Center

 

Please join us to explore how faith issues intersect with our academic mission at The University of Iowa. We meet each week for support, fun, and to learn. We come together to explore relevant current events, issues of faith and spirituality, world
religious, and topics of interest to the group. Students from all faith backgrounds are invited. For more information, call the parish office at 337-4314.

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Iowa City Young Catholics
(ICYC)

 

Iowa City Young Catholics (ICYC) meets the first and third Moday of each month at St. Thomas More Parish Center. For more information, call Sr. Laura at 338-0939 or Brenda Yuska at 239-0260. We welcome you to our group!

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Young Married and Engaged
Catholic Adults

 

Who: Any couple that is engaged or newly married.

What: To provide fellowship, friendship and support to young couples.

When: Events include monthly socials, faith sharing, community service opportunities and Mass attendance.

How: Activities are sent out through e-mail. To get on the mailing list, send an email to: icymeca@yahoo1.com

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A Perfect Gift of Love:

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend

 

Weekend Dates:

     February 13-15, 2009 in Cedar Falls

     May 29-31, 2009 in Dubuque

     Oct 16-18, 2009 (location to be determined)

  

Want to attend? Need more information?

 

Contact:

Roger and Marsha Luensmann

563-927-4352

Or visit www.iowa-wwme.org

 

Please register at least 6 weeks before the weekend that you want to attend.

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The Pilgrim Icon and Chalice

A Communal Devotion for Vocations

 

Answering the Call to Prayer

Began the week of June 18, 2006

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The Old Testament Trinity

Old Testament Trinity Icon

 

God appeared to Abraham and Sarah in the form of three travelers to personally promise them He would fulfill His covenant with the gift of Isaac (Gen. 18:1-15). Receiving this icon into your home is a chance to welcome the call of the Spirit with joy and openness, and to meditate upon the covenant the Father has made with us through Jesus, his only Son.

 

The Chalice

 

Pilgrim Chalice

 

This chalice was used by a priest of our Diocese who has passed away. It is a tangible reminder of the "cup of the new covenant ... For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Cor. 11:26). The outer figures in the icon form a chalice that contains the central figure, Jesus, given to us in the Eucharist.

 

The Pilgrim Icon and Chalice

 

What is it?

 

Starting the week of June 18th, St. Mary's will begin a continuous program of home prayer dedicated to helping people discern and answer God's call.

 

If you participate in this program of prayer, you will host two religious items in your home for a week and promise to pray a simple prayer for vocations each day they are there. A copy of the prayer will accompany the objects.

 

Who can participate?

 

Anyone! Young or old. Married or single. Rich or poor. All that's required is an openness to pray. We will bring the objects to your home, and we will pick them up a week later.

 

What can it accomplish?

 

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives and Christ gives us His Body and Blood through the Church. Praying for vocations to the priesthood, is asking (as we do in the Our Father) for our daily bread. Praying for vocations to the religious life is asking God to call more men and women to give their whole selves over to build up the Church and lead people to the Risen Lord. Prayer helps us to become a community of fertile ground so that the Spirit can bring forth much fruit!

 

If you would like to participate, please contact Caine an Ann Thomas at 688-0907.

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