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Current Events in our Parish and Community

(this page is updated weekly)

 

 

 

 

BISHOP AMOS URGES CATHOLICS TO TAKE ACTION NOW!

 

 

 

THINGS TO NOTE

 

DAY BY DAY EVENTS CALENDAR
(click here to see events listed by date; updated weekly)

 

 

 

 

 

DENTAL MINISTRY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

 

A local mission group is looking for dentists to join them in their annual medical mission trip to help the rural poor of El Salvador. The date is set for March 24-30, 2012. For more information contact Tony Bedard at 319-361-8671 or email Tony.Bedard@Frontiercoop.com.

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Fatima and Spain Pilgrimage

 

Join us November 6th - 16th, 2012, to see some of the holiest and most beautiful sites in all of Spain and Portugal. Visit Fatima and Lisbon in Portugal; Madrid, Avila, Barcelona, Montserrat and more in Spain. Mass each day in great Churches and Cathedrals. The cost is $2,579 with departure from Omaha. For a brochure and more information, contact:

 

Fr. Dan Guenther

Immaculate Conception Parish

1212 Morningside Ave.

Sioux City, Iowa 51106

 

or call 712-276-4821 or email frdanic@cableone.net

 

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BE INVOLVED!

The Iowa Catholic Conference encourages Catholics to participate in the political process and is an advocate at the state legislature for the common good and public policies that respect the human person from conception to natural death. There is still time to join Catholics throughout Iowa in bringing the richness of the Church's social teaching to elected representatives. To receive regular updates and action alerts from the Iowa Catholic Conference click on Join the Network at www.iowacatholicconference.org. You can also like the Conference on Facebook or follow it on Twitter @iowacatholicconf.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 

A volunteer (or two or three!) is needed to tidy the pews after the 11:30 AM Mass. This is a great opportunity for a family to use the stewardship gifts! Please call the parish office if you are interested in doing this on a regular basis (337-4314).

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FUN CONTEST FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN 4TH - 12TH GRADE

 

Catholic Daughters Court Craigie #94 Iowa City is having an education contest open to boys and girls in 4th through 12th grade. The choice of categories is: art, essay, poetry, computer art, music, and photography. The them is either Planting Seeds of Faith OR Inspiring Others to Grow. The deadline for submissions is February 6th. You might be the one to win! Entry form packets and additional information are in the back of the church, or call Sue Squires at 621-3233.

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CATHOLIC MESSENGER ESSAY CONTEST FOR 9TH - 12TH GRADE

 

High school students in grades 9-12 in the Diocese of Davenport are invited to participate in a vocations essay contest sponsored by The Catholic Messenger, Serra Club and Diocesan Vocations Office. Contestants will write a 500-word essay that answers the question: How is the witness of priesthood, diaconate and religious life relevant in the world today?

 

The essays, which are due Feb. 24, will be judged on originality, clarity of thought and grammar usage. Entries must include:

          first and last name

          age

          grade

          home address

          school (public or private with town name where it is located)

          parish (name and city).

Any information omitted could be grounds for disqualification.

Entries may be sent by U.S. Postal service, but must be postmarked by Feb. 24. Entries may be emailed to arland-fye@davenportdiocese.org or mailed to

 

          The Catholic Messenger

          in care of Vocations Essay Contest

          780 W. Central Park Ave.

          Davenport, IA 52804

 

The winner and runner up will have their essays published in The Catholic Messenger. Both individuals will also be treated to lunch with Bishop Martin Amos, Vocations Director Father Thom Hennen and Catholic Messenger Editor Barb Arland-Fye. In addition, the winner will receive a Kindle reader!

 

Any questions, feel free to contact anyone at The Catholic Messenger.

 

          The Catholic Messenger

          780 W. Central Park Ave.

          Davenport, IA 52804

          Direct line: (563) 888-4247

          Toll free in Iowa: (866) 843-9959

 

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DEFEND LIFE!

 

Visit US Catholic Bishops On Healthcare Reform

 

Sign the Manhattan Declaration

 

Visit Priests for Life

 

 

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2011-2012 MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN MONTHLY PROGRAMS

 

 

 

CATHOLIC MESSENGER ESSAY CONTEST FOR 9TH - 12TH GRADE

 

 

 

CALENDAR

 

  • 24 hours, 365 days PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL
  • Coming in March CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKENDS
  • Watch for our next: FAIR TRADE SALE
  • February 9: Kindergarten Round-Up at Regina Elementary!
  • February 10: Regina's Taste of Gala
  • February 10-12 & March 30-April 1: WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS
  • February 11: MOYC February Kids Activity
  • February 12: ANNUAL CHILI SUPPER WITH THE IOWA WOMEN'S BB TEAM
  • February 12: St. Mary's of Riverside Annual Pancake Breakfast
  • February 14: Lovers Rosary and Dinner for 3rd and 4th Degree Knights and their spouses
  • February 16: EVENING IN THE EAST
  • February 16: Youth Casserole Making
  • February 17: Help with Free Lunch!
  • February 18: Girl Scout Cookies!
  • February 18: Baptism Class
  • February 18-20: TEC: Teens Encounter Christ
  • February 25,26: Pantry Sunday
  • February 26: GREAT ADVENTURE Bible Study for Teens
  • February 26: Monthly free blood pressure checks
  • February 26: GREAT ADVENTURE Bible Study for Teens
  • March 1: Holy Hour for Vocations
  • March 3: First Saturday Mass
  • March 3: KCANS for Life!
  • March 25: 2012 DIOCESAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH RALLY Register by March 11!

     

     

    Perpetual Adoration Chapel

    24 hours, 365 days a year

    St. Patrick's Church

     

    Are you aware that we have a 24 hour Adoration Chapel here in Iowa City? It is located at St. Patrick's Church. A good place to share a time of Advent prayer and reflection is at the Adoration Chapel at St. Patrick's. Walk-ins are welcome during the day. Call Janet Strand for more information (338-1863) about filling a regular time-slot.

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    Jeff Cavins Bible Study

    for Jr. High Students

    One Sunday each month

     

    Come join other junior high youth to study scripture in a fun and exciting way! Pizza and drinks will be provided! When and Where? One Sunday each month in St. Mary's Parish hall.

     

    The next Bible Study will be on February 26th from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the parish hall.

     

    Upcoming dates are:

    December 18th

    January 29th

    February 26th

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    Do You Know Someone?

     

    The Church is in need of dedicated, capable and holy priests. If you know a young man who, in your opinion, would make a good priest, please send his name and address to Father John.

     

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    DO YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE IN THE MILITARY?

     

     

    St. Mary's Family Life Commission wishes to identify parish members and their loved ones who are currently serving our country in military service. Plans are underway to include them in a prayer ministry and support them in other ways. Please call the parish office to submit your loved one's name and location of service. Photos can also be submitted. Contact Sister Agnes for more information (337-4314).

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    Are You in Need of Low Gluten Altar Bread?

     

     

    Low Gluten Altar Breads Less than 0.01% gluten content hosts are available for parish members whose health needs require low gluten altar breads.

     

    Individuals in need of this type of host should come to the sacristy before Mass (the area in the northwest corner of the church behind Mary's side altar, at the left). Let the sacristan know that you need this host. The sacristan will place the host in a pyx and then place the pyx on the paten from which the priest will distribute Communion.

     

    When you come forward for Communion, you will need to come forward in the line that will receive Communion from the priest. You may need to request that the priest give you the low gluten host from the pyx.

     

    Questions about low gluten hosts can be directed to the parish office (337-4314).

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    Check the Savings with St. Mary's SCRIP!

     

     

    How about remembering St. Mary's when you shop, without spending more money than you usually budget? For example, if every registered parishioner bought a $25 Fareway card once a month, St. Mary's would net $7,650 for the year. Since we all buy groceries, this is a win-win situation for you and St. Mary's budget. Please consider buying scrip for your daily needs (gas, groceries, clothes, entertainment, and more). Stop by the scrip table after Mass and talk with our volunteers. Since you know you are going to be buying some of these items, why not help your parish financially without digging any deeper into your bank account?

     

     

    CRS Fair Trade Program at St. Mary's

    Saturday December 10th, before and after the 5:30 Mass

    Sunday, December 11th, 8:30 AM - 11:15 PM

     

     

    Fair trade builds right relationships between buyers and sellers that are rooted in the principles of dignity and solidarity. Fair trade: respects human dignity, promotes common good, empowers disadvantaged people, connects us with the people who create the things we buy, and cultivates global solidarity. The CRS Fair Trade Program helps us make choices that have the power to lift our brothers and sisters out of poverty.

    • To make a difference in the lives of artisans and farmers worldwide
    • So parents in Nepal may send their children to school
    • So women in Denver, CO may become self sufficient
    • So families of all faiths in India may maintain their dignity

    Watch the bulletin for dates for the next Fair Trade Sale

    Available items: coffee, chocolate, soup, salsa and cornbread mix.

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    NEW SPACE FOR HANDICAP SEATING

     

     

    Two pews at the front of the west side aisle have been removed to provide an open space for those who use mechanical chairs, walkers or other devices that prevent sitting in the pews. In providing this space, it is our desire to offer our handicapped parishioners an option for seating within our assembly, other than the open space at the back of the church. People who accompany those in mechanical chairs, etc. are welcome to make use of the front bench seat at the head of the west side aisle.

     

    NOTE: For some of you, there is a concern about leaving promptly at the end of Mass to catch the SEATS bus. Please don't hesitate to sit in the new handicapped seating area at the front of the church. It is perfectly acceptable for you to move to the back of the church after you have received Communion so that you can then get out to meet the SEATS bus promptly after the end of Mass.

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    THIRD EDITION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL

     

    Did you know that the Roman Missal is being revised? The Roman Missal contains the texts and rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, as officially approved by the Holy See. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops have created a we site to provide information about the new translation. You can find a link to the USCCB web site and other information here

     

    Below is a statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, taken from their Parish Guide to Implementing the Roman Missal Third Edition, which offers us some perspective on the New Missal and our reception of the New Missal as Catholics and parish members.

     

    One of the priority goals of the bishops' pastoral plan is to prepare for the implementation of the Roman Missal. It is easy to see this goal's close relationship to the plan's theme (Deepen Faith, Nurture Hope, Celebrate Life). Preparing for the Roman Missal is not simply a matter of buying new books and learning to recite and sing revised texts. It is an opportunity to examine and renew our celebration and understanding of the Eucharistic Liturgy that stands at the heart of Christian life.

     

    The revised translation of the Liturgy will deepen faith by using words and images that draw on the Church's rich theological Tradition. It will nurture Christian hope for the day when we may celebrate the wedding feast of the Lamb at the table of the Lord in heaven. It will celebrate the boundless love of God, shown most profoundly in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ, celebrated and made present in the Eucharistic Liturgy. This period of implementation offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Liturgy, nurture liturgical practices that will lead to fuller liturgical participation, and celebrate the Liturgy with renewed purpose.

     

    ... Implementing the revised text is not a rejection of the last forty (or four hundred) years of liturgical practice. It is an opportunity for deeper understanding, greater attention to words and gestures, and more intentional participation. The renewed Liturgy will help form disciples who live in communion with God and each other—disciples who live a Christian life.

     

    Implementing the Roman Missal requires a period of catechesis for the whole parish community. It will not be enough for the priests to practice the revised prayer texts and the choir to learn revised musical settings. Every member of the parish should understand not only the content of the changes (the revised prayer texts) but also the reasons underlying these changes. Only then will this implementation bring us closer to the goal stated by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council: the "full, conscious, and active participation" of all the faithful in the liturgical action (SC, no. 14)

     

    ... For the faithful, liturgical participation is grounded in Baptism. Conformed to Christ in this sacrament, the faithful "share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1268). Furthermore, full, conscious, and active liturgical participation means living the great commandment given to us by the Lord: "you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind:" (Mt 22:37). Participation in the Liturgy with all our heart, mind, and soul is the goal to which we should aspire so that, united with Christ in the Holy Spirit, we may make an acceptable sacrifice to the Father.

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    Kindergarten Round-Up at Regina Elementary

    Thursday, February 9th

     

    Round-Up for students attending Kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year will take place on Thursday, February 9th, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Students must be 5 years old on or before September 15th of the school year that they will attend Kindergarten. If you are interested in registering for Kindergarten, please contact us at 337-5739 so we may get you on the list. Give your child the gift of a faith-filled school experience!

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    Regina's Taste of Gala

    Friday, February 10th, 7:00 PM

    Iowa City Sheraton's Main Ballroom

    Join us for drinks, appetizers and a wonderful silent auction!

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    WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS

     

    Friday - Sunday, February 10th - 12th

    Cedar Falls

     

    Friday - Sunday, March 30th - April 1st

    Cedar Rapids

     

    St. Paul talks about the fact that married couples have to deal with the anxieties of the world. Sometimes those stresses can have a negative impact on our marriages. Get away from all those worldly anxieties and take time to just focus on each other by making a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next two weekends are in Cedar Falls, Iowa Feb. 10-12, 2012 and March 30-April 1 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. To register or for more information contact Roger and Marsha Luensmann at 563-927-4352. Visit www.iowa-wwme.org.

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    MOYC February Kids Activity

    Saturday, February 11th

     

    Iowa City Mothers of Young Children (MYOC) members: Join friends and make new ones at the February kids activity, Saturday February 11th from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Parish Hall. Kids will decorate Valentine cookies and make a simple craft. MYOC will also collect diapers (larger sizes and pull-ups), diaper wipes and miscellaneous personal hygiene items (e.g. toothpaste, soap, etc.) for its philanthropic charity, the Christian Culture Community, at the event. R.S.V.P. to Michelle Moore by Monday, February 6th at michelle@vividcommunications.net with the number of kids attending. MYOC is an organization for Iowa City Catholic moms with children kindergarten age or younger.

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    St. Mary's of Riverside

    Annual Pancake Breakfast

    Sunday, February 12th

     

    Join us from 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM for all you can eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. Adult tickets are $6 and children's tickets are $3.

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    ANNUAL CHILI SUPPER WITH THE IOWA WOMEN'S BB TEAM

    Sunday, February 12th

     

    LET'S GO HAWKS!

     

    It's that time again!

     

    Let's cheer on the Iowa Women's Basketball team and then join them for chili in the parish hall!

     

    Iowa vs. Michigan State

    Sunday Feb. 12th

    Game time is 2:00 PM at Carver Hawkeye Arena

    Chili will be served at 5:30 PM in St. Mary's Parish Hall.

     

    We hope you are able to attend both the game and the supper, but at least we want you to join the basketball team for supper. This year we are extending a special invitation to our neighbors at First United Methodist Church to join us. So encourage your friends to hopefully celebrate a victory with us!

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    Lover's Rosary and Dinner

    Tuesday, February 14th

    St. Patrick's

     

    All 3rd and 4th Degree Knights and their spouses are invited. The Rosary will start promptly at 6:00 PM in the main chapel. Couples will be asked to join in a marriage vow renewal. A catered dinner will follow in the social hall. Dinner is $20/person. Call 331-6763 for tickets.

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    EVENING IN THE EAST

    Thursday, February 16th

    Old Brick church

     

    St. Raphael Orthodox Church of Iowa City is hosting their 4th Annual Evening in the East event on Thursday, February 16th at the Old Brick church (26 E. Market St.). Doors open at 5:45 PM. This annual fund raising event will include food and drink featuring home cooked savory appetizers and sweet desserts from America, Greece, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Russia and Georgia. Proceeds will benefit the St. Raphael Church Building Fund. The main highlight of the evening will be a recital and lecture titled, Lizst and the Cross: Music as Sacrament in the B Minor Sonata by Dr. Paul Barnes, the Hixson-Lied Professor of Piano at the University of Nebraska Lincoln School of Music. In his performance and talk, Dr. Barnes will explore the intersection of Christian theology of the Cross of Christ with this great piece by Hungarian composer Franz Lizst. Tickets will be sold at the door the evening of the event. Ticket prices are $30 (adults), $15 (students), $65 (families). Call St. Raphael Church at 319-337-6784 for more information.

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    Girl Scout Cookies

    weekend of February 18th

     

    Regina Daisy Scout Troop #5054 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies on the weekend of February 18th after all of St. Mary's Masses. Cookies are $3.50 per box and will be available for cash and carry. Your support of this troup will allow them to attend horseback riding camp among other things!

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    TEC: Teens Encounter Christ

    Saturday - Monday, February 18th - 20th

    St. Ann's Parish, Long Grove, Iowa

     

    Teens Encounter Christ is open to high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen. There will be a TEC retreat on February 18-20 at St. Ann's Parish in Long Grove, IA. A TEC retreat can be an important step in a teen's journey of faith. To learn more about TEC and how you can take part in the upcoming retreat, visit www.davenportyouth.org or contact Patti McTaggart at 337-4314.

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    CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKENDS

    St. Mary's Church in Riverside

     

    Women's Christian Experience Weekend:

    March 2nd-4th, 2012

    Men's Christian Experience Weekend:

    March 23rd-25th

     

    Christ has given you many weekends. Why not spend one with Him? The Iowa City Catholic Community will host an overnight retreat on March 2-4 for women and on March 23-25 for men at St. Mary's in Riverside, Iowa. A Christian Experience Weekend, or CEW, offers a chance to retreat from everyday life and take a look at who you are and where you are going. Brochures are available at the entrance of our church. Questions? Julia Neff 319-541-1906, Jane Doucette 319-530-9326, Bill Doucette 319-541-9814 and John Conway 641-660-4255.

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