Parish Happenings

Daily Reflections

Click on link below for Fr. Kopacek Daily Reflections

Weekday Reflection ~ August 5
Weekday Reflection ~ August 4
Weekday Reflection ~ August 3
Weekday Reflection ~ August 2
Weekday Reflection ~ August 1
Weekday Reflection ~ July 22
Weekday Reflection ~ July 21
Weekday Reflection ~ July 20
Weekday Reflection ~ July 19
Weekday Reflection ~ July 18

Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Mass ~ July 31, 2022

Live Streamed Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Mass will be available July 31, 2022 at 9:00 AM

Click on this link to join the Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Mass

 

 

From Fr. Kopacek Desk:  August 3, 2022

Please pray for the blessed repose of the soul of Fr. Jack Paisley, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque who died in Dubuque this past Sunday, July 31, at the age of 86.  Fr. Paisley had many parish assignments over the years, including St. Joseph’s in New Hampton, Immaculate Conception in North Washington, and St. Bernard’s in Alta Vista.  He also served on the faculty and later as director of the St. John’s School of religion in New Hampton.  These assignments were all in the late 1970’s and throughout the 1980’s.  His funeral Mass will be held tomorrow, August 4, at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque at 10:30 a.m.  Eternal rest grant unto his soul, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.

From Fr. Kopacek Desk:  August 2, 2022

1.  I’m glad to report that the Courage conference I attended last weekend was a great success and experience.  Even if I was almost late for the opening Mass on Thursday afternoon because of seemingly countless road construction delays and detours on the way into Mundelein (no frustrations there at all, of course….), it was a real joy to be there.  We heard many interesting talks; for example, “Why I Hate Forgiveness”–that sure got everyone’s attention!  But it was very good, and I hope to share with you some of the highlights from that and other talks in coming weeks and months.  In addition to the talks, we had Mass every day.  We priests who attended were able to concelebrate those Masses, and I offered my Sunday Mass for all of you and your loved ones.  There was also opportunity for confessions and Eucharistic adoration–in fact, the whole weekend was a sort of combination of conference and retreat.  I’m grateful for the chance to attend, and I thank Fr. Dan Knipper very much for his help while I was away.  Finally…it’s good to be back home again!

2.  A few reminders:
  • monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour of adoration will be at Lourdes this Tuesday, August 9–exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 5 p.m. with Benediction at 6 p.m.  I’ll be available for confessions during that hour
  • our monthly viewing of “The Chosen” will be coming up on Sunday, August 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the Elma church hall.  It will be at 1:30 instead of our previous time of 2:00 because of a Sunday evening commitment I have in Cedar Rapids
3.  From the Catholic Charities office in Dubuque comes this note:  People experiencing a mental health crisis have a new way to reach out for help.  They can simply call or text 9-8-8.  This nationwide crisis hotline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.  That could include thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
While not a crisis counseling center, Catholic Charities offers professional mental health counseling across the 30 counties of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.  Counseling is available in-person or via telehealth for adults, children, couples, and families.  Call 800-772-2758 for more information on counseling services at Catholic Charities.

 


Archbishop Jackels “Together” Bulletin – July

Click on this link for Archbishop Jackels July Message

 

 

Ministry to the Sick and Hospitalized

If you would like to receive the sacrament Anointing of the Sick or would like Fr. Kopacek to visit you while sick or hospitalized, please call the cluster office and let him know. He will be more than happy to see you.

Music Ministers Needed

A strong music ministry is necessary for a vibrant parish.  All our parishes are in need of music ministers to help lead us in prayer.  If God has given you a gift of singing or playing an instrument, or even if you still need to develop that gift, contact the Cluster Office at
641-393-2520.

 

Online Giving

We appreciate your contributions  to the church community and would especially like to recognize those who are now using our ConnectNow Giving link.  Our online giving site is safe, secure and most of all convenient.  You will always control the amount and can change or stop it at any time.  If you would like to donate using our online giving system and have not yet had a chance to do so, click on the Online Giving tab on this website and then your parish name.  If you have any questions please contact Nancy Theis at the cluster office (641-393-2520).

 

Befriender Ministry

Volunteers are needed from each parish to:

  • Drive people to medical appointments
  • Drive people to Mass
  • Make daily calls to people who live along (make sure they are okay)
  • Actively participate in a prayer chain

Please call the cluster office (641-393-2520) or Teresa Klobassa (641-393-2598) if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information.

* The Holy Rosary Cluster has assembled a group of 15 parishioners representing each of our parishes who are prepared to visit people in difficult and transitional situations such as illness, loneliness or loss of a loved one.  If you, or someone you know, would like a visit from one of our outreach ministers, please call: Alta Vista – Philomena Boehmer (641-364-6962) Lourdes – Marge Ludwig ((641-393-2568) Elma – Teresa Klobassa (641-393-2598) Riceville – Jeanne Watts (641-985-2031) New Haven – Nancy Theis (641-985-4145)