Dear Parishioners,
Welcome to the newly designed, virtual publication of The Journey! We hope this finds you well and informs you on the recent and upcoming events of St. Joseph Parish. Please reply to this message with any comments and/or forward this message to anyone who should read it!
Care Notes
Have you noticed the new pamphlet display in the back of church? Be sure to review this display and be familiar with the topics included.
Why the new addition? The biggest reason: many people experience these various situations, and sharing them could help tremendously!
How well do we reach out to those in need? You might be surprised by those survey results. Some say we fail at helping others through difficulties, some say we're trying. Our new Grief Share Journey Program is a good start, but it's not quite enough. One action we can take is acknowledging the pain and suffering of others, and these pamphlets help us do that! Check them out today!
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
With generous support from MercyOne Elkader Medical Center and Central Community Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph has acquired a life saving tool called an automated external defibrillator (AED). Each organization donated $200 toward the total cost of $1275. Thank you!!
Before we can begin using it, we must certify volunteers in CPR and AED use. If you are currently certified or are interested, please contact Fran Zichal at 563-880-0873. In addition, we also ask all hospitality ministers (ushers and greeters) to assist in this venture, even if not through certification, so please contact Fran. Only once these volunteers are in place can we install and use the AED.
The large, outdoor icon was blessed by Fr. John last month. Stop by and pray the prayer on the back!
Pilgrimage: as part of the Year of St. Joseph, everyone is invited to pilgrimage to each of our five parishes now through August 19. Inside each church is a schedule of when each will be open. Be sure to take your kids and grandkids; stickers and prayer sheets are available in each church. Prayer cards are also available.
A display of Joseph-derived names is now on display in the back of church. Don't see yours? Call Janine Berns at 563-880-2107.
Adult Faith Formation
A fall schedule is being created for new adult spiritual and formational opportunities. If you have suggestions for topics, call Fran Zichal at 563-880-0873.
Elkader Founders’ Day - June 19
Founder's Day was a sight to behold at St. Joseph! Historical artifacts from St. Joseph were on display, stories about our church and school were told, and pictures once stored in many boxes were browsed. Some items (like the Infant of Prague with former pastor Rt. Rev. JP Taken's nameplate) were loaned to St. Joseph for the day - thank you for your generosity! Over 70 people visited the church, and we thank Bernie Bergan for sharing his experiences. Hard copies of his presentation are available in church, an audio recording will be posted on the podcast soon, and the video will be posted to the website. Thanks to Julie Dengler, Ellen Collins, Bill & Diane Erickson, Alice White, Fran Zichal, Janice Reimer, and the NCYC participants for helping make such a special, memorable day!
Remember to try the Fun Facts Quiz in the back of church. Check out the updated parish brochure, which has many answers! The winner gets a beautiful winter scene painted by Joann Franzen on a piece of slate from the church's roof! Quizzes are due July 3 in the box, and prizes will awarded July 10.
Sweet Corn Days - July 23-25
On Saturday, July 24, the Sweet Corn Days parade will take place, and St. Joseph will have a float. Help is needed to design, create, and pull it! With the Year of St. Joseph, St. Joseph is the theme. Call Janice Reimer at 563-245-2057 if interested in helping.
The staff and volunteers serving you at St. Joseph Parish
- Fr. John Haugen (Pastor)
- 563-543-5873, dbq072@dbqarch.org
- John Uhal (Pastoral Associate and Director of Music & Liturgy)
- 563-552-6755, dbq072s3@dbqarch.org
- Janine Berns (Coordinator of Faith Formation)
- 563-880-2107, dbq074s@dbqarch.org
- Fran Zichal (Adult Faith Formation & RCIA Coordinator)
- 563-880-0873
- Lori Keppler (Pastorate Technology and Media Services)
- 563-880-1758, dbq194re@dbqarch.org
- Mary Kay (Mike) Rentschler (Liturgy Coordinator)
- 563-880-1316
- Theresa Palas (Bookkeeper)
- 563-245-2548, dbq074bk@dbqarch.org
- Sandy Klaus (Pastoral Minister and Administrative Assistant)
- 563-928-7200, dbq072bm@dbqarch.org
- Janie Wiley (Secretary)
- 563-245-2548, dbq074sec@dbqarch.org
- Joyce Whelan (Bulletin Editor)
- 563-928-7200, dbq072sec2@dbqarch.org