St. Mark Announcements:
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The Results are in:
St. Mark's Famous Rodeo Chicken supper was a huge success!
950 dinners were served!! Thank you to all who supported this fundraiser and enjoyed a tasty meal! Thank you also to the many people of all ages who helped out in any way behind the scenes to make this special event happen! Way to "Be Church"!!
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Golf Outing
C E L E B R A T I O N !
Everyone is invited to celebrate 25 years in the "New" church! Save the date, September 18, for a two-person best shot tournament at Woods Edge Golf Course. This nine-hole tournament will begin at 4:00. Cost is $50 per team which includes nine holes of golf and a cart. Proceeds will go to the St. Mark Cemetery Board and for students attending NCYC in November. Sign up today by calling Woods Edge (563-928-6668) to reserve your tee time! Get in on the fun!
Bible Study is Back!
Starting on Thursday, September 9, we will be meeting in the St. Mark parish center at 8:30 a.m. for an hour of fellowship and discussion on the Book of Ecclesiastes. Our discussions will run through November 18. Don't worry if you can't make it every week, sharing our stories and our faith is always good for the soul! Please contact Jane Christiansen at 563-920-5967 if you have questions. Everyone is welcome so please consider giving this Bible study a try. Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Time and Talent Surveys-
We need everyone!
The surveys have been mailed out. If you have not filled one out, please complete the form and return it to the parish office soon. Thank you!!
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Please consider donating blood on Tuesday, September 21, 12-6:00 pm, at St. Mark Parish Center, sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary and Ed-Co FBLA. Contact Annette Heims for appointments at 563-608-6450.
St. Mark Upcoming Events:
PLANNING AHEAD? - Mark your calendars!
9/2 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 am
9/2 - Adoration, 7-8 pm
9/5 - Sunday Mass - 10:00 am
9/8 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 am
9/8 - Faith Formation Registration, 6:00 pm
Faith Formation Opening Prayer Service, 6:30 pm
9/9 - Adoration, 7-8 pm
9/12 - Sunday Mass - 10:00 am
9/14 - St. Mark Finance Council Meeting, 5:30 pm
9/14 - Emmaus Pastorate Finance Meeting, 6:30 pm
9/15 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 am
9/15 - Emmaus Confirmation Class (Food & Hospitality) at St. Mary, 6:30-8:00 pm
(Father John teaches)
9/16 - Adoration, 7-8 pm
9/18 - 25th Anniv. Golf Outing is set for Saturday, at 4:30 pm at Woods Edge
9/19 - Sunday Mass - 10:00 am
9/21 - Red Cross Blood Drive, 12-6:00 pm, St. Mark Parish Center
9/22 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 am
9/22 - Faith on the Field at Ed-Co HS Football Field, 6-7 pm
9/23 - Adoration, 7-8 pm
9/25 - St. Mark Clean Up Day, 8-12 Saturday morning
9/26 - Sunday Mass - 10:00 am
9/27 - Befriender Meeting at St. Mark Parish Center, 5-8 pm
9/28 - Emmaus Pastorate Council Meeting (all members/all five parishes) 6:30-8:00 pm
9/29 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 am
9/30 - Adoration, 7-8 pm
Whole Emmaus Pastorate Events:
(Check the bulletin for additional information on how we can support each other.)
9/5 - St. Joseph "Dad's Belgian Waffles" breakfst, 8:00 - noon
9/17 - St. Joseph Pie/Ice Cream Fundraiser at Moyna's
9/18 - St. Patrick Fundraiser at Plagman's Barn
9/26 - St. Mary Fun Day and Auction, meal starting at 11:00, auction at 1:00
Please remember to pray for Steven Kessler, seminarian from our Emmaus Pastorate. Send him a note c/o St. Pius X Seminary, 1235 Mr. Loretta Ave. Dubuque, IA 52003.
St. Mark Mass Times:
Sun. 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wed. 7:00-8:00 a.m.
St. Mark
September - 2021
September 1 - Joanne Helle
September 5 - FTP
September 8 - Merle & Norma Woerdehoff
September 12 - Charles Nurre
September 15 - Virgil Hunt
September 15 - Mary Smock (Conv. Home)
September 19 - Jim Funke
September 22 - Ken Wulfekuhle
September 26 - Frank & Elizabeth Knipper
September 29 - John & Lena Uhlenkamp
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St. Mark Parish Life:
It's time to celebrate 25 years in the 'NEW' St. Mark church building! Join in on the fun by signing up for a Best Shot Golf Outing on Sat., Sept. 18, 4:00 at Woods Edge. Watch the bulletin for details!!
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Bible Study is Back!
Starting on Thursday, September 9, we will be meeting in the St. Mark parish center at 8:30 am for an hour of fellowship and discussion on the Book of Ecclesiastes. Everyone is welcome! Contact Jane Christiansen at 563-920-5967.
St. Mark Stewardship and Social Concerns:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of David Putz. May he rest in peace.
David John Putz
October 26, 1937 - August 6, 2021
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
St. Mark Faith Formation:
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Save the date!
ST. MARK FAITH FORMATION
REGISTRATION AND OPENING PRAYER SERVICE
will be held Wednesday, September 8, at St. Mark.
Registration will begin at 6:00 pm followed by an opening prayer service for ALL students and families beginning at 6:30 pm. *Note time change from the error in the bulletin.
*** For families wishing to save time, all forms are available to print and bring with you on the website. https://www.vibrantcatholic.com/forms
Questions? Please feel free to contact Jody or Brooke. We look forward to seeing everyone on the 8th!
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2021-2022 Faith Formation Catechists:
Jody Kerns and Brooke Kerns - Co-Directors of Religious Education
Grade 1- Niki Miranda
Grade 2 - Beth Jaeger
Grade 3 - Cassie Putz
Grade 4 - Jody Kerns
Grade 5 - Amy Wilson
Grade 6 - April Schaffer
Grade 7 - Brooke Kerns
Grade 8 - Elise Kaiser
Grade 9 - Diane Meyer and Jane Christiansen
Grade 10 - Paul Dolan
Grade 11 - Marilyn Sullivan
Grade 12 - Mike Schmitz
.... mere words that cannot express the deep appreciation for your time, talent, dedication, and commitment to the Faith Formation of our young people.
Thank you!
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ATTN: CONFIRMATION CLASSES -
NEW THIS FALL!!
As a way of strengthening our Pastorate Confirmation formation and a way for Father John to get to know our students better, one Wednesday a month, Confirmation candidates from all five parishes will join together at St. Mary in Strawberry Point in the Upper Room. This special once-a-month meeting will include a meal, teaching time, and Q&A. The first meeting is Wed., Sept. 15. What a great learning opportunity!
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SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
Congratulations and many blessings are wished to
Tyler Wessels & Carly Tegeler, married on August 7,
Derrick Beck & Rachel Kelchen, married on August 14.
May God continue to bless them in their married life together.
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PRE-CANA CONFERENCES
Are you engaged to be married? Then this is for you. Pre-Cana is a pre-wedding preparation to be completed prior to getting married in the church. The conferences scheduled for the Archdiocese of Dubuque are October 9 (Mason City), October 23 (Cedar Rapids), and/or November 13 (Dubuque). Contact Matt Selby with questions. (563-556-2580, ext 233 or mselby@dbqarch.org)
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SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
August Baptisms:
Owen Anthony Sperfslage, son of Jessica and Derek Sperfslage on August 1.
Savannah Kay Funke, daughter of Chad and Nicole Funke on August 15.
Theo Thomas Augustyn, son of Justin and Ashley Augustyn on August 21.
Ellen Marie Wulfekuhle, daughter of Aaron and Andrea Wulfekuhle on August 29.
September Baptism:
Amara Lee Rodas, daughter of Connor & Marissa Rodas on September 19.
Welcome little ones! May God bless you and your families.
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R.C.I.A.- (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Wanting to know more about our Catholic faith or know someone who might be interested in learning about becoming a Catholic? Plans are underway for this faith-filled learning experience. Contact R.C.I.A. coordinator Fran Zichal (563-880-0873) or Father John (563-543-5873).
The "NEW" St. Mark Catholic Church
THE BUILDING OF THE NEW ST. MARK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1995-1996
(in part, as written in the 1996 From Old to New St. Mark’s parish directory)
In the spring of 1991, the house on the NW corner of the church block became available for purchase from James and Kathleen Funke and the parish bough the home and lot. In late fall of 1991, the home was torn down and the lot was leveled. At this time a parish consideration started regarding the old church building as to whether it could be enlarged in some way to meet the parish needs. In order to be able to look at the needs of the parish, a feasibility study was done by the parish council and parish members. This study was done in the fall of 1992 and presented to the parish at the annual parish meeting in January of 1993 with copies available to every parish envelope holder.
The study verified the fact of the parish’s need for a larger church and the cost of such expansion as opposed to the cost of new construction. In March of 1993 a parish vote was taken under the leadership of the parish council and each envelope holder was asked to vote for or against a new church. The vote for a new church was approved by about 60% of the envelope holders. It seemed the biggest issue was what it was going to cost to do the necessary maintenance on the old church plus the great cost of trying to expand the old building to meet the parish needs.
With the completion of the parish vote in April 1993, additional property on the parish block was purchased from Albert and Eileen Putz, the center of the block and NE corner lot from the Hamlett family. All was completed by May, 1993.
In the fall of 1993, the two homes were torn down and the lots were cleared and seeded to lawn. At this time the alley on the parish block was also purchased from the city of Edgewood.
During the late spring of 1994 the parish council began a fund-raising campaign for cash and pledges to build a new church. In the late summer and early fall of 1994, the parish council began interviews for a church architect. A night was set when five architects came to the parish and presented their ideas for a new church. The council decided on Martin Designs of Marion, Iowa. By late fall and early in 1995 the council decided that Martin Designs was not what the parish wanted nor could afford and so their company was paid for present work and released. With this set back of plans, the council then contracted Maryville Construction of Hazel Green, Wisconsin and South West Designs Architectural Services of Platteville, Wisconsin. This company had built a new Catholic church in Hazel Green, Wisconsin and a number of parishoners and council members went to see the building and liked it very much.
In June, 1995, Maryville Construction and South West Designs presented the council with a preliminary plan which was basically accepted and presented to the Archdiocesan Building committee. The plan was accepted. The council then got busy refining the plan and cost for construction. Then approval was sought from the Archdiocesan Worship Committee and Finance Commission for approval of borrowing necessary funds for construction. This was all completed by August, 1995, and a building contract was signed and construction bids were requested. On September 24, 1995, the parish held a ground breaking ceremony and site development started in late October, 1995. By December 1995, the foundations were poured. Steel construction of the building started on February 9, 1996. The expected completion date was August, 1996, and a dedication date was held September 22, 1996.
In 1996, under the pastorate of Rev. John Friederick, a new church was built with a seating capacity of 600 people. For this project, the parish took out a loan of $800,000. The load has since been paid in full.
Firsts in the new church building-
First Baptism: Jenna Lynn Stone, Dec. 1, 1996
First wedding: Brian Ronnebaum and Maxine Kelchen, Sept. 21, 1996
First wedding: Brian Ronnebaum and Maxine Kelchen, Sept. 21, 1996
First Funeral: Joan Marie Brady, May 23, 1997
2005-2008 Rev. Robert F. Davies, pastor at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Edgewood and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colesburg.
2008-2015 Rev. Stephen Lundgren, pastor at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Edgewood and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colesburg.
In August 2010, the parish undertook a campaign to raise $300,000 to build a new rectory, renovate the parish center and erect a bell tower to house the original church bell. St. Mark has grown over to to over 300 families.
2015-present Rev. John Haugen, pastor. In 2016, St. Mark Parish became part of the Emmaus Pastorate, with St. Patrick, Colesburg; St. Joseph, Elkader; St. Mary, Strawberry Point; and Sacred Heart, Volga, with Rev. John Haugen serving as pastor.
St. Mark Parish Center has had renovations to the kitchen and fellowship areas.
Both the Parish Center and St. Mark Church have had the roofs re-shingled.
The interior of the church has been beautifully repainted.
July 2021 - The Emmaus Pastorate welcomed our own Deacon Paul Dolan.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son, for your grace, for our faith, family, friends, and former and present members of our church. Thank your for the many blessings.
DID YOU KNOW?
Why and when do we genuflect?
Here's the answer:
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross.” We genuflect toward the tabernacle where Jesus is before entering our pew. For Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist and so when we genuflect, we do so because we are in God’s presence.
ST. MARK MINISTRIES:
Prayer Chain Ministry:
There is power in prayer and comfort in knowing others are praying for you or a loved one. Did you know that we have a whole chain of people ready and willing to pray for any needs you or someone you know may have? Please call one of our parish representatives to get heartfelt prayers started. St. Mark: Carlyn Hunt 563-928-7089 or Norma Venteicher 563-928-7283.
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BeFriender Ministry:
Ten members of the Emmaus Pastorate are trained to offer comfort through the gift of listening. If you or someone you know would benefit from this ministry, contact Marsha Hauser at 515-290-4992 or dbq072s1@dqarch.org.
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Parish Bereavement Ministry:
The Emmaus Pastorate—Parish Bereavement Ministry (PBM) is a program that will provide support to those experiencing the loss of a loved one. A 13-week session will begin on September 14. The group is also offering a one evening discussion on Loss of a Spouse on Sept. 7. Call one of the three committee members to obtain further information. —Dianne Fette (563-880-9847); Kandi DeShaw (608-306-2558)or Fran Zichal (563-880-0873).
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Homebound Ministry:
If there is a homebound Pastorate parishioner who would like a visit from Father John and would like to receive Holy Communion and/or the Sacrament of Anointing, there is a parish coordinator who will help schedule these visits. Watch for additional information coming soon.
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St. Mark Pastoral Council:
Current Pastoral Council
Mike Schmitz, Chairperson
Joyce Anderson, Vice-chairperson
Joyce Anderson, Vice-chairperson
Tom Bunting
Jane Christiansen, Stewardship and Social Concerns Rep
Mark Hauser, Secretary
Judy Lueken, Faith Formation Rep
Lynn Lueken, Parish Life Rep
Marilyn Sullivan, Finance
Cam Schulte
Harry Wulfekuhle
Cam Schulte
Harry Wulfekuhle
The Parish Life committee's co-chairpersons are Annette Knipper and Lynn Lueken.
Current Finance Council
Brian Atkinson, chair
Greg Deutmeyer
Marilyn Sullivan
Current Faith Formation Board
Marilyn Sullivan
Current Faith Formation Board
Nathan Erickson
Dee Hansel
Jenny Lange
Dee Hansel
Jenny Lange
Judy Lueken
Amber Wessels
Amy Wilson
Amy Wilson
Let's Stay Connected:
Leadership:
WEBSITE: https://vibrantcatholic.com
Find valuable information about the whole Emmaus Pastorate, weekly bulletins,
live broadcasts, past homilies and pod casts, and more!
RADIO: Mass can be heard on Sundays on KMCH 94.7 FM at 11:00 a.m.
FACEBOOK: St. Mark’s Faith Community, (join) https://www.facebook.com/groups/301314160252089
FACEBOOK: St. Mark’s Faith Formation, (join) https://www.facebook.com/groups/425938100939334
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KMCH SPONSORS-
9/5 - Rob & Annette Meyers, Dunkerton, IA
9/12 - Mary Quinlan, Lewisville, TX
9/19 - Carolyn Greiner, Independence, IA
9/26 - Rob & Annette Meyers, Dunkerton, IA
If you have suggestions or ideas to pass along for future newsletters, please call the parish office 563-928-7200 or email Judy Lueken at djluek@gmail.com. Thank you!