DECEMBER 2021
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December 1, Wednesday, Pastorate Advent Reconcilliation at St. Mark with free will meal from 5:30-7:30 and confessions heard in the church from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
December 5, First Penance Meeting (Parents & Child)- 11:15 a.m.
December 8, Immaculate Conception Holy Day Masses- 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary, 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark
December 9, Adoration at St. Mark, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
December 13, Ed-Co Christmas concert in church
December 14, St. Mark Finance Committee meeting, 5:30 p.m.
December 15, Emmaus Confirmation Class with Father John @ St. Mary's Upper Room- 6:30 p.m.
December 16, Adoration at St. Mark, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve Vigil Mass, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve, December 24, Mass Schedule
4:00 p.m. at St. Joseph
4:00 p.m. at St. Mark
6:00 p.m. at St. Patrick
Christmas Day, December 25, Mass Schedule
8:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart
10:00 a.m. at St. Mary
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Please remember to pray for Steven Kessler, seminarian from our Emmaus Pastorate. Send him a note during this holiday season c/o St. Pius X Seminary, 1235 Mr. Loretta Ave. Dubuque, IA 52003.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Archbishop Michael Jackels who joined us as presider at all of the Emmaus Pastorate weekend masses on November 13-14, filling in for Father John while he was on retreat. God's blessings to them both!
December - 2021
St. Mark Mass Times:
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 7:00 a.m.
December 1 Ambrose & Margaret Dolan
December 5 Class of 2021
December 8 Harold, Marie, Ken, and Mike Wulfekuhle (7:00 pm)
December 12 Fr. Thomas McAndrew
December 15 Don & Elisabeth Nabor
December 19 John Haugen Sr.
December 22 Robert Lahr
December 24 Donald & Viola Uriell (4:00 pm)
December 26 For the People
December 29 Anthony Helle
December 31 John Haugen Sr.
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ST. MARK PARISH LIFE:
Here's a great way to get into the spirit of giving! Parish Life will meet on December 11 at 10:30 to prepare Christmas baskets for Senior Citizens in our community. Donations of homemade goodies and other single serve items are needed as we put together these baskets, share a lunch, and then deliver them spreading some Christmas cheer. Donations of big, plastic, ice cream containers are welcome as well.
Come join us in the Parish Center.
It's a work of heart!
If you didn't get a chance to "pick an angel" from the Angel Tree on Wednesday, please consider getting one this Sunday or later in the week, when the church office is open. Buy the gift suggested for the child listed on the sheet and return the unwrapped gift by Dec. 6 to St. Mark's. More information can be found on the back of the angel sheet. Your generosity will help brighten the Christmas for many families in our community!
Fun Times Ahead...
Family Trivia Sunday, January 30! Come over to the parish center after Mass for a light lunch and some Trivia for all ages!
Family Trivia Sunday, January 30! Come over to the parish center after Mass for a light lunch and some Trivia for all ages!
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EMMAUS PASTORATE
Unique Prayer Offerings Planned During Advent
See the schedule of Unique Prayer Offerings below and call or text to join in!
ST. MARK STEWARDSHIP AND SOCIAL CONCERNS:
Candles were placed on the altar by family members in remembrance of their lost loved ones over this last year at the November 7 Mass for All Souls Day. Remember to pray for our faithful departed.
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Joan Marie (Chapman) Sperfslage
October 17, 1935 ~ November 17, 2021 (age 86)
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with the family and friends of Joan Sperfslage.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
ST. MARK
FAITH FORMATION:
Looks ahead to who and what we become as Christians.
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Faith Formation Notes from Brooke & Jody:
In lieu of classes this Wednesday, December 1st, the Emmaus Pastorate will be having Reconciliation. Students will need to check in with Brooke, Jody, or a Faith Formation Board Member to document your attendance. Come and enjoy a meal with your family and attend Confession to prepare yourself for the Advent season.
Communal Reconciliation & DinnerWednesday, December 1 @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
Dinner from 5:30pm-7:30pm (free will offering for the next journey to NCYC)
Confessions from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Communal Reconciliation & DinnerWednesday, December 1 @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
Dinner from 5:30pm-7:30pm (free will offering for the next journey to NCYC)
Confessions from 6:00pm-8:00pm
In lieu of classes on Wednesday, Dec 8th, students can attend mass with their families for the Solemnity Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a holy day of obligation)
Wednesday, December 8 @ 7:00pm @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
We will meet again for formal classes on December 15th. The Confirmation students will meet with Father John at Strawberry Point. A meal will be served for students.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a holy day of obligation)
Wednesday, December 8 @ 7:00pm @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
We will meet again for formal classes on December 15th. The Confirmation students will meet with Father John at Strawberry Point. A meal will be served for students.
There are no classes December 22nd and January 5th (Teacher in-service).
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All Emmaus Pastorate Confirmation students will meet with Father John on Wednesday, December 15, at 6:30 in St. Mary's Upper Room.
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Student Acts of Giving Projects
Beautiful Acts of Giving by our Faith Formation students were shared at the Thanksgiving Mass on November 24.
1st-2nd - gathering pillows, sheets, and blankets to support the Sleep in Heavenly Peace effort
3rd - gathering gifts for Edgewood Convalescent Home residents
4th - donated food items to St. Mary's Food Pantry, stocked shelved, served meals, and visited new friends
5th-6th - making cookies to donate to Edgewood Fire Dept. and EMS as a thank you for their services
7th - collecting and donating baby items to support Clarity Clinic in Dubuque
8th - baking cookies for our catechists and a monetary donation to Clarity Clinic
9th - will be sponsoring a Trivia and Fun Event in January
10th - will prepare a meal for the volunteers who provide meals after a funeral of a loved one
11th - making blankets for newly baptized babies
12th - making gifts and cards for Edgewood Convalescent Home residents
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R.C.I.A.-
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Are you wanting to know more about our Catholic faith or know someone who might be interested in learning about becoming a Catholic? Contact R.C.I.A. coordinator, Fran Zichal (563-880-0873) or Father John (563-543-5873).
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SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM:
Congratulations to Drew and Katie Anderson whose son, Evan Joseph, was baptized on November 7.
Congratulations, also, to Rachel and Derrick Beck whose son, Miles, was baptized on November 28. Welcome little ones! May God continue to bless these newly baptized babies and their families.
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Join in on some awesome discussion opportunities about the upcoming Advent homilies. See the schedule listed below and call or email the leader to get involved.
DID YOU KNOW?
Question: What is the Advent season all about?
Advent... is the beginning of the Catholic Liturgical year.
Advent... begins this year on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Advent... includes the four Sundays leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
Advent...symbols include a circular Advent wreath symbolizing everlasting life, and evergreens symbolizing hope. Four candles symbolize the four Sundays passing until Christmas. Each Sunday another candle is lit, shining Christ's growing light on our world.
Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.
Advent... is a time to prepare our hearts and minds;
remembering Jesus coming to us at his birth,
realizing He is here with us now and longing to find Him in our everyday lives,
and waiting in hope for His coming again at the end of time.
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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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. 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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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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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 COUNCILS:
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
Current Finance Council
Brian Atkinson, chair
Greg Deutmeyer
Marilyn Sullivan
Current Faith Formation Board
Nathan Erickson
Dee Hansel
Jenny Lange
Judy Lueken
Amber Wessels
Amy Wilson
The Parish Life committee's co-chairpersons are Annette Knipper and Lynn Lueken.
Father John Haugen
LET'S STAY CONNECTED :
Watch LIVE BROADCASTS. Find valuable information about the whole Emmaus Pastorate and individual parishes, weekly bulletins, live broadcasts, past homilies and pod casts, newsletters, and more!
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KMCH / Livestream Sponsors
Dec. 5 Rob & Annette Meyers Dunkerton, IA
Dec. 12 Rob & Annette Meyers Dunkerton, IA
Dec. 19 Rob & Annette Meyers Dunkerton, IA
Dec. 26 Rob & Annette Meyers Dunkerton, IA
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RADIO: Mass can be heard on Sundays on KMCH 94.7 FM at 11:00 a.m.
FACEBOOK: St. Mark’s Faith Formation, (join) Find pictures, activities, and valuable on-going information about our Faith Formation program and students!
FACEBOOK: St. Mark’s Faith Community, (join) See up to date news, events, and watch Father John's Weekly Check-In! https://www.facebook.com/groups/301314160252089
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PASTORATE STAFF:
Pastor
Fr. John Haugen, 563-543-5873
dbq072@dbqarch.org
Deacon/Pastorate Business Manager
Paul Dolan, 563-928-7200, 563-608-6753 (cell)
dbq072BM@dbqarch.org, dbq072D@dbqarch.org
Pastorate Pastoral Assoc/Director Liturgy/Music
John Uhal, 563-245-2548
dbq072s3@dbqarch.org
Pastorate Coord.-Adult Faith Formation, RCIA
Fran Zichal, 563-880-0873
Pastorate Technology and Media Services
Lori Keppler, 563-880-1758
dbq194re@dbqarch.org
Pastorate Bulletin Editor
Joyce Whelan, 563-928-7200
dbq072sec2@dbqarch.org
Pastorate Bereavement Ministry
Nancy Appleton, 563-920-1394
nancyannapple@gmail.com
St. Mark Staff
Co-Coordinators of Faith Formation
Jody Kerns, 563-928-7200, dbq072re@dbqarch.org
Brooke Kerns, 563-928-7200, dbq072ff@dbqarch.org
Liturgy Coordinator
Linda Williams, 563-590-1524
Music Coordinator
Jane Christiansen, 563-245-2585
dbq072s2@dbqarch.org
Admin. Secretary/Bookkeeper
Jennifer Ciesielski, 563-928-7200
dbq072sec@dbqarch.org
Pastoral Council Chair
Mike Schmitz, 563-608-2121
smittystatepf@yahoo.com
Maintenance
Mike Wilson
Nancy Schroeder
Knights of Columbus Grand Knight
Jeff "Burly" Vorwald
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!
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