Blessed Advent to All!
It's time to prepare! Prepare our hearts, minds, church, Church, and homes for the coming of Christ. How are you preparing?
Here's your December edition of The Journey, the official newsletter of St. Joseph Parish. Please reply to this message with any comments, and/or forward this message to anyone who should read it! And if you have anything to add, contact John Uhal or Fran Zichal (contact information is below).
Year of St. Joseph
The end is near! The Year of St. Joseph will conclude on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Joseph Parish will celebrate Mass for this holy day on Tuesday, December 7 at 5:30pm. Please join us for a dinner in the Parish Hall afterward!
Advent Faith Formation for You!
There are several opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth this Advent! Be sure to check the link for the whole listing. You can also find it on the website under St. Joseph>Faith Formation and at the back of church.
Is your Advent wreath setup? The wreath is the central symbol of Advent. Its circular shape reflects God's eternal love, even in the harshest times. The purpose candles remind us of our longing, expectations, and hope. Finally, the rose candle (OK it's pink!), represents joy and is lit during the third week. Don't have an Advent wreath at home? Call Fran Zichal, and she'll get you one! (Her number is below.)
Theology on Tap
We were very glad to have three successful taps last month!
- Ry Meyer came from Catholic Charities to tell us about troubles, rules, and regulations many immigrants face.
- Amanda Oshein from Loras College explained the concept of synodality to us, and we had a good conversation about what it might mean for the whole Roman Catholic Church and our local parishes in the years ahead.
- And Matt Selby from the Archdiocese Pastoral Center helped us dive into the meaning of being a disciple of Jesus. Watch for a follow-up event next spring!
Many thanks to Embers Café in Strawberry Point, Aunt Neece's Pizzeria in Edgewood, and Deb's Brewtopia in Elkader for hosing us!
Please join us tomorrow night, Friday, December 3 from 6:00pm-7:30pm in the Parish Center for First Fridays in Faith with Fr. John! Share your faith, ask questions, get answers straight from the pastor! Wine will be served with food and other drink. Thanks to the Pastoral Council for sponsoring this event!
Parish Life Game Night - November 2021
Thanks to Parish Life for hosting a game night last month! Some good games and good memories! Photo credit: Jill Stannard
December Worship Schedule
Please note the following schedules for the holy days in December 2021:
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a holy day of obligation this year)
- Tuesday, December 7 @ 5:30pm @ St. Joseph Parish - Elkader
- Wednesday, December 8 @ 5:00pm @ St. Mary Parish - Strawberry Point
- Wednesday, December 8 @ 7:00pm @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas):
- Friday, December 24 @ 4:00pm @ St. Joseph Parish - Elkader
- Friday, December 24 @ 4:00pm @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
- Friday, December 24 @ 6:00pm @ St. Patrick Parish - Colesburg
- Saturday, December 25 @ 8:00am @ Sacred Heart Parish - Volga
- Saturday, December 25 @ 10:00am @ St. Mary Parish - Strawberry Point
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (regular Sunday obligation applies)
- Sunday, December 26 @ 8:00am @ St. Joseph Parish - Elkader
- Sunday, December 26 @ 10:00am @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (not a holy day of obligation this year)
- Friday, December 31 @ 5:30pm @ St. Mary Parish - Strawberry Point
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (regular Sunday obligation applies)
- Saturday, January 1 @ 4:00pm @ St. Joseph Parish - Elkader
- Saturday, January 1 @ 6:00pm @ St. Mary Parish - Strawberry Point
- Sunday, January 2 @ 8:00am @ St. Patrick Parish - Colesburg
- Sunday, January 2 @ 10:00am @ St. Mark Parish - Edgewood
The staff and volunteers serving you at
St. Joseph Parish
- Fr. John Haugen (Pastor)
- 563-543-5873, dbq072@dbqarch.org
- Deacon Paul Dolan (Business Manager)
- 563-928-7200, dbq072d@dbqarch.org
- John Uhal (Pastoral Associate, Director of Music & Liturgy, Grand Knight)
- 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
- Janie Wiley (Secretary)
- 563-245-2548, dbq074sec@dbqarch.org
- Joyce Whelan (Bulletin Editor)
- 563-928-7200, dbq072sec2@dbqarch.org