(Past monthly newsletters can be found by clicking this link.) https://vibrantcatholic.com/newsletter-1

* Advent always starts four Sundays before Christmas. This year Advent starts Sunday, November 27, and ends on December 24.

* The first Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical year.

* Advent is a season of waiting and expectation and HOPE, preparing our homes and our hearts for Christmas – the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord.

DECEMBER EVENTS:

Dec. 6 - PASTORATE COUNCIL MEETING, 6:30 pm, St. Patrick Parish Center

Dec. 7 - No 7:00 am Mass, St. Mark

DEC. 7 - ADVENT CONFESSIONS,

Emmaus Pastorate-wide celebration, held at St. Mark.

Come anytime between 5:00 - 8:00 pm

5:00 pm - Immaculate Conception Holy Day Vigil Mass

6:00 pm - First Reconciliation for 2nd graders, 6:00 pm

5:30-7:30 pm Simple Supper offered in the Parish center

Confessions will begin immediately after Mass and continue until 8:00 pm or until all are heard.

Dec. 8 - St. Mary Church, 8:00 am - Immaculate Conception Holy Day Mass

Dec. 8 - St. Joseph Church, 7:00 pm - Immaculate Conception Holy Day Mass

Dec. 10 - Free Pietra Fitness class, 2:00 pm, St. Mark Parish Center. Come, give it a try!

Dec. 11 - Recommissioning of EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS of Holy Communion, ALL parishes

Dec. 11 - Confirmation class after Mass, 11:15 am, at St. Mark

Dec. 11 - Confirmation sponsor meeting, 11:15 am, at St. Mark

Dec. 11 - Council meeting, 11:15 am, St. Mark Parish Center

Dec. 11 - Emmaus Pastorate "Rejoice Sunday Adoration"

at all five parishes, 12:30-6:00 pm

Dec. 12 - Ed-Co Winter Concert, 7:00 pm, at St. Mark Church

Dec. 13 - Finance meeting, 5:30 pm, St. Mark Conference Room

Dec. 18 - LOVING LEGACY—End of Life Wishes and Funeral Planning Seminar, from
3:00-4:30 at St. Mary Upper Room

Dec. 19 - Faith Formation leader meeting, 6:00 pm, at St. Mary apartment

Dec. 21 - No Faith Formation classes, All Parishes

Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE Mass Schedule

4:00 pm, St. Mark Church

4:00 pm, St. Joseph Church

6:00 pm, Sacred Heart Church

6:00 pm, St. Patrick Church

Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY Mass, 9:00 am, at St. Mary Church

Dec. 28 - No weekday Mass, St. Mark

Dec. 28 - No Faith Formation classes, All Parishes

March 11 - “Save the Date for St Mark’s March Madness Gala, to be held on Saturday, March 11. More details to follow!"

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Steven Kessler, Seminarian
St. Pius X Seminary; 1235 Mt. Loretta Ave.
Dubuque, Iowa 52003

When writing out your Christmas cards this year, how about sending one to Steven Kessler, Seminarian from our Pastorate? Spread the Christmas cheer!

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ST. MARK MASS INTENTIONS:

December 2022

St. Mark Mass Times:

Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday 7:00 a.m.

(Wed. Adoration & Confessions 7:30 - 8:30 am)

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December Mass Intentions

On November 6, candles were placed on the Altar in remembrance of family members who have gone to their reward in Heaven in the last year.

We remember...

* Charlotte Gibney

* Anna Theisen

* Joan Sperfslage

* Victor Dannenbrink

* Danielle Pape

* Robert Wegmann

* Robert Mescher

May they enjoy the hope and promise of the Resurrection.

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ST. MARK PARISH LIFE:

The Parish Life Committee invites you to make CHRISTMAS BASKETS on Saturday, December 3, starting at 10:30 am in the parish center. We need donations of homemade goodies and single-serve items, like puddings or chips. Lunch will also be served along with some good fellowship! Baskets will be delivered in the afternoon. Everyone is welcome to come and spread a little Christmas cheer!

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JOIN US! Come try out a free Pietra Fitness class on December 10 at 2:00 in the Parish Center. If you have a yoga mat, bring that along. If not, one will be provided for the class. No need to register, just show up. See you there!

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ST. MARK STEWARDSHIP AND SOCIAL CONCERNS:

Please spend some time lifting these people up in prayer. May God comfort and be with them in their time of need.

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Charlee Marie Engelken

June 6, 2009 - November 23, 2022

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the family and friends of Charlee Engelken whose funeral was held at St. Mark on December 1. To her parents, Tom and Jen, and Grandmother Rita Engelken and Aunt Diane Ogden of our parish.

ST. MARK

FAITH FORMATION:

News and Notes from

Faith Formation Director, Brooke Kerns:

dbq072ff@dbqarch.org / 563-210-4509

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On November 20, three of the Confirmation students, Thea Bockenstedt, Zoey Walz, and Will Wiskus said their "I dos" when asked questions about becoming confirmed in their Catholic faith. Father John, Jane Christiansen, and Diane Meyer provide the instruction for our Emmaus Pastorate Confirmation students. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their faith journey.

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