Greetings St. Joseph Parish!
Another heat wave is here! Well what would Labor Day Weekend be without heat, humidity, and/or storms?! It's a great time to cozy up to the air conditioner and catchup on the latest edition of The Journey! Here we go!
Parish Life
Ann Gibney, St. Joseph Parish Life Coordinator
Mark your calendars for the first of two Parish Life meetings. On Thursday, September 7, we'll gather at 6:00pm the in Parish Hall. By virtue of being a parishioner of St. Joseph, you're part of the Parish Life Committee, so please play your part, and contribute to the many events in the works! The second meeting will be on Thursday, October 5 at 6:00pm in the Parish Hall.
Following the 4:00pm Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Elkader on September 30, Jamie Wingert, St. Joseph parishioner and HopeCrest Partnership Leader, and Will Crooks, HopeCrest Vice President of Strategic Partners, will share a meal and present on their mission at Obwobwo CarePoint, a former internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, located in Katakwi district in Ongongoja sub-county of Uganda. A little background on the situation:
- The camp has a population just under 1,000 people.
- The area relies completely on subsistence farming and experiences high rates of poverty.
- There is a high number of orphaned children due to HIV and AIDS.
- There is one school serving roughly 300 children from five surrounding villages.
- Many parents are not motivated to send their children to school because many feel disowned by their government and the world.
- The community does not have a health clinic, so even treatable illnesses can be life threatening.
- Clean water is unreliable due to only one borehole that frequently breaks down; the next borehole is 10km away.
- With Jamie's help, children at Obwobwo CarePoint have the opportunity to grow physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
We hope to see you for Mass and a meal with Jamie and Will on September 30!
Treasure Sale Wrap Up
What the Hall looked like on the afternoon of August 11:
What the Hall looked like on Monday after the sale:
We are happy to report that the Treasure Sale netted $8,183.77. As part of that, the cupola auctioned for $225, two loads of rock for $420, and John Moyna's scrapper and tractor models for $175. We also want to share that the items not sold were given to Shepherd of the Hills and Camp Courageous. Many, many people benefitted from your treasures! Thank you to everyone who gave time, talent, and treasure!
~The Treasure Sale Crew
St. Joseph Pastoral Council
Claudia McCalley, Chair
125 & 175 Years Young! Mark Your Calendars!
This fall, St. Joseph's existing church will mark 125 years of use on Thanksgiving Day! To highlight the occasion, we'll gather for Mass that morning, November 23, at 9:00am. This day will also mark the start of a year-long celebration of St. Joseph Parish's 175th anniversary of service to God's people around Elkader! This year-long celebration will culminate with Mass on September 15, 2024 at 10:00am!
In the meantime, watch for many events to acknowledge the past, experience the present, and prepare for another bright 175 years! The Parish belongs to everyone, and everyone will have a role to play in all the festivities! Watch The Journey, the Sunday bulletin, and other outlets for special announcements. Please contact the Pastoral Council or Parish Life Committee to share your ideas, too!
Faith Formation
Danielle Becwar
St. Joseph Coordinator of Faith Formation
A New Year!
A new year of Faith Formation started this week! Catechists gathered at St. Mary's Upper Room last Wednesday for some formation and reflection. Everyone is invited to join in the kick-off Mass at St. Mark next Wednesday, September 6, at 6:30pm. Attendance is required for families registering children in any faith formation program. Registration runs from 5:00pm-6:15pm, and dinner for everyone runs from 5:00pm-6:00pm.
In September, we also recognize these important days:
September 4 - Labor Day
Labor Day invites us to examine how we view our own labor in the light of what the Scriptures and Catholic Church teaching proclaims about the dignity of all human work. We ask God to be with all those who labor.
September 4 - Labor Day
Labor Day invites us to examine how we view our own labor in the light of what the Scriptures and Catholic Church teaching proclaims about the dignity of all human work. We ask God to be with all those who labor.
September 10 - National Grandparents Day
A grandparent is one who strengthens us with prayer, blesses us with love, and encourages us with hope! Honor the special gifts of grandparents with stories, prayers, and fun activities! Check out the Grandparenting Resources found on the Archdiocese of Dubuque website and the Pinterest boards!
A grandparent is one who strengthens us with prayer, blesses us with love, and encourages us with hope! Honor the special gifts of grandparents with stories, prayers, and fun activities! Check out the Grandparenting Resources found on the Archdiocese of Dubuque website and the Pinterest boards!
September 17 - Catechetical Sunday
"Come to me all you who labor and are burdened" (Matt 11:28). This year’s Catechetical Sunday theme reminds us of the invitation we receive from the Lord Jesus to follow Him and the promise that He doesn’t want to add to our burdens; he wants to lighten them. Celebrate the role that catechists play in handing on the faith and being witnesses to the Gospel, and recognize and thank them for giving generously of their time and gifts! St. Joseph's faith formation program is still searching for catechists! Please let Danielle Becwar know if you can serve your parish in this capacity. Her contact information is below. No experience or special knowledge is required, only a love of sharing your faith!
"Come to me all you who labor and are burdened" (Matt 11:28). This year’s Catechetical Sunday theme reminds us of the invitation we receive from the Lord Jesus to follow Him and the promise that He doesn’t want to add to our burdens; he wants to lighten them. Celebrate the role that catechists play in handing on the faith and being witnesses to the Gospel, and recognize and thank them for giving generously of their time and gifts! St. Joseph's faith formation program is still searching for catechists! Please let Danielle Becwar know if you can serve your parish in this capacity. Her contact information is below. No experience or special knowledge is required, only a love of sharing your faith!
September 24 - Priesthood Sunday
Priesthood Sunday is a special day to honor priesthood in the United States. Pray for priests in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. What ways could your family show their appreciation for Fr. John?
Priesthood Sunday is a special day to honor priesthood in the United States. Pray for priests in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. What ways could your family show their appreciation for Fr. John?
September 29 – Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
The three Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the only angels named in sacred scripture, and all three have important roles in the history of salvation. St. Michael is the protector. St. Gabriel is the messenger of good news. St. Raphael is the healing angel and is also the patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Learn more about the Archangels here.
The three Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the only angels named in sacred scripture, and all three have important roles in the history of salvation. St. Michael is the protector. St. Gabriel is the messenger of good news. St. Raphael is the healing angel and is also the patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Learn more about the Archangels here.
2023 Archdiocesan Catholic Parenting Conference
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Catholic Parenting Conference to be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Keynote speakers will be Mike and Alicia Hernon (from The Messy Family Project), and Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira (from Wallet Win: Your Catholic Money Mentors). This conference is for parents of all ages and stages and will include breakout sessions, Mass, and vendors. Child care will be available. Join us to connect with other parents, hear dynamic speakers, discuss the joys and challenges of parenting, and receive resources, insights, and information on various aspects of parenting to help you strengthen your domestic church! Online registration is now open. Find more information at https://dbqarch.org/parenting-conference.
Adult Faith Formation
Fran Zichal, Emmaus Pastorate
Adult Faith Formation Coordinator
Liturgy of the Hours
Liturgy of the Hours (sometimes called the Divine Office) is the Catholic Church's official public prayer (well, besides Mass of course!). Focusing on Psalms, hymns, and scripture, LOH goes back centuries and has been prayed around the world by the clergy, consecrated, and laity! As an excellent form of personal or community prayer, this is a great way to pray throughout the day every day! There are numerous apps that offer LOH and two versions of official books.
Fran Zichal and John Uhal held two workshops on Liturgy of the Hours in August, one in-person and one virtual. If you would like any follow-up information or help in getting into the habit of praying daily, please contact either Fran or John. (Their contact information is below.)
Grief Share: Grief Recovery Support Groups
Our next session of Grief Share began last week, and there are two 13-week classes being offered. The Tuesday night class is being led by Kandi DeShaw at St. Joseph Parish Center from 5:30pm-7:00pm. The Thursday afternoon class is being led by Fran Zichal and Steve Billhorn (welcome to the team, Steve!) from 1:00pm-2:30pm at St. Mark Parish Hall. Please contact Kandi at 608-306-2558 or Fran at 563-880-0873 if you'd like to register for either class; it's not too late!
Fall Formation Opportunities
With the National Eucharistic Revival in full swing, we await guidance from the Archdiocese on how to proceed. Watch the bulletin, website, and The Journey about fall formation opportunities in the coming weeks!
Baptism Class
The second Baptism class of this academic year in the Emmaus Pastorate is scheduled for Sunday, November 19 following the 10:00am Mass at St. Mark Parish in Edgewood. It is our practice that parents of the Emmaus Pastorate participate in a Baptism class prior to each child's Baptism. If you wish to have your child baptized, please contact the Pastorate Office at 563-928-7200. Classes are open to all parents of the Emmaus Pastorate.
Liturgy & Worship
John Uhal, Pastoral Associate
Important Announcement!
The St. Joseph Pastoral Council has decided that the parish's weekend Mass time will change to 4:00pm starting this weekend. During the months of June, July, and August, Mass will return to 5:00pm. This change only affects Saturday night Mass at St. Joseph. Tell your friends!
Save the date for the annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Prayer Service followed by fellowship on October 14 at 8:00am at St. Mary Parish in Strawberry Point.
Backpack Blessing
Blessings to all the students (the little and the big!) going back to school this Fall!
September Mass Intentions
- September 1: Lylina Dittmer
- September 2: Jim Hosch
- September 8: Corby Gundacker
- September 9: Miehe & Kuennen Families
- September 15: Anna Mae Powers
- September 16: for the people of St. Joseph
- September 22: Ben & Lee Zuercher
- September 23: Lylina Dittmer
- September 29: God's Children Who Are Not for Sale
- September 30: Charlie & Edna Huinker
KMCH Sponsors
- September 3: Brenda & Michael Landwehr of Guttenberg, IA
- September 10: Rob & Anette Myers of Dunkerton, IA
- September 17: Mary Sue Quinlan of Lewisville, TX
- September 24: Nancy Smith
- October 1: Samuel Schurman of Carlsbad, CA
Social Justice Committee
Colleen Moore, Chair
For Your Information & Planning
The Social Justice Committee hopes this listing of collections will help you plan your giving and maybe look for some sales throughout the year! These are great ways to practice the corporal works of mercy (including feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and clothing the naked)!
- 1st Saturday - food shelf collection
- 3rd Saturday - loose change from collection goes to Pay-It-Forward Fund
- Souperbowl Sunday - same weekend as Superbowl
- March - cash collection for Easter hams
- May - summer snack collection
- July - school supplies, underwear, sock collections
- September - hats, mittens, scarves, and glove collections
- October - spud fund for Thanksgiving
- November - giving tree setup in church for Christmas gifts; gifts go to Shepherd of the Hills Christmas Giveaway
Clayton County Food Shelf
In August, St. Joseph collected 41lbs of food and $240! Thank you!! Our next collection will be Saturday night, September 2. Snack size cereal, granola bars, oatmeal variety packs, raisins, and Hamburger & Tuna Helpers are most needed along with any extra tomatoes, apples, squash, pears, or other produce from your garden. Thanks for your generosity!!
Knights of Columbus
John Uhal, Grand Knight
Welcome, Henry John!
Congratulations to Brother Knight Justin Augustyn and his wife, Ashley, on the baptism of their son, Henry John, on August 26. Thank you for saying, "Yes!" to the gift of life, and we pray that Henry continues to grow in age, wisdom, and grace!
Make plans for our annual Dad's Belgian Waffle breakfast this Sunday morning! We'll serve from 8:00am-12:00pm, and tickets are $9/adult in advance ($10/adult at the door).
More Things to Know
Thank you for your interest in supporting our NCYC students. There are three options to participate in the NCYC Stocks sale, Board of Directors, Stockholder, and Supporter.
Board of Directors - $100.00 per stock. Board members will be listed on our communication, be sent live photos and information from the event, and be invited to an annual stockholder meeting with a meal on January 13, 2024, after Mass at St. Joseph Parish.
Stockholder - $50.00 per stock. Members will be invited to our annual stockholder meeting with a meal on January 13, 2024, after Mass at St. Joseph Parish.
Supporter - $20.00 per stock. Supporters will be invited for a viewing of the NCYC presentation with appetizers before Mass on January 13, 2024.
Please send your payment to St. Mark Parish - PO Box 365 Edgewood, IA 52042 or drop in a collection basket labeled NCYC Stocks. If you would like to designate which student(s) you are sponsoring, please check their name at the bottom of the form. If no option is selected, it will go toward group fundraising.
Once we receive payment you will receive a stock certificate and invitation to the stockholder meeting or presentation premier after the event.
Once we receive payment you will receive a stock certificate and invitation to the stockholder meeting or presentation premier after the event.
It's Lasagna Time!!
Orders are now being taken for St. Joseph's taken 'n' bake lasagna, featuring Fr. John's sauce! Find an order form online or in the Parish Center, and get it back by September 19 for the first round!
And if you have ground beef or pork, vegetables, and of course tomatoes, we'll take any and all donations until further notice! Thanks to everyone who has already brought garden fresh veggies!
Upcoming Events
- September 2: St. Joseph's weekend Mass times changes to 4:00pm
- September 3: Knights of Columbus' Dad's Belgian Waffle Breakfast 8:00am-12:00pm in St. Joseph Parish Hall
- September 6: Emmaus Pastorate Faith Formation Kick-Off Celebration at St. Mark Parish; meal from 5:00pm-6:00pm, registration from 5:00pm-6:15pm, Mass at 6:30pm
- September 7: Parish Life Meeting at 6:00pm in St. Joseph Parish Hall
- September 9/10: Liturgical Ministry Signup Weekend at all Masses
- September 13: First night of faith formation classes at St. Joseph
- September 16/17: Liturgical Ministry Signup Weekend at all Masses
- September 19: First lasagna order deadline
- September 24: Fall Fun Day at St. Mary Parish
- September 30: Obwobwo CarePoint presentation following 4:00pm Mass
Do you have something to add to this newsletter? Please send any articles and/or pictures to John Uhal at the Parish Center, by calling 563-245-2548, or by email at j.uhal@dbqarch.org.