Happy Halloween!
October was definitely a busy month here at St. Joseph, full or both joys and sorrows. Start reading to catchup on the latest in this edition of The Journey!
St. Joseph Parish Life
Chair TBD
Heritage Days 2024
Thanks to everyone who came to eat and celebrate Heritage Days at Osborne! Our food booth was a big hit again! The chops were delicious, the cocoa hot, and the company fun!
Seminarian Corner
Our very own seminarian, Steven Kessler, was recently installed as a lector, one of the stepping stones on the way to deaconate and priestly ordination. He would love to hear from parishioners in the Pastorate, so feel free to send notes, letters, and of course prayers his way. Steven’s address is: Steven Kessler 1000 E Maple Ave Bldg 900P Mundelein, IL 60060.
175 Years Collections
To celebrate 175 years, let's collect 175+ items/month to donate to the Clayton County Food Shelf and Shepherd of the Hills! Here's what we'll collect and when!
- January - 110 peanut butters & jellies collected!
- February - 235 soups & crackers collected!
- March - 175+ boxes of cereal collected!
- April - 176 canned meats collected!
- May - 168 canned vegetables collected!
- June - 350+ socks and underwear collected!
- July - 332 school supplies collected!
- August - 80 canned fruit and 100% fruit juice collected!
- September - 19 jackets and coats collected!
- October - 130 hats & mittens were collected!
- November - Giving Tree presents
- December - toilet paper, tissues, tooth paste, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand soap
St. Joseph Crafter's Sale
Thanks to everyone who came to shop the annual Crafter's Sale! We had a steady crowd all morning, and the sale was a great success! A total of $11,399.10 was raised for our parish! Thanks to all of the ladies who worked countless hours to create all those treasures!
Pontoon Leaf Tour
One of silent auction items at the 175th anniversary celebration was a pontoon ride donated by Bill & Diane Erickson. They brought a fun group out on the water for a fall leaf tour in October, and everyone had a great time!
St. Joseph is need of a new Parish Life Coordinator. Please contact Fr. John Haugen or the Parish Center for more information on this volunteer position. Mostly in the background and organizing, this position is vital to the life of our vibrant parish!
St. Joseph Pastoral Council
Bill Erickson, Chair
"Built on History. Growing by Faith."
175th Anniversary Celebration...Part 2!
Remember to join us for a continuation of our 175th anniversary celebration! Our local historian, David Beck, will join us after Mass on Saturday, November 2 to tell us about his research on our parish and its vibrant history. Come and enjoy good company, stories, pizza, hot dogs, and bars!
New Flooring in the Hall
Have you seen the new flooring in the Parish Hall?! Due to some water damage, the laminate flooring under the serving table was replaced. The adjacent carpet will be replaced soon, too.
Church Improvements
Our beautiful church is undergoing some great improvements!
- The main church doors were recently sanded and stained, and they look good as new!
- New weather stripping was installed, too.
- The lock and handles were also removed, cleaned, and replaced in the last week. They have a great shine now!
- A squeaky ceiling fan was replaced.
- The bathroom is almost finished!
Town Hall 2024
Join us after Mass on Saturday, November 9 for a town hall meeting in the Parish Hall. Come let your voice be heard, and hear what ideas your Pastoral Council has in mind for the next year!
Bathroom Progress
The new bathroom install is almost complete!
- Over the last couple months, the wood paneling, ambry, and heater were removed and a new wall framed.
- The paneling was reinstalled with a new alcove for a statue of St. Francis of Assisi. The ambry was mounted next to the new wall.
- Walls were painted and electrical fixtures installed.
- A vanity, mirror, heating, and some lights were installed just in the last few weeks.
Soon it'll be operational! Thanks to everyone who has donated to and worked on this important project!
Faith Formation
Danielle Becwar
St. Joseph Coordinator of Faith Formation
Rosary Night
During the Month of the Rosary, our faith formation students - with the help of Marsha Hauser and Cheryl Whittle, our Rosary Warriors - learned about and prayed the rosary together. What a learning opportunity!
How Is God Calling You?
National Vocation Awareness Week, November 3-9, is a celebration of the Catholic Church to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support to those who are discerning a religious vocation. Find promotional resources here. Enjoy this coloring page, and foster vocations in your family.
Christ Is King!
Pope Francis has named November 24 as the Annual Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults. So come celebrate Christ, the King of the Universe, and our youth who will fill our liturgical ministries that weekend!
Iowa Catholic Youth Conference
The 4th annual Iowa Catholic Youth Conference (ICYC) targets those in grades 6-8 and their parents. It's set for Sunday, March 30, 2025, so mark your calendars! The event, co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the Diocese of Davenport, will take place at St. Ludmila Parish in Cedar Rapids and will feature the energetic Catholic artist and witness of faith Connor Flanagan. More information will be available later this fall.
Adult Faith Formation
Fran Zichal, Emmaus Pastorate
Adult Faith Formation Coordinator
Grief Share Journey
Bereavement Classes will continue on Tuesdays at the St. Joseph Parish Center until November 26 from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Kandi DeShaw is teaching the class. Register by calling the St. Joseph Parish Center at 563-245-2548 with your name and phone number. It's not too late to join!
Jubilee Year of Hope 2025
As the Universal Church looks toward the Jubilee Year 2025 (the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord), Pope Francis has announced 2025 as the Year of Hope! In his announcement, he said "we must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision." As we approach the end of 2024, let us think of ways to renew our hope in Christ!
Faithful Citizenship
As Catholics, it's important to keep cool heads and remember our faith as we prepare to head to the ballot boxes! Check out our website for this year's Faithful Citizenship articles as you get ready to vote.
GRIDSHOCK: A Film about Sex Trafficking in Iowa
Sex Trafficking is a big epidemic in and around NE Iowa. A film on the subject, Gridshock, will be shown at St. Joseph Parish Hall on Sunday, November 10 at 6:30pm, and the public is welcome. Stacy Besch of Team Iowa will be available for questions and to help us understand how we can intervene and end this tragedy.
Baptism Class
The second baptism class of 2024-2025 will be on Sunday, November 24 following the 10:00am Mass at St. Mark Parish in Edgewood. All parents requesting baptism for their child are asked to first attend a class. Please call John Uhal at the St. Joseph Parish Center (563-245-2548) or email him at j.uhal@dbqarch.org to register. Preregistration is recommended but not required. Additional classes will be scheduled in 2025, likely in February and May.
Liturgy & Worship
John Uhal, Emmaus Pastorate
Director of Liturgy & Worship and Webmaster
For all who have died,
especially Mike Bergan, Fr. John Moser, and Mary Pedretti who died in October, we hope they now enjoy their eternal reward in heaven. Please join us in praying for the response of their souls and all those of the faithful departed.
On Saturday, November 2, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day) with Mass at 4:00pm at St Joseph Parish. Although on a Saturday, this Mass will fulfill your Sunday obligation. You are welcome to bring a photo of your loved ones to place on one of the empty chairs in the aisle of Church. It will be a wonderful chance to pray for all our loved ones. No RSVP is necessary for this event, and all are welcome!
Give thanks with us this year! The Emmaus Pastorate will celebrate Eucharist (which is Greek for thanksgiving) on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30pm at St. Mark Parish and Thursday, November 28 at 9:00am at St. Patrick Parish.
KMCH Sponsors
Thank you to our new sponsors! The Emmaus Pastorate Finance Committee has made it a priority to continue our Sunday livestream and radio broadcasts, and we appreciate the directed donations!
- November 3: James & Elaine Funke
- November 10: Anthony & Diane Uhlenkamp
- November 17: Dr. Judy & Mary Ellen Beckman
- November 24: Emmaus Pastorate
November Mass Intentions
- November 1: Bob White
- November 2: Therin & Merlin Rentschler
- November 8: Connie Thornton
- November 9: Maureen Bergan & Steve Bergan
- November 15: Jim Hosch
- November 16: John Moyna
- November 23: for the people of St. Joseph Parish
- November 30: Pat Fitzgerald
Social Justice Committee
Colleen Moore, Chair
Clayton County Food Shelf
On October 5, 84lbs of food were donated to the food shelf along with $169.50. Thank you for your generosity!! Our next collection will be Saturday night, November 2. The food shelf especially needs cereal, canned fruits and juices, tuna, and shampoo.
Giving Tree
Next week through December 9, the Giving Tree will be placed at the back of church. When you stop by, take an ornament from the tree, purchase the gift, and return it to the tree unwrapped. Thank you!
Knights of Columbus
John Uhal, Grand Knight
Pancake Breakfast
Our annual pancake and waffle breakfast was another big success with about 300 people served! The addition of scrambled eggs was a very welcome change too! Thanks to everyone who joined us for breakfast on October 27!
More Things to Know
Disability Inclusion Ministry's Monthly Birthday Party
St. Joseph hosted the Emmaus Pastorate's Disability Inclusion Ministry's monthly birthday party in October. About 50 people came to celebrate. Music was provided by Steve Steinfadt and Dale Gassman, and the St. Mary Circle provided the meal. Thanks to everyone who helped and celebrated!
Pastoral Leadership Study Day
Part of the Emmaus Pastorate staff traveled to Cedar Falls to join other clergy and staff from around the Archdiocese for the fall Pastoral Leadership Study Day in October. The topic of the day, "The Church's Mission in a Polarized World," was presented by Fr. Aaron Wessman.
Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour on Saturday night, November 2! Daylight Savings Time ends the next morning.
Never miss an issue of our Sunday bulletin! Catch it on our website as early as Thursday or in one of our five churches on Sundays!
Now more than 250!
The Emmaus Pastorate's Podcast has published its 250th episode! Listen to Sunday homilies and other special music episodes anytime, anywhere. Click here and start listening today!
Upcoming Events
- November 1: All Saints Day (holy day of obligation)
- November 2, 9. 16, 23, 30: That Man Is You @ 7:00am @ St. Mary Apartment
- November 2: All Souls' Day followed by David Beck's history presentation
- November 3-9: National Vocations Awareness Week
- November 4: Adult Mission Trip meeting @ 6:30pm @ St. Joseph Parish Center
- November 5, 12, 19: Grief Share Journey @ 5:30pm @ St. Joseph Parish Center
- November 5: Election Day
- November 5: Election Day Soup Supper @ 4:00pm-7:00pm @ Sacred Heart Parish
- November 7: She Shall Be Called Woman @ 6:30pm @ St. Mary Upper Room
- November 9: St. Joseph Parish Town Hall Meeting after 4:00pm Mass
- November 9: St. Patrick Hog Roast @ 4:30pm-7:30pm @ St. Patrick Parish Hall
- November 10: Knights of Columbus Made-to-Order Omelets after 4:00pm Mass @ St. Mary Parish
- November 10: Gridshock showing on human trafficking @ 6:30pm @ St. Joseph Parish Hall
- November 11: Veteran's Day
- November 24: Baptism Class @ St. Mark Parish Hall following 10:00am Mass
- November 24: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe & Annual Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults
- November 24: Disability Inclusion Ministry monthly birthday party @ 4:00pm @ St. Mark Parish Hall
- November 27/28: Thanksgiving Day with Masses
- November 28: Community Thanksgiving Meal @ 12:00pm @ St. Joseph Parish Hall
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.