Lenten greetings, St. Joseph!
The weather is warming (some days) and the snow is gone! It must be almost Easter! Before Holy Week arrives, catch up with the latest edition of The Journey!
St. Joseph Parish Life
Chair TBD
Seminarian Corner
Don’t forget to keep our seminarian, Steven Kessler, in your prayers. He would love to hear from parishioners in the Pastorate, so feel free to send notes, letters, and of course prayers his way. Steven is currently participating in an internship in at St. Ludmilla Parish in Cedar Rapids. His address until May 16th is:
Steven Kessler
c/o St. Ludmila Parish
211 21st Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
BINGO!
Hold your cards every first Friday! Join us for bingo at Elkader Care Center and have a fun 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
Donations Needed for New Trees
The Pastoral Council approved replacing the four trees along the highway that were removed last summer, and we're about half way to the amount needed to plant 4-6 trees and include some landscaping. If you'd like to donate to this project, please put an envelope in the collection basket marked "trees" or drop it off at the Parish Center. It would be great to have this project completely funded by donations!
Thank you to all those who completed the DMI (Disciple Maker Index) Survey. St. Joseph had 139 surveys completed; that is 82% of our average Mass attendance! Archdiocese wide, there were over 22,000 respondents which represents 47% of Mass attendance across the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The results are in, and in the next few weeks you'll start to see how our parish responded, our strengths, and improvement opportunities. There were 95 total questions, so there is a lot of data to analyze! Please be patient, but know your responses will have an impact on our parish and the Archdiocese's focus for the future.
Fr. John Is Retiring!!
By now you've heard that Fr. John is officially retiring in July. His last Mass at St. Joseph is scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at 5:00pm. Mark your calendars to celebrate Mass with him one last time and attend a party in his honor! More details will follow over the next few weeks.
Faith Formation
Danielle Becwar
St. Joseph Coordinator of Faith Formation
Family Matters
The monthly Family Matters newsletter provides great resources to help Catholic families live their faith. The March edition contains many resources, articles, and ideas for the Lenten season. Families can find past issues and subscribe to Family Matters on the Archdiocese of Dubuque's website at https://dbqarch.org/family-matters-newsletter.
Little Flower Girls Club
Last month, the Little Flowers learned about the virtue of piety - the devotion and honor we owe to God. True piety comes from the heart and is expressed through prayer, worship, and acts of love, not just obligation.
The girls explored the "Robe of Piety" from the Catholic Girls Guide, discovering how different acts of devotion create a vibrant spiritual life:
- Zeal in participating in Mass
- Works of charity
- Raising the heart to God frequently
- Sanctifying Sundays
- Fervent daily prayer
- Self-denial & obedience
- Pious actions like the Rosary & Eucharistic Adoration
To bring this lesson to life, they created "Robe of Piety" ribbon barrettes as a reminder of their devotion. They also learned about Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music and poets, whose unwavering faith and piety continue to inspire.
Helping Moms in Need
As Angela explained last weekend, from now until Easter, the Little Flowers and Emmaus Pastorate Walking with Moms in Need programs are teaming up to collect new and gently used baby items. At the back of each parish is a box for these items, which will be put into gift bags for moms in need on April 26. Items most needed are crib sheets, baby towels and cloths, blanket sleepers, burp cloths, diapers (size 1 and up) and wipes, soaps, shampoos. We're also accepting clothes (up to 1 year), blankets, bottles, diaper rash cream, rattles, and pacifier. Handmade items are also welcome!
Did you know that the Easter season lasts for 50 days? It begins with the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and continues for seven weeks, ending with the celebration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. Click HERE to find fifty ways to celebrate the fifty days of Easter with your family!
Adult Faith Formation
Fran Zichal, Emmaus Pastorate
Adult Faith Formation Coordinator
Forming the Future
Fran Zichal and Danielle Becwar, Faith Formation leaders at St. Joseph, are working to create a Faith Formation Commission for St. Joseph Parish. This commission will help direct the ways our faith is passed on to everyone - kids, young adults, empty nesters, and even seniors! If you are interested in helping, please contact either Fran or Dani. Their contact info is below. Meetings will be held in conjunction with other Emmaus Pastorate parishes who also have commissions.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Three people are completing their preparation to join the Catholic Church at Easter! Please keep these Elect and their five catechists in your prayers as they near the Paschal feast! And if you know someone interested in becoming Catholic, please contact Fran Zichal. Her contact information is below.
WHAT is IMPACT? IMPACT is a two-year formation program for Catholic adults, coordinated by the Archdiocese of Dubuque. It provides the opportunity to grow in your faith by hearing from dynamic presenters, reading spiritual books, engaging in discussions, and receiving guidance from a spiritual mentor. Through study, prayer, reflection, and conversation, participants are challenged to respond more fully to Jesus’ call to mission—to IMPACT our world!
WHO is IMPACT for? IMPACT is open to any Catholic adult who desires a deeper relationship with Jesus and a greater understanding of the Catholic faith in order to better serve others.
WHY participate in IMPACT?
Join IMPACT to:
- Enrich and deepen your faith
- Learn more about Catholic teachings
- Respond further to the call of discipleship
- Enhance involvement in parish life
- Share more deeply in the mission of Jesus
WHEN does IMPACT take place? The next IMPACT cohort will begin meeting in September of 2025, and the program will end in May of 2027. Each year begins with a two-day retreat followed by monthly sessions on one Saturday each month from October through May (no sessions during the summer months).
WHERE will the 2025-2027 IMPACT cohort take place? Monthly IMPACT sessions will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton, IA. The opening retreats for each year will be held at Shalom Spirituality Center in Dubuque, IA.
HOW to participate?
The application for the 2025-2027 IMPACT cohort is available HERE and is due August 15, 2025. For a full list of participant expectations, click here.
Cost: The total cost for participating in the two-year program is $1,000 ($500 for each year) plus the cost of books (estimated to be approximately $100 per year). Many parishes partially sponsor their parishioners, and an archdiocesan grant may be available too.
Eastertide Classes
During Eastertide, two classes will be offered to enrich your faith! Kim Warpinski will offer one on the Eucharist, and Fran Zichal will offer viewing and discussion sessions on The Chosen. Stay tuned for details around these two offerings!
Jubilee Year of Hope Continues
The Jubilee Year provides Catholics with an opportunity to obtain a special plenary indulgence. Click HERE to learn more about the decree explaining the plenary indulgence. Visit these websites to learn more:
Vatican resources and news about the Jubilee
USCCB - News and resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Do you have an idea for a class or discussion? Springtime faith formation opportunities are taking shape now. Call Fran Zichal or Kim Warpinski with your input. Their info is below.
Our parish has renewed our subscription to Formed.org. If you're unsure of what Formed is, just think of it like a Catholic Netflix. It's full of great Catholic content from movies, to kids shows, to audiobooks, to Bible studies and everything in between. It's free and easy to use for everyone at St. Joseph Parish!
Baptism Class
The final baptism class of 2024-2025 will be on May 7, 2025 at 6:00pm at St. Joseph Parish Center in Elkader. 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. Classes for 2025-2026 will be announced sometime in the summer, with the first class likely in August 2025.
Liturgy & Worship
John Uhal, Emmaus Pastorate
Director of Liturgy & Worship and Webmaster
World Day of Prayer
The weather wasn't exactly tropical, but we had a great celebration of World Day of Prayer on March 7. Members from other churches around Elkader both attended and led a prayer service designed by the women of the Cook Islands. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day possible! Mark your calendars for March 6, 2026 when the day will be held at First Congregational Church.
Thank you, Fathers!
As Fr. John recovers from heart attack #2, we thank Frs. Ambrosy, Bries, and Vu for celebrating Mass with us in March! We look forward to seeing Fr. John back in action during Holy Week!
The centuries-old practice of praying the Stations of the Cross is again being observed in the Emmaus Pastorate this Lent. Please join us in prayer!
Tuesdays @ 6:00pm @ Sacred Heart Parish
Wednesdays @ 6:00pm @ St. Mark Parish
Wednesdays @ 6:05pm @ St. Patrick Parish
Wednesdays @ 6:30pm @ Sts. Joseph and Mary Parishes
Note that no stations will be prayed on April 9 in deference
to communal confessions.
And from April 16-19, Stations of the Cross will be available in Founder's Park across from the church. Thanks to the Elkader Ecumenical Ministerial Association for making this possible!
One beautiful Lenten practice is to receive the sacrament of reconciliation! Join us for communal or individual confessions this Lent!
Individual Stations and Confessions on Fridays from 4:00pm-5:00pm
April 4 @ Sacred Heart Parish
April 11 @ St. Patrick Parish
Communal Confessions
April 9 @ St. Mark Parish
Meal 5:30pm-7:30pm | Confessions 6:00pm-8:00pm
Holy Week Schedule
The Church's holiest days of the year are almost upon us! Please join us for worship during Holy Week!
On April 14, Evening Prayer will be prayed in all parishes at 5:30pm. Lasting about 30 minutes, Evening Prayer has been prayed throughout the church for centuries all around the world. Especially if you haven't before, come try it!
On April 15, the annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 2:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. During this Mass, the Archbishop blesses and consecrates the three holy oils used in various sacraments through the year. Also, priests gather to renew their vows made at ordination. If you have never been, this year is a great year to attend! The Cathedral's renovation is almost complete. Even if you've been there before, it will look completely different and new! Be sure to come see the Archdiocese's Mother Church!
New to The Journey
The monthly ministry schedule is now included! Click the button to view and download it. Remember, if you can't fill your date, please find a substitute. Thanks!
KMCH Sponsors
- April 6: Leo Roling
- April 13: Art & Laura Matt
- April 20: Judith Reilly
- April 27: Dr. Judy & Mary Ellen Beckman
Mass Intentions
- April 5: for the people of St. Joseph Parish
- April 12: Mike Bergan
- April 17: Corby Gundacker
- April 20: Jim Hosch
- April 26: Patrick Fitzgerald
Social Justice Committee
Colleen Moore, Chair
176 Years Collections
Since we were so successful in collecting +1827 items for the Clayton County Food Shelf and Shepherd of the Hills last year, we've decided to keep it going in our 176th year!!
- January - 264 boxes of cereal collected!
- February - 212 soups & crackers collected!
- March - 129 pancake mixes and syrups collected!
- April - canned vegetables (corn, creamed corn, pork 'n' beans, peas, mixed, green beans, tomatoes, etc.)
- May - peanut butter and jelly
- June - canned and boxed dinners
- July - school supplies, socks, and underwear
- August - canned fruit and shelf-stable fruit juice
- September - hats, mittens, and coats
- October - sugar (white, brown, and powdered), flour, baking soda, and vanilla
- November - Giving Tree presents
- December - toiletries, soap, paper products (toothpaste, shampoo, body soap, laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, etc.)
Pay-It-Forward Committee
A donation was made to the Confirmation class' Lenten challenge to collect items, money, and food for the Catholic Worker House in Waterloo. So far, $317.26, 12 frozen casseroles, toiletries, and boxed food have been delivered with more on the way!
Mary Martha Meals
Our Mary Martha meals ministry has been very busy in the first months of 2025! 28 meals were delivered in January, 47 meals were delivered in February, 30 meals were delivered in March, and so far 15 meals have been delivered in April! That's 120 meals in just 4 months! Thank you to the wonderful ladies who spend time collecting names and extending care to not only St. Joseph parishioners but also non-parishioners living in and around Elkader! If you'd like to donate to this ministry, please make a check out to St. Joseph Parish, mark your donations "Mary Martha Meals", and drop it in the collection basket or bring to the Parish Center.
Earth Day is Coming!
Care for God's Creation is one of the key themes of Catholic Social Teaching, and in his letter, Laudato Si', Pope Francis called on Catholics to help care for our common home. Although we can't save blue whales or clean up beaches around here, we can help protect pollinators right in our own neighborhoods. Pollinators are responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites we eat and the wildflowers in our landscape. Here are two ways you can help:
- One of the best-loved pollinators is the monarch butterfly, whose population has fallen by 80-90%. You can help by planting the nectar plants listed at this website: https://xerces.org/publications/plant-lists/monarch-nectar-plants-midwest.
- Also, the Clayton County Master Gardeners are hosting a plant sale on May 15 at 4:30pm at Founder's Park in Elkader. All perennials are $3 each and (new this year) pots and yard art are $3-$10.
St. Francis of Assisi reminded us that it is “through the greatness and the beauty of creatures that one comes to know by analogy their maker” (Wisdom 13:5). Won't you help us protect our common home this Earth Day?!
Clayton County Food Shelf
Our next collection for the Clayton County Food Shelf will be on April 5. The Food Shelf especially needs canned fruit, tuna, dry dinners, and jelly.
Knights of Columbus
John Uhal, Grand Knight
Coming Soon!
The St. Joseph Knights of Columbus is planning to honor several of our longtime members, including those who have 25 and 50+ years of service to our Order. Stay tuned for a spring celebration in their honor!
See Yourself as a Knight?
There's no shining armor (on the outside anyway), but the Knights of Columbus is always looking for new members to carry on our virtues of unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism. If you might be interested in joining our council, contact any member or Grand Knight John Uhal. His info is below.
More Things to Know
Blended & Blessed is a marriage event for stepfamily couples, dating couples with kids, single families with the intention of blending, and anyone who cares about blended families. All are welcome! There is no cost; just bring your own sack lunch and beverage. Contact Jerry & Tara Ketoff to register or for more information at 563-581-2488 or taraketoff@gmail.com.
Are you grieving the loss of someone close to you? Find comfort and support with the Emmaus Pastorate and its GriefShare program. Join us on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:00pm until May 20 at the St. Joseph Parish Center in Elkader. Please call the Parish Center at 563-245-2548 to register.
These are special opportunities to find a warm, caring environment, and you will come to see your group as help on a long path toward healing. There is no charge for the class, it's not too late to register, and you do not need to be Catholic to join.
Disability Inclusion's Monthly Gathering Is a Hit!
All parishes contribute to Emmaus Pastorate's Disability Inclusion Ministry's monthly birthday party, which serves an average of 50 people! If you haven't been yet, be sure to visit! More help serving people with physical and mental disabilities and seniors is always welcome, especially from children. Live music, good company, lunch, and birthday cake are always available. The next party is April 28 from 11:00am-1:00pm at St. Joseph Parish Hall.
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 300!
In March, The Emmaus Pastorate's Podcast published its 300th episode! Listen to Sunday homilies and other special music episodes anytime, anywhere. Click here and start listening today!
Upcoming Events
- April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Euchre @ 12:00pm @ St. Mark Parish Center
- April 3: She Shall Be Called Woman @ 6:00pm @ St. Mary Upper Room
- April 4: Individual stations of the cross and confessions @ 4:00pm @ Sacred Heart Parish
- April 5, 12, 19, 26: That Man Is You @ 7:00am @ St. Mary Apartment
- April 5: Blended and Blessed @ 8:30am-3:30pm @ St. Mary Upper Room
- April 8: Pastoral Leadership Study Day; offices closed for staff development
- April 9: Lent Reconciliation @ St. Mark Parish
- April 11: Individual stations of the cross and confessions @ 4:00pm @ St. Mark Parish
- April 14: Evening Prayer @ 5:30pm @ All Parishes
- April 15: Chrism Mass @ 2:00pm @ Cathedral of St. Raphael
- April 17: Holy Thursday Evening Mass @ 7:00pm @ St. Joseph Parish
- April 18: Good Friday of the Lord's Passion @ 7:00pm @ St. Mary Parish
- April 19: Easter Vigil @ 8:00pm @ St. Mark Parish
- April 20: Easter Sunday (see above for Mass schedule)
- April 28: Disability Inclusion monthly birthday party @ 11:00am-1:00pm @ 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.