Our Catholic Community of Faith Important Dates Summer 2017
I M M A C U L A T E
H O L Y F A M I L Y E M M E T S B U R G , C O N C E P T I O N G R A E T T I N G E R S A C R E D
H E A R T
Summer 2017
Our Catholic Community of Faith
Volume 11 Issue 2
R U T H V E N
Aug. 6-All Parish BBQ 11:30 a.m. HFP Aug. 23-ECS First Day back to school E-burg Aug. 30-Students/Parents Confirmation Meeting 7 p.m. Emmetsburg/Graettinger Sept. 1– KOC Tootsie Roll Drive E-burg Sept. 3,4-Labor Day Celebration Graettinger CD of A and Knights of Columbus Bingo Sept. 6– Religious Education begins 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7– RCIA begins (Those who want to join the Catholic Faith) 7:00 p.m. E-burg Sept. ? -”Then Just Feed One” Oct. 1-Life Chain
HOLY FAMILY
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Non Profit Organization
Permit No. 10
2003 Broadway Street Box 322 Emmetsburg, IA 50536 Address Service Requested
July 7,8,9-Bully Bullhead Weekend, Ruthven July 9-Progressive Organ Recital 1:30 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church July 18, 20-23–ECS Fair Booth July 23-Laudato Si Workshop 1:00 p.m. E-burg July 23-29– Natural Family Planning Awareness Week July 23-28-Totus Tuus, Emmetsburg July 26-Totus Tuus Potluck Dinner HFP Parish Center 5:30 p.m. Aug. 2-Blood Drive HFP Parish Center Aug. 5–Trewin Benefit VFW 4:30-8:00 pm E-burg
Phone: 712-852-3187 E-mail:
[email protected]
Fr. Clem’s Column Change is coming for all of us, that is renewed vibrant Catholic communities in one thing that we can be sure of, and it is Emmetsburg and Graettinger. coming hardest to the Catholics of Ayrshire and Ruthven. Jesus knows Mass schedule starting July 1: about change and his apostles also know Saturday about it with his shocking death and 4:30 p.m. Emmetsburg surprising rising. This threw their lives 6:30 p.m. Ruthven into turmoil, but they went about the Sunday work of apostles of Jesus after the Holy 8:30 a.m. Graettinger Spirit empowered them on Pentecost. 10:30 a.m. Emmetsburg The same spirit that empowers us. Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 a.m. Graettinger We will be welcoming the people of Wednesday Ayrshire or Ruthven to Holy Family or 7:30 a.m. or School Mass-TBA Immaculate Conception, Graettinger this Friday July. We empathize with you as you are 7:30 a.m. Emmetsburg being moved to oratory status. The loss of a parish brings on many emotions; INSIDE THIS ISSUE: frustration, anger, depression, and Parish Record 2 resentment. Both parishes have offered much to their people: great participation Cemetery Board/Bridge to Future 3 at Mass and lots of people using their 4 talents: lecturing, altar serving, ushering, ECS News Eucharistic Ministers of Holy CD of A Gr./ Music 5 Communion, sacristans, song-leaders, Cartoon/ KOC Emmetsburg 6 and musical skills. Both Emmetsburg Ruthven/Ayrshire Financials 7 and Graettinger welcome you to become a part of their parishes and enhance our Religious Education 8 parishes with your many talents. Both Pro Life /KOC Graettinger 9 Ruthven and Ayrshire have had good social gatherings with coffee and rolls, Finance Graettinger/Ruthven 10 or Saturday night socials. Hopefully you can help us become a united community. You both have strong governing boards and we are hoping that you will continue to use your gifts to make our parishes stronger. With time your feelings of loss may ease, you will make new friends and help us create
Parish Council/Finance & Ayrshire
11
CD of A Emmetsburg/RCIA
12
Holy Family Financials
13
Religious Ed-Graettinger
14
Parish Website/Auction Fest
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Important Dates
16
Newsletter Knots
From the Office Records
Editor-in-Chief:
Father Clem Currans
[email protected] Office Assistant:
Sheree Eischen
[email protected] Writers-Collaborators:
Anne Marie Nelson
[email protected] DeeAnn Schmitz
[email protected]
Celebration of Marriage
Isidro Pena and Judith Rodriguez (Emmetsburg) Hillary Pico and Jake Hoffman (Graettinger)
Auction Fest Emmetsburg Catholic School Auction Fest Board would like to thank all our supporters, volunteers and those in attendance at the 2017 Auction Fest event. It is through the continued generosity of our parents, parishioners, and community members that helped raise over $130,000.
This is about 1/5 of the school’s budget. It is essential that we continue this tradition; it helps keep tuition affordable and provides the necessities for your children at Emmetsburg Catholic School.
Visit us online at www.holyfamilyemmetsburg.org If you have any information of interest to place in the RAE of Light Newsletter, please contact Father Currans or any of the writer-collaborators.
Extending Our Deepest Sympathy Emmetsburg The Honorable Judge Donald Bormann Dee Curry, Diane Alesch Captain Michael McNally Richard Clasing, Christina Carter Mary Nitchals, Leo Conway, Jr.
Celebration of Baptism Mary Katherine Swift Beau James Bleuer Easton Hough Swanson Anna Louise Swift Mara Ruth Swift Page 2
O U R C A T H O L I C C OM M U N I T Y O F F A I T H
Graettinger John Tindall, Joleen Petersen, Cheryl Briscoe
Parish Website—www.holyfamilyemmetsburg.com Please remember that we have a website where you can find the Mass schedules and other information. It also has short videos that you can use for your faith formation. Word on Fire by Bishop Robert Barron changes every few weeks, and we have recently added Catholicism, the Pivotal Players by Bishop Barron which has several episodes. The first one is about St. Francis of Assisi.
VOLUME 11 ISSUE SUMMER
Another new feature is “Life Teen.” “ Life Teen” is a movement within the Roman Catholic Church that leads teenagers and their families into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, with the Blessed Virgin Mary as there intercessor and guide. Call Jean Hyslop with any questions.
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Immaculate Conception-Graettinger Religious Education Religious Education for 2016-17 year officially ended May 3rd with the annual “Crowning of Mary” along with the end of the year pizza party for the elementary students. The junior high and high school students had their celebration the week before ending the year for them. It was an exciting year for the students as our ninth and tenth graders were confirmed this year and four second graders celebrated the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. I want to thank all the teachers for sharing their time and talent with our religious education program. Our teachers this year were, Diane Brown, Jenn Schnell, Pat Brown, Denise Flaherty, Diane Michalec, Julie Chicoine,
Ronda Olesen, and Staci Girres. I would also like to thank those of you who were substitutes this year; it is greatly appreciated! There will be a few changes coming our way this next year. Due to early outs at school on Wednesdays, we will be moving elementary Religious Ed classes to Thursday nights from 4-5 p.m. junior high and high school classes will continue to meet on Wednesdays. We will have Confirmation again next year with only the ninth grade class participating, and then go back to a two year program of preparation. We look forward to seeing everyone back again next fall! Have a great summer! By: Jill Mielke
Cemetery Board by Jim Stillman The Memorial Day Service at St. John’s Cemetery to honor our loved ones, friends, and our ancestors had a nice attendance despite the storm the night before that took the tent down. Everyone brought their chairs or used those provided by the Knights of Columbus. Thanks to the KOC and also to Joyce Funeral Home for the coffee and excellent rolls made by Bernie Joyce that everyone enjoyed. The construction of the trail in front of the Cemetery began on May 30th and as of June 12, it is finished. This is the first phase of our proposed trail project. It was made possible by a grant we received from
PACGDC. We plan to apply again in 2017 for Phase 2 of our cemetery trail. I want to thank those volunteers who helped plant the 82 evergreen trees and 110 shrubs in our new section of the cemetery. Also, thanks to Zeline Gappa and the high school students who picked up trash and put wood chips around the trees. We continue to water the trees in this heat. The Cemetery Board members are plotting the new section that will be available in the near future. The Board also wants to thank Sheree Eischen for all the work she does organizing the cemetery plots.
Bridge to the Future
Immaculate Conception 2017 Confirmation Class
New Title Challenge As our parishes begin a new grouping with Immaculate Conception in Graettinger (2017) And St. Mary’s in Mallard (2018) we will no Longer be able to use RAE of Light.
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Help us with a title for our new Catholic Community. Please submit ideas by phone or email to the parish office, 712-852-3187,
[email protected]
O U R CA T HO L I C C O M M U NI T Y O F F A I T H
Bridge to the Future by connecting Holy Details and a final cost are still being worked Family Church to Corrigan Hall. The children out. The parish Council and Finance of Charles and Edna Nelson are giving Holy Committee will have to make the final decision Family $120,000 to connect the two buildings with diocesan approval. They may choose to go and have an indoor handicap accessible ramp forward and use extra money from savings or to the church, greater use of Corrigan for social say, No, let us put it off until later. Pray that gathering etc. We thank them for their they make the best decision for the future of the generous gift. The architectural firm of parish. We will keep you informed. Bergland and Cram was hired to design the By Fr. Clem bridge so it would be aesthetically pleasing and to structurally last. One bid came from Midstates, Spencer for $314,000. --$65,000 higher than expected. Midstates and Bergland and Cram have sat down with us and are working on a plan to simplify and do the job for cost plus a profit for them. VOLUME 11 ISSUE SUMMER
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From the Principal’s Desk—Jean Hyslop Emmetsburg Catholic School has many changes coming this summer. Brandie Malm has resigned the 3-year-old preschool position. Megan Geelan has accepted the 3-year-old preschool position and we are excited to have her back in the preschool. We will miss her in second grade, but are glad she is staying with us. We have hired for the second grade position. As soon as all the paperwork is complete, we will share the news with everyone. We saw ten 8th graders graduate. There were lots of tears, but I am very sure they will be successful in high school. Our 3-year-old preschool is full and our 4-year-old still has some room. So if you know anyone interested in 4-year-old preschool, let us know. The 4-year-old preschool program will be full-time (4 days a week, 8:00-3:00). This is going to be a big change, serving lunch to 4-year-olds. Any families new to ECS receive a $350 credit to their tuition and if they have a referring family, that family also receives a $350 credit. Tax credit are now available for the 2017 tax year. If you are in need of a tax credit, contact the school or parish office and we will get you going in the right direction. ECS has over $50,000 to raise in tax credits and we do have a couple thousand already. You may also give online, check the Diocesan website for Ways to Give. Our Little Shepherd Before and After school program is still being worked on. We need to continue with licensing and hiring. It is a long process, but are excited to have this program. The 3-year-old preschool is seeing some remodeling thanks to the PACGDC. There will be new paint, technology, chairs, and other items .
The Fair Booth will be happening this summer in July, the sign-up sheets at the back of church. Special thanks to Rick Bisenius for the refrigerator for the Fair Booth, we are most appreciative. We are looking forward to a new school year, with great fun with our students, families, and staff. Each year brings new things, challenges, and time to discover Jesus in our daily lives in a school setting. It is not just the students that benefit from a Catholic school, but also the parents and staff. We are so appreciative to be able to pray several times and day and keep Jesus as an active part of our day.
Financial Report Holy Family Parish - Profit and Loss Statement Actual Actual 4/30/2017 Parish School Total Income $301,854.45 $301,854.45 Weekly Collections Neighboring Parish Assessments $34,298.91 $34,298.91 $173,929.71 $4,112.48 $169,817.23 Tuition & Fees/RED $9,268.00 $9,268.00 DDA from Diocese $123,986.08 $73,238.54 $50,747.54 Unrealized Gains/Loss-invest $76,624.65 $38,153.32 $38,471.33 Contributions & Donations $12,092.57 $12,092.57 Other Parish Income $278,107.40 $278,107.40 School Assessments - HFP $132,631.82 $132,631.82 Auction Fest Support School Support & Fundraising $5,712.41 $5,712.41 $1,148,506.00 $473,018.27 $675,487.73 Ordinary Total $0.00 Estates & Bequests $33,598.00 $33,598.00 Farm Income Total Income $1,182,104.00 $473,018.27 $709,085.73 Expense $575,557.31 $89,429.87 $486,127.44 Salary, Wages & Benefits $6,122.78 $3,223.63 $2,899.15 Telephone Expense $5,167.98 $5,167.98 Altar & Church Supplies $28,462.73 $14,615.03 $13,847.70 Administrative Expenses Education & Ministry Expenses $4,635.72 $4,635.72 $24,295.71 $7,228.89 $17,066.82 Utilities $19,338.43 $8,964.31 $10,374.12 Building & Grounds Main. $12,779.00 $5,880.00 $6,899.00 Property & Liability Insur. $237,232.60 $237,232.60 School Assessments $9,140.00 $9,140.00 Diocesan Support $28,454.71 $28,454.71 Instruction Expenses $6,978.20 $6,978.20 Curriculum & Staff Dev. $33,006.54 $33,006.54 Savings & Other Expenses Ordinary Total $991,171.71 $418,524.57 $572,647.14 Net Income of Ordinary $102,840.59 $0.00 Major Repairs $6,120.82 $6,120.82 Farm Expense Total Expense $997,292.53 $418,524.57 $578,767.96 $184,811.47 $54,493.70 $130,317.77 Ending Balance
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OU R C A T H O L I C C OM M U N I T Y F A I T H
2016-2017 Budget Parish $381,200.00 $42,000.00
2016-2017 Budget School
$180,300.24 $8,000.00 $4,000.00 $12,000.00 $17,060.00
$9,400.08 $33,300.12 $315,772.20 $130,000.00 $9,200.00 $677,972.64
$464,260.00 $110,150.96 $4,270.00 $7,299.92 $13,871.92 $5,000.00 $11,000.00 $7,300.00 $9,199.92 $288,040.00 $10,200.00
$27,600.00 $705,572.64 $601,575.96 $3,600.00 $13,301.04 $21,500.04 $23,500.08 $5,496.00
$26,400.24 $4,190.04 $6,750.00 $473,082.72
$699,563.40
$473,082.72 -$8,822.72
$15,000.00 $4,600.08 $719,163.48 -$13,590.84
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Catholic Daughters of the Americas-Emmetsburg Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Rose of Lima Court #14, ended its 2016-2017 year with our June potluck meal. Invited guests from Graettinger attended our meeting. The year had many good programs such as: the history of the Emmetsburg St. Pats Assoc.; history of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend; Hospice Services provided by the Palo Alto County Hospital; and Nick Grandstaff shared details from his internship in India. The 2017 and 2018 years meetings begin on Tuesday, September 5th, 2017. Prior to Mass at 5:30 is the Rosary in the church. This is also a potluck meal after Mass in the parish center along with our first business meeting of the year.
Program ideas are always welcomed. Please contact Bertha Mathis, Coleen Ruddy, Diane Smith, Judy Murphy, Judy Sorensen or any member with ideas and programs. CDA belongs to you the members. Over the summer, please listen and see if God is calling you to be a Catholic Daughter. All are welcome to join; new members, new ideas and new sisters in faith refresh our spirit in the Lord. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… ”Mary, Mother of God.
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The Graettinger Court Mary Immaculate #1710 meets once a month on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Parish Hall. We begin with the Rosary and sometimes Mass. At each meeting we first conduct our business portion. We have a different member each month give “The Good of the Order.” We also have an informative program at each meeting. We raise our funds by having at least 2 bake sales a year, following the Masses on the weekend. This past year we have participated in the following projects: Lifesaver Project, Senior Breakfast and a gift, Breakfast for Graduates and a gift, Education poster contest for youth, Adopt-a-Family at Christmas, Diocesan Seminarian gift cards; National Charity, Kenya CDA Expansion project, Bethel Lutheran Church Food Bank, Priest Appreciation Recognition,
White Ribbon against Pornography, Donation to Post Prom, Rosaries for First Communicants, Baby Shower and monetary donation to Cherish Center, Baby Bottle Campaign for Cherish Center during Lent, Book for the Library, Masses and Rosary for our deceased members, prayer partners during Lent. In past years we have also had a Mother-Daughter Breakfast, but were unable to have that this year. At the close of the meeting we are treated to the most delicious lunches served by at least 2 members, sometimes 3. All in all, we are a group of strong, dedicated members of the CDA-doing all we can for our Parish and many worthwhile projects. For the past three years we have enjoyed our relationship with the Estherville CDA Court and we look forward to getting to know the women of Holy Family CDA.
Music Ministries—Myrna Heddinger
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) This group process is the ordinary way of joining the Catholic Church, we meet on Thursday evening from 7- 8:30 p.m. at the Parish Center, Emmetsburg, if the majority of candidates are from Graettinger, then we will meet in Graettinger. We had a small but excellent group this year and we had a lot of fun as we learned about the Catholic Faith. Jesse Leman and Melvin Locke became members of the Catholic Church; congratulations and welcome.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas—Graettinger
It is time to be thinking about next September 7, 2017. If you know of someone who might be interested in the Catholic Faith talk to them about coming. Anybody from our Catholic faith community is welcome. We are very grateful to our leaders who helped out and made the program possible: Cathy Faber, and Fr. Currans. If there are a couple of people who would be interested in getting involved in the program please contact Fr. Clem or Sheree at the office. 712-852-3187
O U R CA T HO L I C C O M M U NI T Y O F F A I T H
Summertime has rolled around again. For a while, the warm weather seemed to elude us but I think we have been found. Ellen has set up a young people group to start singing for a weekend Mass, It will be a very nice addition to the present Cantors and will help keep some of the younger ones interested in this giving of talent as they grow to their teen and adult years. We sent out letters to the cantors and musicians of Ruthven and Ayrshire parishes to see if we could set up a meeting with them to join forces when the upcoming changes occur. So if anyone else is interested in joining this way of celebrating Mass, please let Ellen or myself know, we will be happy to include you. VOLUME 11 ISSUE SUMMER
We did not include Mallard in this group as they will continue their services for about another year. Thanks to all the Cantors and musicians for what you do to help out with the Mass on weekends and various holidays. It is very much appreciated. Be sure to let Ellen Picray know if there is some time that is not going to work for you and she will not put you on the schedule for that time. Thanks again and remember to keep a song in your heart and a prayer on your lips.
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Cartoon
Parish Council/Finance News
Knights of Columbus—Emmetsburg Greetings to all! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far. This will be last letter to the parish, as I will no longer be the Grand Knight of the council. The incoming Grand Knight is Jim Stillman. He is well known and will take over on the of July 1st. New trees were added to the new cemetery addition, under the direction of Jim and our Knights of Columbus members. Our organization takes a summer break so we do not have many activities scheduled. The Clay County Fair will take place in September and the K of C fair booth will again be manned, giving out booklets of interest and rosaries to the public. The Tootsie Roll Drive is scheduled for the weekend of the first home football game. The annual Fall Harvest Supper will be the next event for our organization. Hope to see you there. Page 6
We hope the proposed connection to Corrigan Hall continues to gain financial support so it can be completed and provide more opportunities to serve the parish. With the merging of the parishes, I am asking for anyone who is not already a member of the Knights of Columbus consider joining our organization. It is a way to get to know each other and to help bring about a smooth transition. It is also a great way to increase your faith through the works of the Knights of Columbus. To be eligible, one must be a man, a practicing Catholic and at least 18 years of age. I’m sure there is more I could say, so if you have any questions call me at 712-298-0127. With that, I wish all of you a wonderful summer. Dave Waldschmidt Grand Knight, Council 936
The Parish Councils, Finance Committees and Directors of the current Parishes will be changing in July, when the transition to the new grouping occurs. Since Graettinger remains an open Parish, their finances will remain separate and they will maintain a Finance Committee and two directors. Ruthven, Ayrshire, Emmetsburg and eventually Mallard will be combined into one Parish and will have one Finance Committee, with representation from of all these towns and two directors. The entire grouping will have one Pastoral Council (previously called the Parish Council) and will include members from all 5 towns. The Pastoral Council will deal with such things as faith formation for both children and adults, increasing the number of parish members who attend Sunday Mass and
who are active in the parish in other ways, becoming a more welcoming parish, encouraging vocations and serving out in the larger communities. Because of these changes terms for the members who are now serving on the various committees will end and new members from the grouping will be asked to serve. Of course some of the current members may be asked to serve on the new groups, to make a smooth transition. Ellen Picray has finished her term from the Parish Council and Diane Smith will begin. Mike DeWall has served on the Holy Family Parish Council for several years, and will be moving to Waterloo. We wish to thank Mike for his service and wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor.
Sacred Heart Ayrshire News Sacred Heart, Ayrshire celebrated its closing Mass and dinner on June 25, 2017. Memories were shared from over the 128 years, and 200 people were served a great meal. Vitus Terveer lectored. He was the first lay person to proclaim the scriptures and he was able to be the last one at the final Mass. We want to thank all who helped in any way with the ceremony and dinner, especially Sue Rouse who played the piano and organ, and Diane Noonan and Erin Schany who have sung for so many years.
We thank the Parish Directors: Ron Rouse, and Deb Theesfeld, the Parish Council, and Cemetery Board members who have served over the years. Plans are being made to move the bell tower to the cemetery. On this sad day, we are thankful for all who served in some way this last 128 years, and for this opportunity to celebrate. “Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but live in thankfulness that he was. Hebrew Proverb
O U R C A T H O L I C C OM M U N I T Y O F F A I T H VOLUME 11 ISSUE SUMMER
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Ruthven and Ayrshire Scared Heart Financials
Sacred Heart Ruthven-Religious Education
Income End of the Year Celebration
Immaculate Conception Finances Financial Report Immaculate Conception - Profit & Loss July 1, 2016 -May 12, 2017
Income
Total
Weekly Envelopes Loose Offerings Investment Income Grain Donations Other Income Total Income Expense Salaries & Wages
$92,870.99 $4,592.14 $44,467.26 $14,503.96 $12,992.22 $169,426.57
Administrative Expenses Educational/Ministry Exp. Net Utilities-Gas/Electricity Water/Sewer/Garbage Repairs & Maintenance Diocesan Administration Rosary Society Other Expenses Cemetery Expenses Total Expenses Net Ordinary Income
$10,477.95 $7,392.70 $11,790.51 $1,600.39 $22,155.18 $7,368.00 $4,304.26 $2,019.00 $2,450.50 $107,605.92 $61,820.65
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$38,047.43
Immaculate Conception First Communicants
Weekly Envelopes Loose & Other Givings DAA from Diocese Trusts, Investments & Other Income Estates & Bequests Total Income Expenses Salaries & Wages Administrative Expense Utilities Property & Liability Insurance Maintenance & Repairs Educational Ministry Bishop Garrigan Catholic School Assessment Farm Expense Assessment From Diocese E'burg Catholic School Donation 2 Scholarships Other Expense Total Expense Net Income/Loss
$4,825.80 $2,145.70 $2,451.20 $957.00 $529.92 $18.75 $6,198.00 $0.00 $1,011.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,246.58 $22,383.95 $12,043.91
$4,482.80 $1,450.92 $767.02 $663.00 $541.29 $18.75 $0.00 $2,276.00 $813.00 $0.00 $2,000.00 $1,347.02 $14,359.80 $16,110.10
How lucky we are to have something that makes saying good bye so hard. Author Unknown
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1-1-17 to 3-31-17 1-1-17 to 3-31-17 Ruthven Ayrshire 8,237.50 $3,545.00 $701.02 $385.00 $660.00 $50.00 $24,829.34 $26,489.90 $0.00 $0.00 $34,427.86 $30, 469.90
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Religious Education—Jean Hyslop The summer is upon us and we need to take time to thank our wonderful religious education teachers. They are such a blessing to our program. This year we concluded the year with a closing Mass and a pizza party. It was a great time. I am so thankful for Dana and Anne Marie for planning and carrying out these events. When you see these teachers– please let them know you appreciate their time and talents this last year—Melissa Theesfeld, Amanda Schwarz, Dana Burdorf, Anne Marie Nelson, Harry Bormann, Dave Van Oosbree, Peter Hart, Rachel Geelan, Emma Anderson, Bertha Mathis, and Deb and Mark Walsh. I am starting to look for teachers again. Please let me know if you will be staying with us at Holy Family Parish and teaching again this next year. You can e-mail me at
[email protected], call the parish office, or my cell at 515-320- 0757. If you haven’t taught before, but would like to join us, I know that we are always looking for teachers. Often a grade can be shared. Harry and Dave do a great job at this.
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O U R CA T HO L I C C O M M U NI T Y O F F A I T H
Totus Tuus will be July 23rd -28th . We still have plenty of room. Call the parish office if you are interested. Student having completed grades K-5 may attend the day sessions, and students having completed 6-12 may attend the evening sessions. We are always looking for helpers and it is great service work to help during the day. We will be starting confirmations classes in September of 2017 school year. Students in grade 7-8 for the coming school year are eligible. We must have your baptismal certificate on file here at the office. If you were baptized in Ayrshire, Ruthven, or Emmetsburg, we will have it on file already. If your child made their first communion here at Holy Family Parish or Sacred Heart in Ruthven or Ayrshire, we should have it on file as well. If you are unsure, please check with me and we will find out. There will be a parent meeting in August, so keep your eyes open for more information to follow. Service hour opportunities for confirmation can be gained at Totus Tuus during the day by helping with the younger students or at the Fair Booth also in July. Blessings for a safe and fun summer. Hope to see you at Totus Tuus.
Pro Life—Jeff & Laura Swift Happy Father’s Day! Since this issue is close to Father’s Day we thought we should discuss the positive impact men can have in the pro-life movement. Many women are at the fore front of pro-life causes because they are the child bearers. The men also have an important duty as protector of children. St. Joseph is a great example for men. He protected Mary and her unborn child even though Jesus was not his own. Pro-life men have a chance to be an effective role model for young men. They can show them how to stand and protect life from the unborn to all ages. It will help them have a deeper respect for women and children. If we can teach them these values it will help them have healthy relationships and also help them to be respectful of the procreation process and be responsible for their actions.
Great News! Planned Parenthood has closed 4 of the 12 clinics in Iowa; 1 in Sioux City the heart of our Dioceses. This happened because the state of Iowa stopped providing funding to facilities that provide abortions. Hopefully this progress continues. The next 40 days for life is Sept. 27th through November 5, 2017. The last campaign recorded 637 babies lives saved, 13 abortion workers quit and 9 abortion facilities closed. Please continue your prayers for people’s hearts to be changed to life giving love for all. Our local life chain will be Oct. 1, 2017, mark your calendars. We will be creating a pro-life shirt early this fall before the life chain. Watch the bulletin for more information. God Bless, Jeff & Laura Swift
Knights of Columbus—Graettinger The Immaculate Conception Parish of Graettinger, IA. Knights of Columbus Charter,13732, is a brotherhood consisting of 38 brothers that are 18 years of age and older, the Knights of Columbus raise money for various charities, and non-profit organizations. The Knights of Columbus “the strong right arm of the church” Pope John Paul. We are… Defenders of the Church, Solidarity for our clergy, Protectors of Christian family values, and active in our communities. We do not ask for more than you can give. We give you and your family more than you could ask for. Some of the fund raisers are: Spaghetti Supper in March, First Communion Breakfast VOLUME 11 ISSUE SUMMER
in April, PID {Physical and Intellectual Disabilities} Breakfast, Labor Day Bingo in September, Food Bank Breakfast in November, and 50/50 Raffles. We donate to a variety of organizations, such as PID and Informed Choices. Other activities we help with are Servers Appreciation in January, Ladies Appreciation night in May, Church grounds clean up, Parish Picnic – Priest Appreciation, as well as Church and Parish Center maintenance. —Tim Carlin, Grand Knight
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