Events & Opportunities
Missionary Visit
Dear friends in Christ,
I am Fr. Emmanuel Offiong, I represent MISSIONCARE-USA. We are a Catholic mission outreach serving vulnerable children in rural parts of Nigeria, offering support through education, clean water, and nutrition. Next weekend, I will be celebrating the Eucharist with you and share our mission story. Your prayers and generosity will go a long way to help God’s children in Southern Nigeria stay in school and grow in hope. Thank you for your willingness to bring mercy and lasting change through this mission appeal. Remain blessed. - Fr. Emmanuel
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We continue to accept donations for MISSIONCARE-USA. Please mail your donation to the Office or drop in the
collection basket Sept. 5/6, noting that it is for MissionCare. Thank you!
Diocesan Collection: Clergy Formation Appeal
This Appeal provides support for the education of the men who are discerning priesthood and those who are undergoing deacon formation. A mailing will be sent out to households; please return your gift directly to the Diocese or donate online: https://www.dmdiocese.org/giving/diocesan-special-collections/seminarian-special-collection. Thank you for your generous support and your prayers for our future priests and deacons!
--Read Bishop Joensen's letter in regards to this collection here.
Christ Our Life Conference -- Sept. 26 & 27, Casey’s Center
Speaker: Sister Medhin Tesfay. For 33 years she has served as Director of Social and Development Programs for Daughters of Charity, providing love and compassion for children and adolescents living in desperation and hunger in the streets of Tigray, Ethiopia. Sister cares daily for the sick and works alongside Mary’s Meals to provide food for the hungry, considering her work as one of the greatest blessings in her life. Conference tickets: In Person or Livestream - All-Weekend Adult Pass $30; Age 23 and under FREE! All participants, in-person or livestreaming, PAID or FREE, must obtain tickets by going online at ChristOurLifeIowa.com.
Let's Believe... Live... and Celebrate Our Faith!
Pancake Breakfast!!
Join us Sunday, September 20 after 8:00am Mass at Holy Cross for a great breakfast! Prepared and served by the Knights of Columbus.
Trip to Ireland with Father Pisut
Travel on a 10-day pilgrimage with Fr. Pisut to Ireland September 7-16, 2027. Find out more information or register at stcharlespilgrimages.com/pisut or use this QR code.
The Pilgrimage Information Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6:00pm. This is an in-person gathering and will be hosted at St. Augustin Catholic Church in the Parish Hall. We encourage those who cannot join the meeting
in-person to join the meeting remotely with Zoom (meeting link available closer to meeting date).
Parish Genealogy
We have an updated form to use: SMHC Genealogy Questionairre – Fill out form. Submissions will not be included in the 150th Anniversary book but will be kept and can be updated for the next book.
Looking For a Way to Become More Involved With Your Parish and Local Community?
Please consider hosting Wine & cheese after 5:00pm Mass on the first Saturday of December …or Coffee & donuts after 8:00am Mass on the first Sunday of November or December ….or …. Coffee & donuts after 10:00am Mass on the first Sunday of October through December. Please contact Barb at the office to help. bliske@saintmaryhc.org or 515-367-2685, if you have questions or would like to volunteer. Thank you!
Liturgical Ministers needed: 8:00am Mass at Holy Cross: Lectors. 10:00am Mass at St. Mary: Lectors and Ministers of the Eucharist. Please let the office know if you are interested in helping with any of these.
The Blessing Box Food Pantry is seeking volunteers to help box items to distribute to families on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Please contact Tammi McClain at 515-290-3904 if interested.
Calling All Musicians! We would love to have you join our music ministry to participate during Mass! We are happy to provide training and have you sing or play with mentors. Teenagers welcome! If interested and would like more information, please contact Lorrie Hanlon, dlhanlon@windstream.net
Thank you for considering these volunteer opportunities!
