November 9 & 16, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

  I hope this letter finds you well.  I just wanted to say a word of thanks for all of your generosity in tithing and support of our parish.  This weekend we will have a review of our financial position.  A giant thank you to the Finance Council and Candy for all of their good work as well.  God has truly blessed us.  May all of us continue to share the good gifts we have been given in time, talent, and treasure as we build up the Body of Christ in NE Polk County.

  Secondly on November 15/16 Fr. Chris Fontanini will be here at St. Mary-Holy Cross and I will go back to my old parish of St. Joseph’s so I can speak about vocations.  Fr. Chris is a dear friend of mine and a holy priest.  I am sure he will enjoy being with all of you.  Please welcome him.

  Finally, may we all continue to support one another in prayer.  Just a reminder in regards to prayer that Bishop has asked us to offer a sixth decade of the Rosary for vocations.  Through the intercession of Our Lady may many more young people heed the invitation of the Lord in regards to their vocation.                                      ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

November 2, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

     I hope this letter finds you well.  It is really cool that we get to celebrate All Souls day for our weekend masses.  This does not happen very often.  November is the Month of All Souls. We pray for the souls of all the faithful departed in purgatory. It makes sense for us to reflect on the doctrine of purgatory and its roots — and of our need to pray for the departed.
   What Is Purgatory?  The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the following on purgation and purgatory: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification so as to attain the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name ‘Purgatory’ to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (1030-1031).  
   Thus, presuming that we die in a state of grace and friendship with God, Christ will surely complete his work in us (for he is faithful to his promises) by purging us of whatever imperfections, venial sins or sorrowful effects of sins that still remain. Further, all punishments due to sin are completed.
   Praying for the Dead. It is therefore a proper and holy disposition to pray for those who have died and may well be undergoing purification. Many of the saints speak of our prayers for the dead as being something they really need and can benefit from. Tradition says, though the dead in purgatory can pray for us, they cannot pray for themselves, and they very much need our prayers. (excerpts taken from EWTN).         ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  
 

October 26, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I hope this letter finds you well.  I just wanted to give an update on all the exciting things that are happening regarding our buildings.  It is because of your generosity that we are able to do all these things.  So, thank you! 

   At Holy Cross we have begun the process of restoring our windows.  Our new pit toilet has also been installed.  At St. Mary's we have begun the work of leveling our concrete that leads to the front door.  We are also fixing the flashing in order to help with leaks when it rains.  Our big project coming up is to address the parking lot at St. Mary's.  I will meet with the Building Commission at the Diocese next month and hopefully get approval.  These are big projects, and I am certainly most grateful for all your generosity!  Again, it is because of your generous giving that we can embark on these good works.                                               ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

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October 19, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I hope this letter finds you well.  A couple of weeks ago Pope Leo wrote to the faithful what is called an Encyclical Letter called: Dilexi te (“I have loved you”). 

   An encyclical is considered the highest level of papal teaching, while an apostolic exhortation is typically seen as the second-highest level. Popes often issue exhortations following assemblies of the Synod of Bishops, a permanent institution established by Pope Paul VI in 1965. But Pope Francis, for example, chose to set out the program for his pontificate in an apostolic exhortation, 2013’s Evangelii gaudium.

   In the exhortation’s first chapter, Pope Leo underlines that love for God is inseparable from love for the poor. “I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society,” he writes, “if we can only set ourselves free of our self-centeredness and open our ears to their cry.” (Excerpts from Pillar Catholic Website)

    I would encourage all of us to reflect on how we are serving the poorest among us.  This Encyclical is particularly challenging, but maybe something for all of us to reflect on.  May we continue to challenge ourselves to serve the poor among us while continuing to hold each other in prayer.        ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

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October 12, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I hope this letter finds you well.  As we are in the midst of harvest season let us continue to pray for our farmers as the soybean harvest is winding down and the corn harvest seems to be heating up for many of our people.  Certainly, this year many farmers face a lot of uncertainty with current market challenges.

   In that vein of farming and rural life our priest workshop revolved around rural life.  I came away with some good ideas that we will discuss with Parish Council, so hopefully there will be some good fruit from that.

   I also want to thank the Stewardship Committee for putting on our Puzzle Night.  As I am writing this, I am greatly looking forward to that.  As usual let us continue to keep one another in prayer.           ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

 

October 5, 2025 Bulletin

    Five men have been accepted to the Diocese’s seminarian program. They join nine men already in formation, bringing the total number of seminarians for the Des Moines Diocese to 14.

    Bishop William Joensen is grateful for the prayers of the faithful, and encourages parishioners to add a sixth decade to their rosary for those thinking about whether they may be called by God to serve his people through ordained ministry.

    To read about these new seminarians, please go to https://www.dmdiocese.org/news/five-new-seminarians-discern-call-to-priesthood.

 

September 28, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

   Last week we had a meeting for our new deanery.  A deanery is a cluster of parishes to which we belong that is led by a Dean who reports to the Bishop.  This is new in our diocese as we used to be split into regions.  The main topic of conversation that they wanted us to focus on was safety.  Being in a rural area sometimes we think that things cannot happen here, and maybe we get into a false sense of security.   I will connect with Parish Council and maybe we can get a plan together regarding safety that is prudent and workable.  Like anything let's just be vigilant and if you see something say something.  I would certainly be open to any conversations, especially with anyone who has some experience in safety and security to make sure we keep safety as a priority during worship and religious education.  It really stinks that it is something that we have to worry about, but again we want everyone to be safe so that we can give due reverence and worship to our Lord.  Let us continue to keep one another in prayer.     ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

September 21, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I just want to say that my heart is absolutely full right now.  Our 150th Anniversary celebration was absolutely spectacular at Holy Cross.  It was because of all the hard work that you all did.  I am so incredibly grateful for everyone who contributed.  Those who were seen and those who were unseen who did so much.  Thank you so very much to all!  One thing that kind of stuck out to me is that we are all one parish, whether you mostly go to St. Mary or Holy Cross, it seemed like everyone supported one another and we were there for each other.  I thought that was beautiful to see.  I was joking with the altar servers the other day about our 200th anniversary.  I said they would probably make it, but I would be in my 90's.  Possible, but I am aiming for our 150th at St. Mary's as I would be 82.  Certainly, all in God's hands!!!  Thank you again to all and may God continue to bless our parish as we all move ever closer to our heavenly reward.    

     ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

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September 14, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I hope this letter finds you well.  I am so excited for our 150th anniversary at Holy Cross.  I want to just say how grateful I am to everyone who helped plan or was involved in any way.  As I write this, preparations are feverishly being undertaken.  I especially want to thank the committee members who have done so much to prepare and plan the event.  This is a special event for me personally as I often attended mass at Holy Cross and St. Mary’s as a child with my grandparents.  I often think of those who have preceded us in the faith and have passed the gift of faith on to us.

   Secondly, I want to thank Nicole for setting up the viewing of the film about St. Carlo Acutis.  Thank you to all who came and watched the inspiring film.  I had to leave at noon for another meeting, so I will finish the film soon as it was very well done.  I also still want to watch some of the canonization mass.  Just not enough time in the day!  Let us continue to keep one another in prayer and strive for holiness each day!          ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

September 7, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

     I hope this letter finds you well.  I need to get back into the routine of writing weekly bulletin articles.  I hope all of you had a blessed Labor Day.  It just seems like yesterday it was Memorial Day.  Why does the summer go by so fast and the winter so slow?!

     Just a reminder that this Sunday the Church will canonize two new Saints, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.  These two men who lived a century apart in Italy have inspired our youth.  I would encourage you to learn about them as well as asking for their intercession.  Hopefully you can join us on Sunday after 10:00 AM Mass to see a movie about St. Carlo Acutis.

     Finally, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who is involved in planning our 150th Anniversary at Holy Cross.  Again, this is a momentous undertaking.  There is so much to do, and so much to celebrate.  These are exciting times for our universal and our local church.  In the words of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Verso L'Alto.  Toward the top!               ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

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August 10 & 17, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I hope all is well with you.  I am getting excited about our students returning to religious education, back to school, and of course football season!  The big to do coming up is our 150th Anniversary at Holy Cross.  I am super excited for this.  I also heard that the team from up north is playing in Ireland so that will be pretty cool.

   Some good news as well is that we received our parish directories.  Sorry for the delay on this, but there were quite a few mistakes so we had to get that corrected before we could hand them out.  Thank you for your patience on this.  Thank you again for all who participated as well.

   Finally, just a reminder as we begin our new school year.  We remember that education is a great privilege and opportunity.  In the history of the world the opportunity to be educated was exceedingly rare and was often reserved for a very few.  Around the world even today education opportunities are quite limited.  Please do not take this great opportunity for granted.  Please join me in praying for all of our teachers, students, administrators, and parents during this year.  St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for us!           ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

August 10 & 17, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

    I hope this letter finds you well.  We had a wonderful seminarian convocation in Norwalk this week.  It was kind of a lot to prepare for and execute, but I think it went very well. 

   We are also getting ready for the State Fair!  I always have fond memories of my Uncle Jack around this time as he would go to the Fair every day even into his nineties.  I was also the former Pastor of St. Joseph's on the Eastside of Des Moines and I enjoyed being around the Fair and being the unofficial priest of the Fair.

    Just a word of thanks to all who contributed to our parish garage sale, those who shopped, and those who spent countless hours setting up and working.  I was impressed by our youth who showed a lot of good discipline to help with this effort as it will support them on their trip to NCYC.

    Finally, just a reminder of the Holy Day of Obligation/Opportunity on Friday August 15th the Assumption of Our Lady.  We will have mass at St. Mary's at 7AM and 6:30PM.  Certainly, do not miss the opportunity to honor Our Lady on her special day.  If you cannot attend mass here, please do so at another parish that is convenient for you.       ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

July 27 & August 3, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

   It is always nice to be away for a while, and nice to come home.  I was glad to get a little break, but we are now back to work.  Just a word of thanks to all of you who made Fr. Al feel so welcome.  I got a very nice thank you note from him.  He was so impressed by your hospitality.  Thank you so much!  Also, a big thank you to all who have done so much in terms of our garage sale.  It has been a giant commitment.  Thank you to all who have participated.

   Secondly, since the late 1970’s the Knights of Columbus have sponsored travelling Icons.  Our parish has been selected to host the newest Icon a picture of the Sacred Heart.  This has been blessed by the late Pope Francis and sent to us by the Papal Almoner.  Here is some information regarding the Icon and prayers that you may want to pray in front of the Icon.  https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/faith/pilgrim-icon.html.  I do not know if we will plan an actual service, but if you look at the website you will see a booklet that you can use for your own devotion either in Church or at home.

   Finally, let us continue to keep one another in prayer.  During our travels for the summer let us make time for Holy Mass and the continued good habits of prayer.     ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

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July 13 & 20, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

    I hope this letter finds you well.  I always look forward to kind of taking a breather during the summer, but no such luck this year!  A lot of outstanding things are happening, so I am not at all upset about it.

   Just a reminder that on the weekend of the 19th and 20th we will be welcoming Fr. Al Utzig from the Columban Fathers for our Missionary appeal weekend.  Please be generous in supporting the work of the Columban Fathers.  I spoke last weekend about Missionary discipleship.  We hope that we who are missionary disciples here in this place will support and pray for those who minister in faraway places.  I got to spend some time with the Columban Fathers when I was assigned to Council Bluffs and Fr. Charlie O'Rourke was a friend of mine of happy memory.

   Just a reminder that I will be going to spend some time with my friends down at Table Rock from the 17th to the 20th.  I will then be back on Monday the 21st.  There will be no daily masses during those days.  Let us continue to keep one another in prayer!              ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

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June 29 & July 6, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

  I hope this note finds you well.  A big thank you to everyone who helped welcome Fr. Patrick this past weekend.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good!!!  I had a nice time going to Creston and Afton and connecting with one of our seminarians who is stationed there for the summer.  We had a nice Eucharistic procession as well, although it was pretty warm.

   The weekend of the 28th/29th we are celebrating three baptisms and a wedding.  So great things are happening.  We are also celebrating the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, which falls on the weekend.  That is pretty cool as often times it does not.  Traditionally the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is when the Archbishop's from around the world receive their pallium the sign of the shepherd.  So, this is a good reminder to pray for our Bishop's and our Holy Father.

   Finally, as a friendly reminder with all the travelling and vacations that take place over the summer, please make a plan to attend holy mass.  There are great resources available for you to find mass times near you.  Let us continue to keep each other in prayer!          ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

June 15 & 22, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

   I hope this letter finds you well.  We have completed the great Fifty days of Easter with our celebration of Pentecost, and we now enter into Ordinary Time, certainly nothing ordinary about it.  The reason we call it Ordinary time is because the weeks are numbered sequentially.  We are looking forward to celebrating the great Solemnities of the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
   Just a word of thanks to all who participated in our clean up days at St. Mary's and Holy Cross.  We also received word from the Bishop that we could proceed with restoring our windows at Holy Cross.  We also have some work to do at St. Mary's in regard to our roof and we will get going on that as well.
   Next weekend on the 21/22 we will welcome Fr. Patrick Amedeka.  Father is a tremendous priest and a good friend of mine.  He looks like a teenager, but I promise he is an ordained priest!  I will go to Creston and Afton to speak about vocations, and Father will come here.  Please welcome him to NE Polk County.  Hopefully he can take in all the festivities of our great town festival!    ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  
 

June 1 & 8, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

   I hope this letter finds you well.  We are now beginning our summer routine of going to printing the bulletin every two weeks.  These upcoming weeks we will celebrate the two great feasts of Ascencion and Pentecost as we wrap up the Easter Season.  May we prepare our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit!  Pentecost is arguably the second most important solemnity of our Church year.

   Just a reminder as we begin the summer that if we travel, we make a plan to attend holy mass.  Sometimes it is neat  to see other parishes and how they do things. Please also keep in your prayers Stan Asjes. Stan is a seminarian preparing to be ordained as a transitional deacon next Friday.  The diaconate is the final stage before priesthood ordination.  

   Finally, I want to thank all who made our Memorial Day weekend so beautiful.  The cemetery looked absolutely stunning on Monday with all the flags and graves decorated so beautifully.  Memorial Day at Holy Cross is a beautiful tradition and celebration.  It is so great to see many of our people who have moved away return.  It will be exciting as well to celebrate our 150th anniversary in September!

   Please pray for me and my brother priests as we make our annual retreat from June 1st-5th.  Be assured of my prayers as well.      ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

May 25, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

   We are moving ever closer to our heavenly reward as we continue our Easter Journey.  Just a few updates.  We are getting very close to meeting our Diocesan Appeal goal.  Thank you for your generosity.  Let's try to get this completed by the end of the month if we can.
   We are also close to getting our new directory.  There were some misspellings and things like that so we are working on getting that corrected and then hopefully we can get those out to you.  Thank you to all who participated in that.
   Thank you again for your patience with our building projects.  This is kind of a long process, but not unlike other parishes who are facing the same issues.  We are moving forward as quickly as we can regarding our infrastructure issues.
   Finally, this weekend we certainly remember those women and men who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.  Thank you to all who make our Memorial Day celebrations so beautiful.  It is nice to have so many in our communities join us for our mass and remembrance.        ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  
 

May 18, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

    I just wanted to thank all of you for participating in our May Crowning.  It was a truly beautiful way to honor Our Lady and to ask for her intercession for our community, especially her intercession for all mothers.  Thank you to Susan Selby for getting everything organized for that.
   Many of you have asked when we are moving forward with some of our proposed facilities updates.  The diocese has requested that we complete a facilities inspection.  At this time the inspection has been completed, but we are waiting on the report for St. Mary's.  Ther person who completed our inspection is an expert witness and he is tied up in a court case.  The Building and Grounds committee will be meeting later this month, so hopefully we will have some news after we go through the reports.  Thank you for your patience on that.
   Finally, it is so wonderful that we have a new Holy Father.  I never thought I would see it, but someone originally from the USA and the Midwest.  This is truly exciting!!!  Please keep Leo XIV in your prayers as he begins his Petrine Ministry as the servant to the servants of God.      ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  
 

May 11, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

    I hope this letter finds you well.  As I write this, we just celebrated Mass at Holy Cross for the election of a new Pope, and the Conclave has begun.  Exciting times for the Universal Church.

    This weekend we have more great things going on.  The Fourth Sunday of Easter is the world day of prayer for vocations.  Please continue to pray in a special way for vocations.  We also celebrate Mother's day.  May we continue to keep our mothers and grandmothers in our prayer, for those who are living or deceased.  We also honor Our Lady Mother of God and Mother of the Church with our May Crowning.  Exciting times again!  What a whirlwind!  I always tell people if you want to know me, I am basically a mama's boy.  I love my earthly and heavenly mother!       ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  
 

Dear Good People, 

    A very blessed and Happy Easter as we continue to rejoice and celebrate for these fifty days.  Again, I just wanted to thank everyone who helped in any way to make Easter so special this year.  Our mass for first holy communion was very special as well.  I thought it was particularly nice that all of us could attend to support the children.  First holy communion is always one of the highlights for me during the year.  Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis during these nine days of mourning and pray for the College of Cardinals as they are preparing to convene the Conclave in a few days.

    There are a lot of things going on this time of year.  This weekend we are celebrating two baptisms, Confirmation, I have my nephew's first holy communion in Des Moines, and we also recognize our seniors graduating from High School.  Please keep all of these people and their families in your prayers.

    I again just want to recognize our Catechist who have put in so much work this year to help our young people grown in their faith.  Faith is the greatest gift we have, and the greatest gift we can pass on to future generations.  May we continue to nourish our faith by faithfully receiving the sacraments ourselves and learning more about our faith.     ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

April 27, 2025 Bulletin

Pope Francis passed away Monday, April 21 at his Vatican residence at the age of 88. Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor. 

   The following is from Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of Dubuque: 

   “With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He was a shepherd after Christ’s own heart—humble, compassionate, and deeply committed to walking with the people of God, especially those on the margins.

    Pope Francis reminded us constantly of God’s mercy, calling the Church to be a field hospital for the wounded and a home for all. His pastoral heart, gentle leadership, and unwavering call to serve the poor and to care for creation will be remembered with deep gratitude. We entrust his soul to the loving mercy of the God he served so faithfully, and we pray for the Church he leaves behind, that we may continue to embody the Gospel values he so dearly cherished.”

 

Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People, 

    Jesus Christ is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!  A very blessed Easter to all of you.  I just wanted to say a thank you to all who decorated, sang, served, read, and anyone who has helped make the Triduum a truly blessed event in our parish.  Many of you do so many things seen and unseen.  I am so grateful to all of you!  I pray all of us continue to grow in holiness and virtue throughout the Easter Season.

    Just a reminder that next week I am going to Oklahoma to spend some time with my classmate Fr. Nance.  I will be right outside of Joplin Missouri on the Oklahoma side.  If any pastoral emergency comes up, please contact the priests at St. Luke's or Our Lady's Immaculate Heart.

    Please keep in your prayers our young people who will be receiving their first holy communion next Sunday during our regular 10:00am Mass.  We will set up overflow seating, but just a heads up if you want to avoid that maybe make a plan to attend 5PM or 8AM mass that weekend.  Thank you for your understanding in that and I think it will be nice to have all of us together as the young people receive the Eucharist for the first time.         ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People, 

    We are racing ever closer to our eternal reward!  Just a reminder to make a plan to attend the Triduum liturgies this year.  They are truly the highlight of our entire liturgical year.  We enter into Christ's life, passion, and resurrection.

I just wanted to thank the Knights of Columbus and our Stewardship Committee for all the great work for our Fish Fry's this year.  Another stellar effort and it was nice to see so many people come together, especially visitors and guests.

As I am writing this, I got to see a sneak peek of our shadow stations.  It was really quite moving.  We want to thank our staff and young volunteers for putting on such a moving memorial of our Lord's Way of the Cross.  A very Blessed Holy Week to al!      ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

April 6, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People, 

    I hope this letter finds you well.  I pray our Lenten journey has been fruitful.  We are drawing ever closer to the feast of our salvation.  I would encourage all of us to make a plan to enter into holy week and attend the Triduum services.  Holy Week begins next week April 12th with Passion Sunday.  We will have regular mass times.  We journey with Jesus as he enters into Jerusalem on His way to the Cross.  Then on Thursday April 17th we begin the sacred Triduum.  Three days that the Church sees as one.  Holy Thursday we have the mass of our Lord's Supper at 7PM.  Good Friday we remember our Lord's Passion; this liturgy also begins at 7PM.  We then have the Easter Vigil, the culmination of our Liturgical year, on Saturday at 8PM.  I know I am a little early in getting this out, but I want to highlight the importance of these liturgies.  The great desire of the Church for Holy Week is not simply to touch our emotions, but to deepen our faith.  In the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week, we do not simply commemorate what Jesus did; we are plunged into the Paschal Mystery itself, dying and rising with Christ.      ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

March 30, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People, 

    This weekend we celebrate Laetare Sunday.  Laetare means to rejoice.  We rejoice because the feast of our salvation grows ever closer.  It is good for us this weekend to take stock of our Lenten resolutions.  I pray as we draw ever closer to Easter that our works of mercy and prayer will bring us ever closer to our Lord.  This weekend we hear the parable of the prodigal son.  Certainly one of our favorite passages in scripture.  We all see ourselves either in the prodigal son or in the faithful son.  Just a reminder that one of the precepts of the Church is to go to the sacrament of reconciliation at least once per year.  I would certainly encourage us to go more than this, but Lent is a great time to think about the ways in which we can grow as Christians.  I would encourage you to go the sacrament in these coming days.  You can certainly set up a time to come to me, or attend one of the many services around the area.  Let us continue to keep one another in prayer during these special days.      ~ A.M.D.G.  Fr. Ross  

 

March 23, 2025 Bulletin   

Dear Good People,

     Today we mark the third Sunday of Lent.  I thought I would share the Collect Prayer (opening prayer) for mass.  It is really quite beautiful: O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy.  During Lent most especially we are reminded of our lowliness so that we can be raised to new life.  That may be a good thing for us to reflect on during these days of our Lenten journey.

    Just a reminder again as I received a flurry of texts and calls on Monday.  I will never call you and ask you for money personally or call or text you that I am in trouble. I will call law enforcement or the Vicar General for the diocese if something like that happens.  I do appreciate people following up though.  Scammers use my information and then they try to contact all of you.  I am sorry that this happens all the time and I pray for the people who do the scamming that they may repent and turn to the Lord.  It is so frustrating.  But just a reminder to ignore and block these people.

    May we continue to keep one another in prayer during these forty days of Lenten Journey!           ~ A.M.D.G. Fr. Ross  

 

March 16, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People,

    The Gospel on the second Sunday of Lent is always and account of the Transfiguration of Jesus.  Traditionally celebrated forty days before Good Friday.  The Gospel readings from last week and this week remind us that Jesus is in solidarity with us in our temptations, and that we also share in Christ's glory through our Baptism and Confirmation.
    As I am writing this our students are preparing for Spring Break.  I never remembered getting out of school on Thursday, but anyway!  Hopefully this time can be a time of renewal of mind and body for students, staff, and teachers.  Just a reminder to travelers to make a plan for holy mass.
    Finally, a giant thank you to the brother Knights of Columbus for the hard work for the first fish fry.  We had someone at Church from Thursday night all the way until late Friday when I went to bed and saw the lights turn out.  That is a lot of work!  Please join us for Stations of the Cross, Our Lenten Meals, and our Fish Fry's.  A lot of good stuff happening.                    ~ A.M.D.G. Fr. Ross  

 

March 9, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People: 

   The following is from Michael Moore of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate:

 

“As we begin our own Lenten journey, we need to recall and remember that we are not setting out on this journey on our own. God is with us walking by our side very step of way. When we are tempted, we need to follow the example of Jesus. He did not rely on his own strength. He turned to God and asked for help which he received. We will not be able to walk the Lenten journey on our own. We need to realize that like Jesus, we too need God’s help, support, guidance and protection. Whenever we feel tired or ready to give up or give in, we need to turn to God for encouragement. We know that God will be with us during Lent as God was with Jesus when he was in the desert. God will never leave us alone.” 

            ~ A.M.D.G. Fr. Ross  

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March 2, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People:

   I hope this letter finds you well.  As I write this the Holy Father Pope Francis is still in critical care.  Let us continue to pray for him.  I thought I would share his reflections for Lent as we begin this holy season together as a universal Church.

   In his message, the pontiff wrote that this Lent is an opportunity to consider three areas where one may be in greater need of conversion: journeying with others, being synodal, and having hope.

 “A first call to conversion,” he said, “comes from the realization that all of us are pilgrims in this life; each of us is invited to stop and ask how our lives reflect this fact. Am I really on a journey, or am I standing still, not moving, either immobilized by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of my comfort zone? Am I seeking ways to leave behind the occasions of sin and situations that degrade my dignity?”  On the virtue of hope, Pope Francis quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which calls hope the “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” 

 Francis said a good Lenten exercise and examination of conscience would be to compare one’s life to a migrant or foreigner, “to learn how to sympathize with their experiences and in this way discover what God is asking of us so that we can better advance on our journey to the house of the Father.”  He also encouraged Catholics to be more synodal by journeying with others while avoiding self-absorption, exclusion, oppressing and excluding others, or being envious and hypocritical.  “Let us all walk in the same direction, tending toward the same goal, attentive to one another in love and patience,” he urged.

Pope Francis said the call to hope and trust in God and in eternal life is also an important aspect of Lenten conversion. Some questions to ponder include: “Am I convinced that the Lord forgives my sins? Or do I act as if I can save myself? Do I long for salvation and call upon God’s help to attain it? Do I concretely experience the hope that enables me to interpret the events of history and inspires in me a commitment to justice and fraternity, to care for our common home and in such a way that no one feels excluded?”

 “This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs,” he said. This Is Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025| National Catholic Register          ~ A.M.D.G. Fr. Ross

 

February 23, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People:

   I hope this letter finds you well.  Just a reminder that Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5th.  At this time, it would be good for us to begin focusing on what we will do for Lent this year.  I love to hear what people are doing because it is often very inspiring to me, as well as challenging!

   This weekend we continue with Luke's gospel after Jesus' Sermon on the Plain.  Today we are reminded that God loves us beyond our expectations, beyond anything we can possibly imagine. In response to God's love, we are to love as God loves, beyond expectations and with a depth beyond imagining. Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C | Loyola Press          A.M.D.G.   ~ Fr. Ross  

            

February 16, 2025 Bulletin 

Dear Good People:

   I hope this letter finds you well.  I have been visiting the hospital a lot lately and it seems like most hospitals around the metro are overflowing with patients.  I also read that the flu is particularly bad this year.  I had it right before I went on vacation.  Just a reminder that it is not a sin to stay home from mass if you are ill.  Sometimes we have to make prudential judgement if we just feel under the weather or are actually sick.  We also receive Jesus' body and blood soul and divinity under either species during holy communion so if you do not feel well, I would advise against taking the precious blood or forgo the chalice all together during cold and flu season, especially if you are immunocompromised.  You probably know all this, but just a reminder.

   This weekend we hear the Beatitudes from Luke's Gospel.  Beatitude means happiness.  Living the Beatitudes is the way to happiness and joy.  What a great challenge to live the Beatitudes so one day we may reach eternal beatitude and joy in the halls of heaven!       

 

February 9, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

    My heart is truly joyful as we celebrated some outstanding events this past week.  We welcomed Dan Harrington into our faith community, celebrated the Feast of the Presentation (normally do not get the chance to do this over the weekend), had the chili/cinnamon roll cook-off, welcomed new members to our parish, and had the blessing of the throats.  I took a nice long nap on Sunday!  The Chiefs are also in the Super Bowl for the third straight year!!!

   I just want to give a giant thank you to the Stewardship Committee and to all who participated in the Chili/Cinnamon roll cook-off.  It was truly a rousing success.  Thank you to all who submitted entries and those like me who tried them.

   Just a reminder to please continue to join me in praying for vocations.  At this time, we are looking at six young men who will be joining seminary next fall.  So big things are happening in that regard.  The only issue is that the work in vocations pulls me away from here quite a bit, so I really appreciate your patience with that.  Let us continue to pray for and to support one another.              A.M.D.G.   ~ Fr. Ross  

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January 26 & February 2, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People: 

   I hope this letter finds you well.  As I write this it feels weird to be simultaneously sunburnt and it is thirty below zero wind-chill!  That being said I had a nice vacation with my classmates, but it is good to be back.  One thing that has been a huge blessing is seeing so many new faces at our liturgies.  If you see someone who looks new please make sure to reach out and introduce yourself as we continue to strive to make our parish one of welcome and hospitality.

     We will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord the weekend of February 1 & 2.  This feast is also known as Candlemas.  It is regarded as a feast of light, where Christ, the Light of the World is presented in the temple.  The tradition of blessing candles and the title of Christ as Light of the World, give us the term, “Candlemas.”.  I invite you to bring candles to mass with you that weekend if you would like to have them blessed.      A.M.D.G.   ~ Fr. Ross  

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January 12, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

    When you are reading this, I hope to be in sunny Florida.  I want to thank Fr. Hurd very much for being here as well.  Another giant thank you to Andrea and Melissa who got our chalk packets put together for Epiphany.  I love that tradition.  If you did not get a chance to get your packet there are a few in the entry way to Church with instructions.

     This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  Many of the incidents which accompanied Christ's baptism are symbolical of what happened at our Baptism. At Christ's baptism the Holy Spirit descended upon Him; at our Baptism the Trinity took its abode in our soul. At His baptism Christ was proclaimed the "Beloved Son" of the Father; at our Baptism we become the adopted sons and daughters of God. At Christ's baptism the heavens were opened; at our Baptism heaven was opened to us. At His baptism Jesus prayed; after our Baptism we must pray to avoid actual sin.
     —Excerpted from Msgr. Rudolph G. Bandas                   A.M.D.G.   ~ Fr. Ross  

 

January 5, 2025 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

    A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!  We continue to celebrate Christmas all the way through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, so hopefully we stay in the Christmas spirit.

   This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.  Tradition venerates the Three Wise Men as saints, including because they not only recognized Christ but also revealed him to the world. Their visit symbolizes the Gentiles finding Jesus (Isa. 11:10; Matt. 28:18-20) and expressing, through their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, who he is: King, God, and Savior (Isa. 60:6; Matt. 2:11). In doing so, they show that Christ himself is the greatest gift to all humanity.

   The term “Epiphany,” based on the Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “revelation,” commemorates key events in the life of Christ: the visitation of the Three Wise Men, the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, and Christ’s first public miracle at Cana. Each reflects a moment of divine revelation.

   The Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which symbolize: Gold: Christ’s kingship. Frankincense: His divinity. Myrrh: His future sacrifice and death on the cross. (Epiphany 2025|Catholic Answers Guide |Catholic Answers Tract)

    I will be gone on vacation this Wednesday through Thursday the 16th.  Father Tim Hurd will be covering daily and weekend masses while I am gone.  Please welcome him.

    A very Blessed Epiphany to all of you!     A.M.D.G.   ~ Fr. Ross  

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