Notes From Father

Notes from Father Parker

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

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

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

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

December 22, 25 & 29, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this letter finds you well. There will not be a new bulletin now until January 4/5, so I want to make sure I try and get the main points out to you. First, I want to thank our staff for their tremendous hard work and dedication this past year. Working for the Church is not easy and not very financially lucrative to say the least, but their dedication is truly a blessing to me and to all of us. Please thank them when you see them.

Secondly, I want to thank all the volunteers who do so much for us. Many of these things go unseen, but they are truly appreciated. Again, it is so humbling to see so many people do so much to help our parish community.

Finally, just a reminder that Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God are holy days of obligation and opportunity. Please see the bulletin for mass times. Please also be overly welcoming to those people who will join us at Christmas. Sometimes this can be an opportunity for people to return to their faith if they feel welcome and accepted. On behalf of our staff and myself I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

December 15, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this note finds you well. We are really into the thick of the Advent Season. The prayers for this liturgical season are quite beautiful. I hope all of us have taken some time in prayerful reflection as we contemplate the three-fold coming of the Lord in history, in mystery, and in majesty.

I just wanted to give a big thank you to Tim Miller who worked for two days to clear the brush from the trees we had to take down. I also want to thank the Knights of Columbus for their ongoing generosity in helping buy our new water heater as well as removing the rest of the trees from the property. With the wind howling out of the north I feel much safer.

Finally, I will be gone next weekend for the Bishop's discernment retreat at the Creighton Retreat Center in Griswold. We have over fifteen men attending. The largest group ever so that is exciting. Fr. Dan will be here for mass and we thank him for his generosity in helping us. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

December 8, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this letter finds you well as we are prayerfully preparing for the birth of Our Lord during this Advent Season. First, I just wanted to say a word of thanks to all who helped prepare our Potluck Christmas Dinner and mass on Monday. It was a wonderful turnout, and they let me stay and sample the great food. That was awesome!

Secondly, just an update on our windows at Holy Cross. I had a nice meeting with the Diocesan Building Commission a couple of weeks ago. Their recommendation to our parish is to do a comprehensive review of our facilities at St. Mary- Holy Cross before we are able to embark on this project. This is a little disappointing, but I do understand where they are coming from. I appreciate your patience in this matter.

Third, I will be sharing our overall financial position with the parish. I am exceedingly grateful for all the support you all provide spiritually and financially. We are certainly doing a bit better but do have some ways to go to increase our tithing.

Finally, Monday Dec. 9th is a Holy Day of Obligation this year as we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will celebrate Holy Mass at 7AM and 6:30PM at St. Mary. Please join us at one of these masses or plan to attend mass at another parish. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

December 1, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

November 24 & Dec. 1, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this letter finds you well. This is a two-week bulletin because of Thanksgiving. First of all, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. Certainly, we are grateful for all the blessings that God has bestowed on us not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. Please know of my prayers for all travelers, and we welcome all of our guests here at St. Mary-Holy Cross.

It is hard to believe but the weekend of the 30th/1st we begin the season of Advent. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. (excerpt from USCCB Website) A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

November 10 & 17, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this letter finds you well. I want to extend a thank you for all who helped with all our liturgies for All Saints/All Souls Day masses. They were very beautiful I thought. Let us continue to pray for all our faithful departed friends, relatives, and benefactors. Sorry that I misspoke at one of the masses. Please feel free to add any person to our Books of Remembrance no matter when they passed.

Just a reminder again that this week is National Vocation Awareness Week. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations along with praying for our seminarians.

Finally, I have been thinking quite a bit about Eucharistic Adoration and the importance of prayer. I know that many of you live far away from the Church and it is hard to get here at particular times but let me know if there is any interest around this. I also have to figure out my schedule with this as well, but something to start a discussion on.

A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

November 3, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

Just a note on a few things. First of all, a giant thank you to the Stewardship Committee for hosting our breakfast bake off. I skipped breakfast that day and was not disappointed in all the great food! Thank you to all who submitted items as well.

Secondly, I want to thank Sue Harrington for her continued work in managing our music program. She has gone above and beyond as we have been looking for a replacement. Our prayers have been answered as Aubrey Kahler Sigmund has generously stepped forward and has agreed to coordinate our music ministry. Thank you again for all our musicians who do so much for our liturgies. Please join me in thanking Sue and welcoming Aubrey.

Finally, as many of you know John Fisher is in formation for the permanent diaconate. This is a big undertaking for him and Andrea. Please continue to pray for him and his brothers in formation. John will give a little background around his decision to enter formation that may be helpful for others who are thinking of a call to the diaconate.

May we continue to keep one another in prayer as we remember especially the faithful departed during the month of November. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

October 27, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to extend a giant thank you to everyone who helped at our Fall clean up days. Thank you to everyone who does so much to keep our parish facilities looking nice. I think it is a way in which we show hospitality.

Just a reminder that Friday, November 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation. A Holy Day of opportunity as I like to say. We will have Holy Mass at St. Mary at 7AM and 6:30PM. Again, I understand that many of you have to get to work/school so I will try to be prudently efficient for the 7AM mass. Again, if one of our times does not work for you, please make alternative arrangements. What an opportunity to seek the intercession of all the saints canonized or not.

Finally, because All Souls day falls on Saturday, Bishop has given us a special dispensation to celebrate All Souls for our anticipation mass on Saturday. Normally this would be the 30th Sun of ordinary time, but I think it would be good for us to pray for our faithful departed. So, we will have two opportunities do that at 8AM Nov. 2nd at Holy Cross and our regularly scheduled 5PM mass at St. Mary. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

October 20, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People:

I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to give a little update about some projects that we are working on around the parish. Because of your generosity we built up a good foundation in our Buildings and Grounds fund.

Some major projects that we need to get done asap is some tree trimming or removal around the St. Mary. Secondly, as I mentioned at mass, our windows at Holy Cross are in very bad shape and need some major repairs. I am meeting soon with the diocese to discuss this so we can move forward with this project. I think we will be able to do this in phases so that we can spread out the cost.

Finally, we are also looking at possibly paving the parking lot at St. Mary's. This is in the initial planning phase, so we are considering the options of concrete or asphalt. This will be a major project, so we have to do our due diligence on it. Certainly, all of your comments are more than welcome. Thank you again for your tremendous generosity. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

October 13, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. I had a very nice workshop in Ames. The subject was on improving preaching, so hopefully that will bear fruit with me! The best part was being around my brother priests.

Please bear with me these next few weeks as I have many vocations events planned. Please also do me a giant favor and continue to pray for vocations.

Finally thank you to all who signed up to have your picture taken for our new directory. I think this will be an invaluable resource for our parish. Also, please take time to introduce yourself to someone you do not know. We want to continue to be a welcoming supportive community. I think that is certainly one of the hallmarks of our parish so let's keep it up! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

October 6, 2024 Bulletin

St. Francis of Assisi was the son of a merchant in Assisi, born in that city in 1182. Chosen by God to be a living manifestation to the world of Christ's poor and suffering life on earth, he was early inspired with a high esteem and burning love of poverty and humiliation. The thought of the Man of Sorrows, who had not where to lay His head, filled Francis with holy envy of the poor, and constrained him to renounce the wealth and worldly station which he abhorred. The scorn and hard usage which he met with from his father and townsmen when he appeared among them in the garb of poverty, were delightful to him. "Now," he exclaimed, "I can say truly, 'Our Father Who art in heaven.'" But divine love burned in him too mightily not to kindle like desires in other hearts. Many joined themselves to him, and were constituted by Pope Innocent III. into a religious Order, which spread rapidly throughout Christendom. St. Francis, after visiting the East in the vain quest of martyrdom, spent his life like his Divine Master—now in preaching to the multitudes, now amid desert solitudes in fasting and contemplation. During one of these retreats he received on his hands, feet, and side the print of the five bleeding wounds of Jesus. With the cry, "Welcome, sister Death," he passed to the glory of his God October 4, 1226. --St. Francis' song: The Canticle of the Sun

Sept. 29, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. Just a reminder to keep our farmers in our prayers as they begin the seasonal harvest. It certainly takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and most importantly faith to be a farmer. We are certainly grateful for all that they do.

Secondly, I will be gone this Sunday afternoon through Thursday afternoon for our annual priest workshop. Certainly, this will be a little easier than last year when I had to fly from Italy to Chicago, rent a car and then go to Iowa City. That was kind of crazy. Anyway, this year we will be in Ames so if there is an emergency you can contact me on my cell phone. I look forward to being with my brother priests for a few days.

Again, a giant thank you to all who have signed up for our picture directory so far. The response has been outstanding! Thank you again for all the volunteers and to all who will contribute to the project. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

Sept. 22, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

The I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to take some time and thank the staff for their tremendous dedication and hard work over these past few days. Things have been very hectic with two funerals and a wedding. I also want to thank all the volunteers for their help in providing hospitality for the grieving families as well.

Secondly, we just had our first golf tournament hosted by the Knights of Columbus. It was a giant success! I personally had a great time, and it was so nice to have people who often go to different masses or Churches get to know one another. Hopefully we make this an annual tradition.

Finally, please make some provision to be in our new parish directory. Another giant thank you for all the volunteers heading up this project. I do not want to leave anyone out, but again thank you so much! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

Sept. 15, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

The following is from Tom Chapman, Executive Director of Iowa Catholic Conference:

The 2024 election season is well underway. Voting begins in October and continues through Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. This time offers an excellent opportunity to help parishioners understand the importance of participating in the public life of our country with a properly formed conscience.
You can find parish bulletin inserts on Faithful Citizenship at https://www.usccb.org/resources/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship-bulletin-inserts. The “Introductory Note” may be particularly helpful.
Catholic organizations are free to educate and take positions on specific issues. However, organizations should not make reference to candidates or voting in a specific upcoming election when educating on issues. The Church does not endorse or oppose any candidates or a particular political party. No signs or materials supporting a particular party or candidate should be placed on or distributed within church/institutional property. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

Sept. 8, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing Labor Day Weekend. We are certainly getting back into the swing of fall activities. I just want to say a word of thanks to everyone who volunteered for ministries over the long weekend. Also, a big thank you to all the people who are involved in our faith formation program. They have been putting in long hours preparing for the fall faith formation sessions. Thank you so much!

Secondly, just a word on RCIA. We now have a new rite called the Order of Christian Initiation. OCIA instead of the Rite of Christian Initiation (some people have too much time on their hands!) Please let me know if you, or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith as we would like to begin these sessions soon.

Finally, some sad news. Father Bob Aubrey who filled in here a lot in the past died unexpectedly at home last weekend. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. He was a good man and a good priest. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

August 25 & Sept. 1, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to write a quick note of the assurances of my prayers as our young people, teachers, and staff begin the new school year. We have students from many different school districts, homeschool/hybrid learning, and parochial schools. Please join me in keeping all of them in our prayers.

Please also pray for the seminarians as they begin their new formation year as well. We did not have anyone start new for the 24/25 school year, so it is also good for us to continue to pray for vocations.

Finally, we are very close to meeting our Annual Diocesan Appeal goal. Thank you so much for your support for this!!! I am humbled and grateful for your generosity! May God who has begun the good work in us bring it to completion! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

August 11 & 18, 2024, Bulletin

Dear Good People,
I hope this letter finds you well. What a beautiful change in weather! I want to thank everyone involved who made our senior breakfast such a great success. Thank you to everyone who made it so nice.
Just a reminder that this upcoming week we have the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since it falls on Thursday and we have mass already planned at Holy Cross on Wednesday, we will have masses for the Assumption at 5:30 on Wednesday at Holy Cross, 7AM Thursday at St. Mary's, and 6:30PM at St. Mary's. So, no excuses not to go! As I say I do not care if you come to mass here, but just make sure you go!!!
Finally, we had a very nice convocation with all the Iowa seminarians in Cedar Falls this past week. It is so wonderful to be with young men who are discerning their vocational call. Please continue to pray for our seminarians, especially through the intercession of Our Lady. Blessings to all of you. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

July 28 & August 4, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I want to thank Fr. DeCarlo for being with us this weekend. Next weekend we will welcome Sr. Irene to our parish and she will talk about her very important work. Here is some information: Our mission is to peacefully fight the scourge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation through rescuing survivors and rehabilitating them holistically: mind, body, and soul. We are also active in preventing human trafficking and exploitation through our educational assistance in vulnerable communities prone to trafficking, particularly in the rural areas of the Philippines.

Through our collective effort with our mission partners and benefactors, we, our community of religious sisters, have been able to grow our two distinct ways of serving God and His people through the curative and preventive measures as mentioned above. Please see the bulletin insert for more information as well as information regarding our strategic vision process. Prayers for all of you! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

July 14 & 21, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

As a Diocese we are embarking on a new strategic plan. More information will be forthcoming, but the initial information from Bishop Joensen is included in this bulletin as an insert. --click for insert Blessings to all of you! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

June 30 & July 7, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. It is truly hard to believe how fast summer is going by this year. I hope all of you have a wonderful 4th of ‌July weekend. Just a reminder that we will have mass on the 4th at 8AM so please join us before all the parades and fireworks begin. We seemed to have a nice turnout for the Elkhart town festival. Sorry for the inconvenience of parking that day for the Saturday evening mass, but I do think it is important for us to be hospitable to the community so thank you for understanding that.

We are certainly blessed to have two men ordained priests for the diocese, and the Eucharistic Pilgrimage through the western part of the diocese was a rousing success. Many great things are happening. The diocese is also implementing a new strategic plan at this time. I will try to provide more information once I learn a little more about it as well. Let us continue to pray for one another and foster a spirit of hospitality and welcome to all we encounter, especially our sisters and brothers in our community. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

June 16 & 23, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

We have been having ongoing discussions about the placement of the Tabernacle in Church at St. Mary. Here is a response from our director of Worship Fr. Trevor Chicoine on the issue.

The new General Instruction of 1969/1970 directed that the tabernacle must be moved from the altar; it could no longer remain on an altar that was used for saying Mass. This directive was followed universally. However, the new General Instruction and subsequent documents from the Holy See also directed that existing altars, especially of artistic and pious value were NOT to be removed from churches and the architectural design of churches was to be respected. Indeed, the GIRM, while allowing for reservation of the Eucharist to be reserved in a separate chapel or off to the side, still expresses as first preference that the tabernacle be reserved either on an old “back” altar (historic altar) OR “in the sanctuary, apart from the altar of celebration, in a form and space more appropriate.”

The original intent of the post-conciliar reforms to respect the architectural integrity of already constructed churches (which were designed to have the tabernacle in the center of the back wall of the sanctuary) and the desire to keep the Blessed Sacrament in which Christ is “especially” present at the center of all we do, that we see both a grass-roots movement where individual churches have been restoring their tabernacles to the center of their sanctuaries and also encouragement in the writings and teachings of Popes John Paul, Benedict, and Francis to deepen our devotion to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Many of the churches in the Diocese have reevaluated the placement of their tabernacles in recent years and moved them to the center back wall of their sanctuaries. While not mandated by the Diocese and certainly not the best course of action for every parish, such evaluation is encouraged by both Bishop Joensen and my own office. Provided a pastor consults with the parish, engaging in a process of dialogue and education, he has both the Bishop’s strong support and my own strong support to consider the placement of their tabernacles again at the center of the church. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

June 2 & 9, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. I hope all of you had a blessed Memorial Day Weekend. We had a very nice mass at Holy Cross followed by a beautiful service in the Cemetery. Thank you to all who did so much to get everything looking so nice. Certainly we owe a debt of gratitude to all of our veterans, and especially to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Just a note that I will be gone on retreat at Conception Monastery in Missouri. I leave on Sunday, June 2 and be back late on Thursday, June 6. There will be no daily mass, but Ankeny is only a short drive away!

This weekend we conclude our schedule of feasts after Easter with Corpus Christi. Today's celebration of the Body and Blood of the Lord originated in the Diocese of Liege in 1246 as the feast of Corpus Christi. In the reforms of Vatican II, Corpus Christi was joined with the feast of the Precious Blood (July 1) to become the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord. We celebrate today Christ's gift to us of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our life together as the Church. The Council of Trent (1545 to 1563), declared that we must honor Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist publicly so that those who observed the faith of Catholics in the Most Holy Eucharist might be attracted to the Eucharistic Lord and believe in the Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, present in this great Sacrament. "The Catholic Church teaches that in the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of the God-man are really, truly, substantially, and abidingly present together with his soul and divinity by reason of the Transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. This takes place in the unbloody sacrifice of the Mass." Reflections for the Feast of Corpus Christi - Vatican News, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-06/sunday-reflection.html A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

May 26, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

We certainly had one crazy storm. I am writing this right after the aftermath. From what I can see now we have had significant tree damage at St. Mary, but luckily, I think both Churches did not sustain any major structural damage. A giant thank you to those who helped clear some of the debris. Since I do not know exactly who helped I do not want to miss anyone. So thank you again.

I pray all of you have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. During these days of vacation just a reminder to make sure you plan on finding a Church and attending Holy Mass. On Memorial Day we will have Mass at Holy Cross at 10AM followed by a service in the cemetery to honor our veterans. We are especially grateful for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Finally, this weekend we celebrate Trinity Sunday. The feast of the Most Holy Trinity may well be regarded as the Church's Te Deum of gratitude over all the blessings of the Christmas and Easter seasons; for this mystery is a synthesis of Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost. This feast, which falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost, should make us mindful that actually every Sunday is devoted to the honor of the Most Holy Trinity, that every Sunday is sanctified and consecrated to the triune God. Sunday after Sunday we should recall in a spirit of gratitude the gifts which the Blessed Trinity is bestowing upon us. (https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2021-05-30) A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

May 19, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

First of all, I just want to thank everyone for making our May Crowning a rousing success. It was truly beautiful to honor our lady on the day we honor all mother's. Hopefully we can make the May Crowning an annual tradition.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff. They do a tremendous job. Just an update on that. Sue Harrington has decided to step down from leading our music ministry. She has done an outstanding job these past few years. Sue has generously agreed to help us until we can find a replacement. Secondly, Geneveve Loraditch is going to step down in her role as co-coordinator of our Preschool-6th grade faith formation program. Geneveve will still be involved in teaching, and Tracy Miller will take on the role as coordinator. This should make for a seamless transition. Please join me in my sincere thanks for Sue and Geneveve. They have worked tirelessly to help build up our community.

This weekend we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. The birthday of our Holy Catholic Church.

Today is a great day to ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle in us the spirit of new life and enthusiasm, the fire of God's love. Let us repeat Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman’s favorite little prayer, “Come Holy Spirit”:

“Come Holy Spirit. Make our ears to hear. Make our eyes to see. Make our mouths to speak. Make our hearts to seek. Make our hands to reach out and touch the world with your love. AMEN.” A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

May 12, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

This weekend we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. This event concludes Jesus' earthly mission and prefigures our hope that one day we will join our Lord in the heavenly kingdom.

We also draw close to our Lady and honor her with a May Crowning after 10:00am Mass. We thank Jack Selby for all his hard work rehabilitating our Marian statue and garden. What a great opportunity to honor our Lady on Mother's Day as she is the mother of our Lord and our mother as well.

Finally, we honor all mothers on this Mother's Day. Here is what Pope Francis wrote about mothers: “A society without mothers would be a dehumanized society, for mothers are always, even in the worst moments, witnesses of tenderness, dedication and moral strength….Dearest mothers, thank you, thank you for what you are in your family and for what you give to the Church and the world.”

I certainly echo these sentiments. Blessings to all of you good people! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

May 5, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,
I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to take a moment to thank all our catechist and adult leaders for the good work they have done this past year in our Faith Formation programs. Handing on the gift of faith is one of the greatest things we can do. So a giant thank you to all those who have contributed to this in any way.
This weekend we are also honoring all those who have graduated from High School. Graduations are a big milestone in young people's lives. Just a continued encouragement for our young people to continue practicing their faith as they move onto the next chapters of their life. Hopefully they also feel that St. Mary Holy Cross Parish is their home and they always feel welcome here.
Finally, we are planning a May Crowning in honor of our Lady next Sunday, May 12 after the 10:00am Mass. I think that will be very cool. Again, blessings to all of you good people! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

April 28, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

Why does the Easter season go so much quicker than the Lenten season? I mean come on!!! Just kind of joking, but we really have a lot going on, which is awesome. First of all, an update on Fr. Andrew. I spoke to him on the phone and there was some confusion. He actually never passed out, but there was a water leak in his bathroom and he slipped causing the broken ribs. He is on the mend now and I am heading to his parish to celebrate a wedding on Saturday. Fr. Dan will be here on Saturday so we are grateful for his help.

Secondly, I want to extend a huge thank you to all the people who helped during our clean-up day. We had a great turnout and got a lot of things done. A huge thank you to all of our volunteers for what you do seen and unseen.

Finally, this weekend we are celebrating First Holy Communion at SMHC. Please keep our young people in your prayers. Thank you to Genevieve and Tracy for coordinating everything. It is a lot of work. First Communion is one of my favorite days in the parish. If this is our First Holy Communion or our ten-thousandth let us continue to foster a sense of reverence and love for our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

April 21, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations. I would humbly ask you to continue to pray for Vocations, and in a special way Vocations to the priesthood. Worldwide there are more and more Catholics, which is awesome, but there are less and less priests. We pray that many will be open to a call to priesthood in service to Christ and His Church.

Please also keep in your prayers Fr. Andrew Windschitl former Pastor of St. Mary-Holy Cross. He had quite the health scare, but it seems like he is now on the road to recovery.

Finally, we are preparing for First Holy Communion next week. Please keep our young people in prayer as they are preparing to receive Jesus in Holy Communion next Sunday. I will be presiding at a wedding in Shelby County Friday and Saturday and Fr. Dan will have mass on Saturday, but I will be home on Saturday night. A lot of awesome things are happening. A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross

April 14, 2024 Bulletin

Dear Good People,

I hope this letter finds you well. A very Happy Easter to all of you! We continue to celebrate the Lord's resurrection for fifty days. I truly hope these are joy filled days for all of you.

That being said there are certainly a lot of things happening this time of year. This Saturday we celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep these young people in your prayers. We are certainly very proud of all of them. A big thank you to Nicole Cory for helping prepare the young people for the sacrament. Please also keep our young people in prayer who are preparing for their first holy communion on April 28th.

Finally, thank you again for your understanding with my travel schedule. I really do not like being gone, but it is part of my duties and I do enjoy visiting the seminarians. Please keep them and their formators in your prayers. Again, a giant thank you to all who contributed to our holy week liturgies. It was a special time and the graces are continuing to flow! A.M.D.G. ~ Fr. Ross