[1] On July 14 of this year I will become pastor of St. Mary Parish (Hanover), St. Patrick Parish (Waukon), and St. Mary Parish (Dorchester). After Deacon Sean Smith is ordained a priest [the Ordination Mass is scheduled for May 23, 2020], he will be assigned as Pastor on July 14 of the four parishes which comprise the Holy Family of the Bluffs Catholic community. Deacon Sean is from the Cedar Rapids / Marion area and is 55 years old. He has been a deacon for nearly 17 years and was married for over 30 years.
[2] MASS schedule - Until further notice I will continue to celebrate or offer a daily private Mass for your intentions and for the intention listed in the bulletin.
[3] National Volunteer Week was April 19-25 VOLUNTEERS are like angels without wings. They are like birds; they come and go and are all sizes. VOLUNTEERS are like the sun; they are indispensable. They are like sunshine because they’re always pleasant. VOLUNTEERS are like crowns; they are the jewels. They are like stars; they shine and they twinkle.
[4] Join with me in praying this prayer at 7:30pm every evening …
Prayer for Spiritual Communion (composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori)
During this extraordinary time, when we are unable to receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion, the Church invites us to make a spiritual communion, uniting ourselves to Jesus through prayer.
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there, and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. AMEN.