This sacred
image speaks of Immaculate Conception to the people of our parish
dedicated to
God through Mary for 150 years, even before this present church
building was
constructed.
Esta imagen sagrada habla de la Inmaculada
Concepción a la gente
de nuestra parroquia dedicada a Dios a través de Maria por 150
años, aun antes
de que el edificio actual se hubiese construido.
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|
PARISH
NEWS - 2008
A surprise visitor brought up the gifts at
Christmas Eve 4 pm Mass.
Beat the
winter blues and be part of Movin’ for McAuley!
Come join us Saturday,
February 21st, 2009
for the 6th annual Movin’ for
McAuley Mall Walk presented
by Panera
Bread at
Westdale Mall. The Mall Walk is held to create
awareness of the Catherine McAuley Center as well as raise funds to support their
mission to provide the
community with an adult basic education
program for men
and women as well as a transitional housing program for women.
Movin’ for McAuley is a
morning filled with fun for all ages! Start
off the day by getting out of the cold and get in a
workout from
walking laps around Westdale Mall or bring the kids and make it a
family fun
day as everyone enjoys various activities, games, great prizes, bagels
and
beverages. There is never a dull moment
at action filled event!
This year, Movin’ for
McAuley will host a Family Expo. We
would like to give area businesses and
organizations the opportunity to let the community know what is
happening
around town and how to get involved. For
a small fee of $20 per table for businesses and $10 per table if your
group/organization is of non-profit status, you can reserve a spot on
the
course where you may showcase and promote your group in any manner you
choose. All we ask is that all
participants provide a game, activity or some type of promotional item
that may
be given to all walkers at your table and that expo participants may
NOT sell
goods or products of any type. Last
year, more than 600 walkers came out and participated in the Movin’ for
McAuley
Mall Walk and we are planning for more participants in 2009. To market to a captive audience of this size
for only $20; how could you say no?
Having
a problem with committing to the event? Think
of it this way…
- The
event is a commitment of no more than 2 hours
- Since
the t-shirts cost is underwritten every registrant is actually making a
donation to Catherine McAuley Center and receiving a t-shirt for it.
- No one
is required to walk. Participants are welcome to walk as much/as little
as want while they watch, socialize and visit vendors of the event.
Ways
you can help:
Form a team! We have
special prizes for teams! Show your team spirit, wear your logo, come
in
costume, or make a banner! Try to challenge other departments, other
offices,
other co-workers to match or beat your efforts!
Listen! We’ll be
happy to have someone from the Catherine McAuley Center speak to your business about our mission
and
volunteer opportunities.
Thank you
for your
consideration, and we hope to see you at Westdale Mall, Saturday,
February 21st, 2009
at 9am. Take the
challenge!
Movin' for
McAuley Mall Walk registration form
|
Advent – A Season of Hope
Advent is a time of waiting and expectation; a season
of
quiet anticipation and
preparation. We are waiting for our Lord to come into the world as the
baby
Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. We are also preparing for
His return,
His second coming as the shepherd-king, to restore harmony and right
relationship
to all creation. Advent is a season yearning for God to come and set
the world right
with perfect justice, truth and peace. It is a season of hope.
Advent is a time to emphasize preparation through prayer. While Lent
emphasizes
a spirit of repentance through prayer and fasting, Advent’s prayers are
prayers of
humble devotion and commitment, prayers for deliverance, prayers of
gladness and
joyful expectation, prayers that await the light of Christ coming into
the world.
We do not shrink from those Advent scripture readings that reveal a
strong prophetic tone of accountability and judgment. Christ’s
disciples expect the Lord
to hold them accountable for what has been entrusted to them just as a
spouse,
parent, teacher or supervisor holds us accountable. And just as the
steward was found
faithful in small matters by the master, we too are confident that we
will be found
faithful and will enter the joy of the master. We have absolute trust
in the Lord’s
countenance.
Assuredly, during Advent we anticipate the Lord’s coming with hope. It
is that hope,
however faint at times, that keeps us from despair and the darkness of
sin and its destructiveness. It is a hope that urges us to be kind,
loving and compassionate toward one another. It is a hope that
encourages our faith in a merciful God
who continues to pour His grace upon us.
We don’t know when Christ will come again to bring human history to its
completion. But we celebrate with gladness the great promise of Advent
and we
rekindle that positive, joyful spirit within us because we know, as
Zechariah
prophesied, that the light of Christ will shine on all who sit in
darkness and the
shadow of death, and He will guide our feet into the way of peace.
|
The 2008 Online Advent Calendar
ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE
MON.NOV.24 7:00 pm
at Immaculate Conception Church
Food drive Nov 22,
23, 24
Annual
Thanksgiving Service –Mon. Nov. 24
7 p.m.
at
Immaculate Conception
Church,
857 3rd Ave SE.
The service features new music
for
congregational singing, 10 faith traditions presenting prayerful
meditations, and a
combined choir
from Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist, Community of Christ, and
Temple
Judah,
under the direction of Rich Hanson, Peoples
Church
and Nina Swanson,
Unity Center of Cedar Rapids.
The offering
will benefit the Linn Community Food Bank which was flooded, is
now back
in service and
in need of replenishment. Participants are asked to bring
non-perishable food
items. A cash
offering will be held as well,
with proceeds going to the Linn Community Food Bank.
Checks should
be made payable to the Inter-Religious Council with LCFB in the memo
line.
A reception
will follow in Scotus Hall on the lower level. Refreshments will be
provided by the
people of
Immaculate Conception Church and
members of the IRC Board.
OPPORTUNITIES
TO HELP!!!
Thanksgiving
Dinner: This year Immaculate Conception Social Concerns will be
offering Thanksgiving dinner to our parishioners in need. Due to the
economy and the flood, many of our parishioners are experiencing
difficult times. If you or some-one you know would like to receive a
dinner, please call the parish office at 362-7181, ext. 10. If you
would like to sponsor an individual or family, we have 2 ways you can
help. 1. You may purchase a Hy-Vee gift card and drop it by the parish
of-fice. 2. You may write a check or make a cash donation to IC church.
Both can be put in the collection, but please put it in a separate
envelope and mark Thanksgiving Dinner on it. No amount is too small.
Together we can make a difference.
Christmas:
This year we are going back to a tried but true tradition of the Giving
Tree, at Immaculate Conception. As in the past, many families will be
blessed by our parishioners. If you would like to be placed on the
tree, please call the parish office at 362-7181, ext. 10. If you are
interested in donating, you are encouraged to take an ornament from the
tree and return your wrapped gift with the ornament securely attached
by Dec 19. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
OKTOBERFEST
at Immaculate Conception
Saturday, October 18
Cocktails --6:30 pm
Dinner--7:00 pm
Food, music, door prizes and conversation.
Tickets: $25/person
Tickets available at the IC Rectory 8:30 - 4:30 pm through Oct 14
AWAKEN YOUR FAITH
at a PARISH MISSION
OCTOBER 12-15, 2008
Immaculate Conception/St. Wenceslaus
Parishes
click here for photos
SESQUICENTENNIAL FAMILY
PICNIC
Sept.7, 5 ---9 p.m.
We
invite all Immaculate Conception Families to an evening of Fun and
Fellowship at Beaver Pavilion in Beaver Park.
We will
provide Burgers, Brats, Drinks, and tables settings. There will be fun
and Games with prizes for all ages and conclude with an old fashioned
Hymn sing along.
5:30- Meet & Greet
6:00- food, games
7:30 -Singing Unto the Lord.
In order to have
an estimate of parishioners planning to attend please
sign up at Masses Aug 23/24 and 30/31.
Come spend an evening with your parish family.
We look forward to seeing you there!!!!
IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION
HISTORY BOOK
BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
The
book is hard-bound
and contains over 300 pages (some of color photos).
The
book covers the 150 years
of our parish history.
Cost
per book is $40.00
Please
note that only 200
books have been ordered. After the 200
have been sold, we will begin taking names for a second printing of an
additional 200 books but at a higher cost for the reprinting.
JULY 26/27
Mark Forrest
International
Irish Tenor
Inspiring the world, one person at a
time
Steve Angrisano (April 28) and
Tony Melendez (May 9) events
 
more photos
Fr. Podhajsky's Installation Mass -Aug 10
click
here for more photos
ICE CREAM SOCIAL - August 3
more photos
WELCOME FR. PODHAJSKY...
 |
Getting to know
our new pastor:
Fr. Chris
Podhajsky, the eldest of six
children, was raised in Traer,
Iowa. After
graduating from North
Tama High
School in Traer
and completing his degree in Philosophy with honors from Loras
College in 1995,
he attended St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. After
taking a year to work as Assistant Director of Liturgy for the Basilica
of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington,
D.C., and another
year for pastoral experience in Waterloo, he completed
his studies in Baltimore and was
ordained in 2001. Fr. Podhajsky has served as associate pastor in
Mason
City and Waterloo, and as pastor
for the past three years in the parishes of Wright
County,
Iowa
.
|
Fr. Hernandez's Farewell
Reception
 
Below are statements
regarding
the actions of ICE in Postville, Iowa.
It is important that we are
mindful of the possibility of it happening elsewhere.
FIRST
COMMUNION APRIL 27, 2008
Sanctuary
Light Blessing
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A
SAD FAREWELL
|
With
praise and thanksgiving to
Almighty God, I have accepted my new
assignment from Associate Pastor of
Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Wenceslaus Parish
and Sacramental Priest to Hispanics in the
area to pastor of the Cluster Parishes, St. Francis Xavier, Belmond, IA; St. John,
Clarion, IA; Sacred Heart, Eagle Grove, IA; and Sacramental
and Pastoral ministry to the
area Hispanics. This assignment is effective July 8, 2008.
|
There will be a going away
party
following both Masses on June 14-15 for St. Wenceslaus
Parish, and following 9:00 a.m. Mass June 22 for
Immaculate Conception. Because the month of
June is a busy one for me with other Archdiocesan
responsibilities, these
weekends will be the best for me to say goodbye to all of
you who have become
like a family to me. I thank everyone for your prayers and
support during my
assignment. To the best of my ability, I tried to serve you
with love and dedication.
You all were good teachers who prepared me for my new
assignment as pastor and
shepherd to the cluster parishes in the Webster City Deanery. I know this notice
is early
since my ministry continues until my last day here, July 8,
2008.
May the Risen Lord continue
to bless our
communities of faith!
In Christ,
Fr.
Nils Hernandez
Associate
Pastor
|
Una
despedida triste
Con
gratitud a Dios Padre, he aceptado mi
nuevo nombramiento de ser
Vicario de las
Parroquias Inmaculada Concepción, San
Wenceslaus y Sacerdote Sacramental para los hispanos
en el área a Párroco de las Parroquias San
Francisco
Xavier, Belmond, IA; San Juan, Clarion, IA; Sagrado
Corazón, Eagle Grove, IA; y cuidado Pastoral y
Sacramental a los hispanos del área. Este
nombramiento entra en efecto
el 8 de julio de 2008.
Habrá una
celebración después de la Misa
Dominical el 22 de junio para nuestra comunidad hispana.
Debido a que el mes de
junio es un mes muy ocupado y además de tener otras
responsabilidades a
nivel Arqudiocesano, he escogido esta fecha como la mejor para poder
celebrar como comunidad de fe. Celebramos
todos los logros y avances que hemos
tenido como comunidad de fe en nuestra
Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción.
Agradezco a todos ustedes por sus oraciones y apoyo en todo
mi tiempo como Vicario en esta parroquia.
Me han
ensenado mucho y espero en Dios ser un buen
párroco y pastor en mis nuevas parroquias en el
Decanato de Webster City. Se que
este anuncio es muy temprano ya que mis responsabilidades en
esta comunidad
termina el 8 de julio de 2008.
Que el Señor Resucitado continúe
bendiciendo a nuestra comunidad de fe!
En
Cristo.
Fr. Nils
Hernández
Vicario
|
Living
Stations of the Cross
click for photos
Immaculate
Conception Parish
Sesquicentennial
Celebration
Parroquia
Inmaculada
Concepción
Celebración
del Sesquicentennial
Opening
Liturgy- December 8, 2007
Msgr. Bleich's Homily
Worship Aid
Celebrating Linn County’s
first Catholic Parish
Celebrando la
primera
Parroquia Católica del
condado Linn
more details
Logo
design
special thanks goes to Mt. Mercy student Emily Speight
for designing
the logo.
The Living
Last Supper
SUNDAY,
MARCH 9 - 6:45
p.m.
Immaculate Conception Church
click here
for photos
LENTEN
SERIES
WHAT AM I DOING FOR LENT?
Thursdays
Feb 14,21,28, March 6
at Immaculate Conception
click here
for details
Panera Bread presents
Movin' for McAuley
Sat. Feb. 16
8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Westdale Mall
Movin
for McAuley is a morning of fun for all ages:
kids, adults, students, families, friends & co-workers. Come join
us at Westdale Mall
and walk laps, enjoy a bagel and beverage, games for the kids,
activities and great prizes!
100% of the proceeds raised benefit the Catherine McAuley Center and
its programs.
Pre-registration
(Due Feb 1)
Registration
after Feb 1
0-4
yrs
FREE
0-4
yrs
FREE
Children thru age
18
$5.00
Children
thru age 18 $10.00
College students (19-22)
$10.00
College
students (19-22) $15.00
Adults
$20.00
Adults
$25.00 |
Registration
forms are available at
www.panera-iowa.com or www.catherinemcauleycenter.com
For
more information call 363-4993
Catholicism
101
A series of
talks to deepen
understanding of the Catholic faith
Based on the
Catechism of
the Catholic Church with an emphasis on adult faith formation.
This is for
EVERY adult
No need to
register.
Come to all of
them.
Come to the ones
you’re
most interested in
Beginning Thursday
January 3rd 2008 - 6:30 – 7:30pm
All Saints
Church lower
level
January 3rd
The Father, Almighty
January 10th
NO
SESSION SITE
CONFLICT
January 17
The Creator
January 24th
Heaven & Earth
Angels and humans
January 31
Paradise, the Fall, Original Sin
February 7
I believe in Jesus Christ the
Only Son of
God
February 14
Incarnation
February 21
Born of the Virgin Mary
February 28
Praying the Psalms, Jesus
Teaches us to
Pray
Suggested texts:
Catechism of the
Catholic
Church & Catholicism for Dummies
United States Catholic
Catechism for
Adults
More
information: Jo
Meister 364-4111
|
