Sacred Heart Parish

Oelwein, Iowa September 12, 2021

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross,

and follow me.”

Pastor’s Paragraphs 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 12, 2021 “Faith, of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jam. 2:17). Faith has been compared to both a microscope and a telescope. A microscope is a

scientific instrument that enables us to see tiny organisms invisible to the human eye; a telescope enables us to see objects far away, also visible (or nearly invisible) to the human eye. The microscope and telescope do not harm the human eye, but enable it to see more clearly. Faith, too, enables us to see what the human eye does not, namely, God’s presence and activity. Faith comes at baptism, and grows through grace, prayer, and sacraments. But faith, in and by itself, does not save us. Faith must be an active part of our experience in order to become saving faith.

We are in the Year of Saint Joseph, the 150th anniversary of his being declared Patron of the

Church. Saint Joseph was a man of faith in action. His faith was the Jewish Faith. He was not baptized, nor did He live a Christian life. But he had faith in God, and was privileged to raise the Savior Jesus Christ, with Mary. In this sense, Jesus was like a burning furnace of grace in the home of Joseph, keeping the flame of his faith alive.

Joseph was raised by his father Jacob and his mother (see Mt. 1:16). He was circumcised on the eighth day, presented in the Jerusalem Temple, and raised in the Jewish faith community. Through prayer, study of the Torah, and the example of his parents, Joseph’s faith grew steadily. He became a carpenter by trade, and used his skills to improve the lives of people in his community.

The first mention (after the Genealogies in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels) of Joseph is when he was called to become the foster-father of Jesus. An angel appears in a dream, and asks Joseph to take Mary, his betrothed, as his wife. He had planned to separate from her when he learned she was pregnant (out of concern for her safety), but changed his mind, and did God’s will (Mt. 1:18-25). He married Our Lady and raised the Child Jesus as His own. Joseph’s “yes” came through his actions rather than words (there are no recorded words of Joseph in Scripture).

Joseph went on to witness the Lord’s birth in Bethlehem, and then flee with his family to Egypt when all their lives were endangered. This was a difficult and stressful time for him. It reminds us that saints go through the same struggles we do (even though their circumstances are often different). Mary and Joseph experienced shared pain and tribulation; they struggled to do God’s will. They later returned and settled in Nazareth.

Joseph raised Jesus, brought Him to the Temple for circumcision and the annual Passover celebration when He became lost in the Temple. These religious rituals were faith in action. Joseph passed on the faith he held dear to His Son, who was also the Son of God. This was the last time we hear about Joseph in the Gospels. He presumably died before Our Lord’s public ministry.

The point of all this is: faith is our lifeline to God. Faith enables us to see His plan and to embrace it, despite trial and tribulation, suffering and setback. Faith calls parents to baptize their children, teach them how to pray and worship, form their character through virtuous living, and give their lives to God. Children who leave the Faith put a tremendous cross on their parents, but faith helps them in these times too. Let us look to St. Joseph for help and inspiration to live the faith we have received, and pass it on to future generations. God bless you.

Fr. Ray Atwood dbq151@dbqarch.org 319-283-9577

Thank you to everyone who generously contributed to the collections for Haiti and the Missions. For the people of Haiti we collected $1,353.26 and for the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Mission Collection we collected $1,883.65 for their work in Africa and the Phillipines. Your generosity will help so many needy families. Thank You.

Catholic Daughters - will meet on Monday, September 13, at 6pm, in the Parish Center, to recite the Rosary, followed by the regular meeting. Nancy Kastli and Delphine Deaner will be the co-hostesses. The Pastoral Council and StewartScape will present a program on the Prayer Garden. We ask that you wear a mask and practice social distancing where possible. Hand Sanitizer will be

available. On Saturday, October 2, the State Officers will present a CDA Fall Workshop explaining meeting procedures, explain CDA charities and projects, explain Circle of Love projects, and offer a retreat experience ending with Mass. All CDA members are eligible and encouraged to attend this event, filled with fun and friendship. If interested or if you have questions, contact Diana Stewart at 319-610-8008. Deadline to register is September 15th. Catholic Daughter Yearbooks are available this weekend in the east entryway at Church. Please stop and pick up your copy. It contains all meeting dates for this year, membership information and other Catholic Daughter news.

The Oelwein Knights of Columbus #1168 will conduct their annual “Tootsie Roll” campaign for people with intellectual disabilities on Thursday September 16th, Friday September 17th, and Saturday September 18th. Because of Covid 19, volunteers will be standing outside of Fareway, Dollar Fresh, Caseys, Kwik Trip,

and Norby’s Farm Fleet, and following the guidelines of the CDC, distancing, masks, gloves and sanitizing. The committee conducting the campaign are Steve Bradley, Leone Vargason, Mike Schulmeister, and Wallace Rundle. Please call Steve Bradley 319-283-0228 if you have questions or would like to volunteer for this campaign. You do not have to be a Knight to volunteer. These funds help Alternative Living, Full Circle, Quality Choices, and Good Will, as well as special needs students attending school. The funds also make it possible to hold a “FUN DAY” for individuals with disabilities with games, prizes, pizza, bingo and dancing. Baskets will also be at Sacred Heart Mass on Saturday night the 18th. and Sunday Morning the 19th. Please help make this the most successful campaign ever. Thank you to all who

have helped with this campaign in the past also. We appreciate all you have done.

Rosary Society - If you have not returned your Rosary Society form for this year, please do so as soon as possible. It helps us to update our addresses and phone numbers.

How do people join the Catholic Church? Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception welcome individuals or families who are interested in joining the Catholic faith community. If you are interested in becoming Catholic but are not sure, visit with a trusted friend or spiritual guide about your decision. Talk to someone you know who is an active Catholic. Visit Catholic parishes in your area and attend Sunday Mass. Continue to pray for

God’s guidance and grace and seek more information about the Catholic Church so that you can make an informed decision. If you would like more information about the Rite of Christian Initiation contact Nancy Kastli at 283-3743 or Deacon Jim Patera at 319-509-1210. We are eager to discuss your interest and are willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have about joining the Catholic Church.

Votive Candles - We currently have one votive candle available. This is a lovely way to honor living or deceased family or friends. For more information, please contact Deacon Jim Patera at 319-509-1210.

Year of Saint Joseph - Please join us on Friday, September 17, at 8:30am Mass as we continue our celebration of the year of St. Joseph. You can leave your prayer requests any time in the basket at the front of the church. We will have two more Masses to honor St. Joseph - one on Monday, October 18 and our final celebration will be Friday, November 19 as we close the year.

The SCRIP team would like to offer SCRIP Gift Cards for sale before/after Mass the first weekend of each month starting Oct. 2/3. We are looking for volunteers to help. Please contact Jean Logan at 319-238-1122 if you are willing to help. Did you know that SCRIP cards (except Fareway and Dollar Fresh) can be delivered to your door? Kwik Trip Cards purchased through our program

can be re-loaded with a 9% rebate (instead of the normal 4%) through September 24th. Please contact Cheryl Sill (319-270-4968).

REMINDER: Based on the recommendation of the Archbishop in August, we are strongly recommending, but not requiring, that all people wear a mask again for all indoor activities at Sacred Heart (Mass, meetings etc.).

Anointing- If you would like to be anointed because of a serious illness or having surgery, talk to Fr. Atwood at church or call the rectory at 319-283-9577.

Baptisms - To have your child baptized in the Catholic Faith, or if you have questions about baptisms please contact Deacon Jim at 319-509-1210.

Kitchen Cupboard: Sacred Heart is donating Cake Mixes for Septem-ber Food and Monetary donations may be taken to the Cupboard on Tuesday Mornings (9-12) or Friday

afternoons (1-4),which is located in the Baptist Church on 1st Avenue NE. Phone is 319-283-3595.

Rosary Schedule - September 11 - Volunteer September 12 - Steve Bradley September 18 - Novella Wilson September 19 - Diane Stejskal

Please let us know of anyone who is sick, seriously ill, facing surgery

and in need of prayers and spiritual support. We will be happy to reach out to them in their time of need!

Father Ray Atwood, Pastor Deacon Jim Patera

Nancy Kastli, Director of Faith Formation

Parish Center (Mail) - 600 1st Avenue SW Oelwein IA 50662 Parish Offices - 319-283-3743 Parish Email: parish@sacredheartoelwein.com

Parish Facebook: “Sacred Heart Parish of Oelwein” Parish Website: www.sacredheartoelwein.com

Fr. Atwood Email: dbq151@dbqarch.org Rectory Phone: 319-283-9577

Deacon Jim’s Phone: 319-509-1210 Email: deacon.jim.patera@gmail.com

Nancy Kastli Email: dbq151ff@dbqarch.org

Parish Office Hours: Normal Office Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9am -12 noon

and 1-4 pm. The office is closed on Friday’s. Use the locked drop box at the front door to put things

in after hours and when no one is there.

MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS Sat. Sep. 11 4:30pm SH John & Ann Vogel Sun. Sep. 12 8:30am IC For the People Sun. Sep. 12 10:30am SH Don Meier Mon. Sep. 13 8:30am SH For the sick Wed. Sep. 15 8:30am IC Robert & Ruth Kerns Thur. Sep. 16 8:30am SH Ted & Jean Jelinek Fri. Sep. 17 8:30am SH Bob Link, Jackie Link Scott Sat. Sep. 18 4:30pm SH John Falck Sun. Sep. 19 10:30am IC Pat Shannon Sun. Sep. 19 10:30am SH For the People Mon. Sep. 20 8:30am SH Alan Growden

Mass is live-streamed Sunday at 10:30am on SH Facebook Page. “Sacred Heart Parish of Oelwein”

Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) - September Sat. 4:30pm Mass - Jake Blitsch, Betty Sickels Sun. 10:30am Mass - Duane Ohrt, Dick Klapperich

Eucharistic Ministers - September Sat. 4:30pm Mass - Diann Smith Sun. 10:30am Mass - Tammy Stasi

Lectors - September Sat. 4:30 Mass - Ellen Gaffney(11) Kaylee Scheckel (18,25)

Sun. 10:30am Mass - Jesse Paul

September Video Taper - Dennis & Lynne Koch September Video Player - Jake Blitsch

Our sympathy to the families of:

Daryl Potter and Tom Hamilton

and to all who have lost loved ones

“I am the resurrection and the Life, who ever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and

believes in Me will never die.”

September 19

Because they are having their

Fall Dinner next Sunday,

September 19th, IC will have

Mass at 10:30am and not at

8:30am. Father Paul C. McManus

will say 10:30am Mass here at

Sacred Heart. Please give him

a warm welcome.

Fall Dinner-Immaculate Conception, Fairbank, Sunday, September 19, Fried Chicken Dinner, 11am - 2pm, Raffle Tickets, Country Store, Music from 1-4pm in Gazebo Park

Omelet Breakfast - Columbus Club, Oelwein, Sunday, September 19, 8am-12 noon, omelets, hash browns, cinnamon rolls

Fall Dinner - Immaculate Conception, Sumner, Sunday, September 19, Roast Beef Dinner, 11-1, bake sale, Drawing