St. Francis of Assisi Church March 21, 2021 7075 Ashworth Road Welcome parishioners, newcomers and to those visiting! West Des Moines, IA 50266 Phone: 515-223-4577 | Fax: 515-223-4768 It is hard to believe that we have been living with the pandemic for a www.saintfrancischurch.or g year. A year ago this weekend, I received a text from the diocese at 7:20 a.m. Sunday morning canceling all Masses and other functions Office hours: 8 a.m. —4:30 p.m. in the parish. During this time of the pandemic, we have learned how

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Schoo l to reach out to each other digitally and other ways. It has been a difficult Phone: 515-457-7167 year, but we have still functioned and ministered as best as we have could. www.sfawdm.org The restrictions imposed by the diocese are still in effect until at least April 11th when Bishop Joensen will review them. It is my hope that with PRAY WITH US the number of people being vaccinated and the declining number of positive cases that we will soon emerge from the pandemic and be back to normal. Weekday Masses Hope is our attitude for the last two weeks of Lent as Easter is near. Monday-Friday: 7:15 a.m. Tuesday: Noo n Francis’ message for Lent: “In these times of trouble, when everything seems fragile and uncertain, it may appear challenging to Weekend Masses speak of hope. Yet Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn Saturday: 4:30 p.m. back to God who patiently continues to care for his creation which Sunday: 7:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. we have often mistreated (cf. Laudato Si’, 32-33; 43-44). Paul urges us to place our hope in reconciliation: ‘Be reconciled to God’ Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:20). By receiving forgiveness in the sacrament that lies at the Wednesday: Noon-1 p.m. heart of our process of conversion, we in turn can spread forgiveness to Saturday: 8:30-9:30 a.m. others. Having received forgiveness ourselves, we can offer it through Or by appointment our willingness to enter into attentive dialogue with others and to give Adoration comfort to those experiencing sorrow and pain. God’s forgiveness, 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month: 8 a.m.—8 p.m. offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience nd an Easter of fraternity.” Adoration with Benediction: 2 Tuesday at 8 p.m. The schedule for Holy Week is as follows: We will have 3 priests OUR CLERGY hearing confessions from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30th and st Fr. Ray McHenry 3 priests hearing confessions from Noon – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 . Pastor | Ext. 109 Holy Thursday will be at 7 p.m., Good Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses will be at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., Fr. Mark McGeary and 11:30 a.m. Associate Pastor | Ext. 107 urges us to be reconciled to God and one another in the Bill Richer Pastoral Associate | Ext. 110 sacrament of Reconciliation. A wonderful way to celebrate Lent is to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and attend the Triduum services. CONNECT WITH US ONLINE In doing so, we live the New Covenant of Jesus Christ and honor the covenant with the “house of Judah” that the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed.

Facebook: @sfawdm | @stfrancisassisischool “All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the Lord, for I will Instagram: @sfawdm | @sfawdmschool forgive their evildoing and no longer remember their sin.” Jeremiah 31:34b Twitter: @sfawdm | @SFASchool_WDM YouTube -Fr. Ray McHenry PARISH OFFICE INFORMATION SACRAMENTS AT ST. FRANCIS Parish Contacts Parish Office ...... 515-223-4577 Congratulations on preparing to be baptized into the Parish Fax ...... 515-223-4768 community of the Church! are scheduled on the St. Francis School ...... 515-457-7167 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Sundays of the month after the 11:30 a.m. Mass Pre-School ...... 515-223-4577, Ext. 116 th Faith Formation Office...... 515-440-1030 & the 4 Saturday of the month after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. For more info, please call the Parish Office. Parish Staff Next pre-baptism class: To be announced Director of Operations ...... Paula Courter Parish Receptionist ...... Sue Kirkhart Becoming Catholic Administrative Assistant ...... Sheila Timmerman If you or someone you know is thinking about joining the Director of Liturgy & Music ...... Emily Schmid or is inquiring about the faith, please contact Newcomer & Volunteer Coordinator ...... (vacant) the Faith Formation Office. Communications Coordinator ...... Katie Evans HR Coordinator ...... Monica Lihs First Communion Accountant ...... Deb Muse Bookkeeper ...... Pam Danzer First Communion is celebrated in April. For more information, please contact the Faith Formation Office. Director of Facilities & Maintenance ...... Mario Lastro Communications Assistant ...... Becca Bahl Special Needs Coordinator ...... (vacant) Confirmation St. Francis School Principal ...... Jon Aldrich Confirmation is celebrated once a year for our high school St. Francis School Assistant Principal ... Gretchen Watznauer sophomore students. If you have a student who’d like to be St. Francis Pre-School Director ...... Heather Gunson part of this, contact Christy Peletz at Ext. 103. For info regarding Kids Care Director ...... Heather Gunson Adult Confirmation, please contact the Faith Formation Office. Faith Formation Administrative Assistant ...... Heather Rohe Director of Adult Faith Formation ...... Vivian Day Marriage High School Faith Formation Coordinator ...... Christy Peletz Congratulations on your engagement! We look forward to Director of Faith Formation ...... Lisa Schmidt helping you prepare for life together. Please contact the Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator ...... Chris Van Kirk Parish Office for more information. Early Childhood Faith Formation Coord ... Jill Klubek Alonzo EDGE Coordinator ...... Erica Schieffer Homebound Ministry Parish Representatives Homebound Ministry is offering a limited service due to Pastoral Council...... Blake Riffel COVID-19. Please email [email protected]. Finance Council ...... Mike Brinker Board of Education ...... Patrick White Hospital Visits Faith Formation Council ...... Kevin MacFerrin While hospital visits have been suspended due to COVID-19, Deacon Bill will be happy to call and speak with you on the phone! MASS INTENTIONS 3-20 Sat. 4:30 p.m. † Ann Helling LIVING OUR FAITH CALENDAR Saturday, March 20 9:45 a.m.: Bible Timeline Sun. 7:30 a.m. † Mark Haisch 8 a.m.: Men’s Faith Sharing 7:30 p.m.: EDGE/FISH 4:30 p.m.: Mass 9:30 a.m. For the parishioners of the parish Thursday, March 25 Sunday, March 21 6 a.m.: Adoration/Rosary 11:30 a.m. † Larry Stanfel 7:30 a.m.: Mass 7 a.m.: Finance Council 9:30 a.m.: Mass* 7:15 a.m.: Mass Mon. 7:15 a.m. † Gheorghe & Valerica Armeanu 11:30 a.m.: Mass 8:45 a.m.: School Mass** 5 p.m.: Together in Faith Worship Noon: Mass Tues. 7:15 a.m. † Gary Carpenter 6:30 p.m.: Men’s CRHP 6 p.m.: Faith Formation Council Monday, March 22 7 p.m.: Becoming Catholic 8:45 a.m. † R. Jerome Boge 6 a.m.: Adoration/Rosary Friday, March 26 7:15 a.m.: Mass Noon † Bernadette Adam 6 a.m.: Adoration/Rosary 6:30 p.m.: Women’s CRHP 7:15 a.m.: Mass 7 p.m.: Rosary Wed. 7:15 a.m. † Carol Kramer 5 p.m.: Stations of the Cross 7 p.m.: SFA Young Adult Women’s Book Study Saturday, March 27 8:45 a.m. † Roseanne McMahon 7:30 p.m.: Women’s Faith Sharing 8 a.m.: Men’s Faith Sharing 10 a.m.: Pinewood Derby Thur. 7:15 a.m. † Jeanie Dobmeier Tuesday, March 23 4:30 p.m.: Mass 6 a.m.: Adoration/Rosary 8:45 a.m. † Deon Wingert 7:15 a.m.: Mass Sunday, March 28 8:45 a.m.: School Mass** Palm Sunday Noon † Betty Summers 9 a.m.: Bible Study 7:30 a.m.: Mass Noon: Mass 9:30 a.m.: Mass* Fri. 7:15 a.m. † The Hoefler family 6:30 p.m.: SFA Young Adults 11:30 a.m.: Mass 7:30 p.m.: SoulCore 1 p.m.: Discernment Info Mtg 3-27 Sat. 4:30 p.m. † Janis Putelis 8 p.m.: Men’s Faith Sharing 3 p.m.: Troop 888 Mtg 6:30 p.m.: Men’s CRHP Sun. 7:30 a.m. For the parishioners of the parish Wednesday, March 24 6 a.m.: Adoration/Rosary *Streamed on YouTube **School Mass not open to public 9:30 a.m. † Dick & Mary Ann Pertzborn 7:15 a.m.: Mass 8:30 a.m.: Rosary ***Please note some meetings 11:30 a.m. † Howard & Donna Burch 8:45 a.m.: School Mass** are being held virtually. PARISH OFFICE UPDATES ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL MASK MANDATE Your contribution to the Annual Diocesan Appeal makes *On January 30th, Bishop Joensen extended his an impact! mask requirement at all public Masses, sacramental celebrations, and other events in diocesan churches A gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal provides support for Encounters with Christ. ADA funds ministries that bring the through April 11th. You can read the bishop’s statement and Good News of Jesus Christ to all. the latest updates on the Safe & Secure page of our website.

LIVESTREAMING MASS We need everyone’s participation in order to reach our goal. We are streaming the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass on our **Our 2021 Parish Goal is $399,532. YouTube channel. (This Mass is also interpreted in **To date, we have pledged or paid $127,722 (32%)!

American Sign Language.) Gifts can be made online at dmdiocese.org/giving.

Our YouTube channel is located at: Thank you for your generosity and your support of the youtube.com/c/StFrancisofAssisiCatholicChurchWDM Annual Diocesan Appeal. (Or go to youtube.com and in the search box enter SFAWDM.)

If you can’t watch live on YouTube, the recording will stay posted to our channel after it is over. Make sure you subscribe to our channel to receive notifications when new ST. FRANCIS JOB OPENING videos are added and when we go live. Behavioral Interventionist/Special Needs Ministry Coord. LENTEN SCHEDULE We will be adding an additional weekday Mass during Lent St. Francis Church and School is seeking a dynamic and on Thursdays at Noon. certified professional who can provide high-quality educational knowledge and strategies to meet the needs of students with Join us for Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 5 p.m. behavioral disabilities. This position is a half-time school Mar. 26th: Way of the Cross (Traditional) position and a half-time parish position.

Since there will be no Communal Penance this year, we will For more information and to apply, go to offer additional Reconciliation times: https://iowa.schoolspring.com/Home/JobDetail/3464655  March 30th: 12:30 p.m.—2 p.m.  March 31st: 12 p.m.—2 p.m. WELCOME NEWCOMERS HOLY WEEK MASS SCHEDULE Thank you for visiting us at St. Francis of Assisi  Holy Thursday (April 1st): 7 p.m. (in ASL & livestreamed) Catholic Church! nd  Good Friday (April 2 ): 7 p.m. (in ASL & livestreamed)  Easter Vigil (April 3rd): 8 p.m. (in ASL & livestreamed) We offer various possibilities to grow in faith and love,  Easter Sunday (April 4th): 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. from education, faith and social ministries, local and (in ASL & livestreamed) & 11:30 a.m. international outreach, to celebrating the word of God.  There will also be a Mass taking place live in the school For more information regarding membership and new gym at 9:30 a.m. that all are welcome to attend. member activities, please contact the Parish Office. Stop by the Parish Office to pick up a parish registration EASTER FLOWERS card or register online! Once again, we invite you to honor your loved ones with an Easter flower donation. REMEMBERING OUR PARISH FAMILY

Easter lilies can be purchased in memory/honor/ Please pray for those individuals who have passed away as well as their families. thanksgiving of special family and friends. These flowers ($25/lily) will be displayed in the sanctuary during the Jolene Ruth, mother of Jill Costanzo Easter season. Maxwell Dale FitzRandolph, granddaughter of Tim & Ewa Pratt

Checks should be made payable to St. Francis with Easter Flowers in the memo, or donate online at Give them eternal rest, O Lord, and let them share in your https://abundant.co/stfrancisofassisi/easterflowers. unending glory.

NURSERY REOPENING FEATURE IN THE BULLETIN The St. Francis Nursery is open for all weekend Masses and for special events as requested. Have something you need announced in the bulletin? Send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please visit the Nursery page on our website or email Upcoming deadlines (by 9 a.m.) are as follows: th nd [email protected]. March 28 bulletin: March 22 April 4th bulletin: March 25th (early deadline) LENTEN CROSSES BOOKS, STUDIES & RECOMMENDATIONS Let the Works of Mercy inspire your Lenten journey this year. FORMED Recommendations These recommendations are based on the parish Beginning Ash Wednesday and continuing throughout Lent, Lenten theme. the Lent crosses will again be set up in the Gathering Space. Program: The & Reconciliation: Please take some time to look at the cross cards and see how God Is Rich in Mercy you can inspire yourself, those around you, and those in the community by taking cross cards. Opportunities for prayer Movie: The Bible Collection - Jeremiah and reflection, volunteering, and also providing items for those in need are included on the cards. Audio: Freedom through Forgiveness: The Sacrament of Confession by Ken Yasinski Not coming into the church at this time? You can also view the different opportunities on the Homeless and Hungry Books: Pardon and Peace: A Sinner's Guide to Confession by Fr. Francis Randolph page of the parish website. Go to Engage / Service / Homeless and Hungry. Click on the pictures to view Kid’s Choice: Forgiven: The Blessings of Confession larger images. Details on our website by clicking on Inspire/FORMED. All items will be due by March 28th. Please drop off items in the Parish Hall.

FR. BOB HOEFLER SCHOLARSHIP 2021 DISCERNMENT PROCESS The blessings and generosity of our late pastor, Fr. Bob, Pastoral Council, Board of Education, Faith Formation Council continue to touch our community. It is time to complete our annual discernment process for A scholarship was established through a donation made to Pastoral Council, Board of Education, and Faith Formation our parish from Fr. Bob. Council. All councils have 9 members with staggered terms. Each year, 3 new members are discerned for each group. Two $5,000 scholarships are available to St. Francis parishioners who are high school seniors seeking post-secondary education The membership of any of these boards should include and at an accredited institution of higher learning. reflect a cross-section of people from our faith community, without being representative of specific groups, causes, Please visit our website and click on “Our Parish” to find or agendas. The member’s objective is to always strive for more detailed information and eligibility criteria about the the common good of the people they serve—to seek the best scholarship. The deadline for submitting an application to interest of the entire community of faith. the Parish Office is Tuesday, April 6th at 4:30 p.m. The gifts of any potential council member for pastoral leadership might encompass some of the following: qualities of faithfulness (actively deepening their personal KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SCHOLARSHIP relationship with Jesus Christ shared in Christian community), St. Francis Knights of Columbus Council 12422 will be skills for effective communication and listening, as well as awarding a total of three $1,500 scholarships. dialoguing about the values for ministry and the call of baptized persons to missionary discipleship. Two scholarships will be awarded to two 8th grade students who will be attending Dowling Catholic in the fall of 2021. Please prayerfully consider submitting your name or the An additional scholarship will be awarded to a high school name of someone you feel would be called to these important senior who will be attending a college or university this fall. ministries. Information sheets are available in the Gathering Space after Masses or in the Parish Office. All applicants must be members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. th The application deadline is April 10th, 2021. An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, March 28 Applications can be requested by sending an email to at 1 p.m. in the Serra Room. Discernment will take place on Saturday, April 17th at 10 a.m. in the Serra Room. [email protected]. For more information, contact either: Blake Riffel, Pastoral Council Chair FIRST COMMUNION DONATIONS Patrick White, Board of Education Chair The Faith Formation Office is collecting new or Kevin MacFerrin, Faith Formation Council Chair gently-used and cleaned First Communion dresses and suits for families in need. RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE Veils, dress shoes, ties, and other First Communion You are invited! accessories are also appreciated. The St. Francis Respect Life Committee requests You may drop off donations in the Faith Formation Office parishioners to pray for Life during our regularly scheduled or Parish Office. Thank you! Adoration on Tuesday, March 23rd from 10 a.m.—8 p.m. Prayer cards will be available. LENT 2021 March 21st—Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah and Reconciliation

1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 | Psalm 51: Create a clean heart in me, O God. 2nd Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 | Gospel: John 12:20-33

The prophets, such as Jeremiah, foreshadowed Christ and called us to repent and come to God. Through their words, we are called to restore our relationship with God in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In the New Covenant, we are brought back to God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Reflective Questions How do we experience God’s power to resurrect, restore and bring new life when we hold grudges, engage in self-pity and fail to live fully due to fear? How open are you to being set free from the things that hold you back?

Practice of Charity Create a prayer basket for your prayer table. Add prayers to it each day—prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of hope, and prayers of need. Pay special attention to the intentions/prayers of the faithful at Mass. FAITH FORMATION: GO DEEPER

March Together in Faith Schedule

Date Activity

3 Middle & High School Small Group, 7:20—8:20 p.m.—in-person 10 Together in Faith for Families, 6:30—8 p.m.—in-person and via YouTube

Middle & High School Small Group, 7:20—8:20 p.m.—in-person

17 No Adult event—Spring Break

21 Together in Faith Worship, 5—6 p.m.—in-person and via YouTube

Youth Social Night, following Together in Faith Worship

24 Special Teen Adoration—Confession Event, 7—8 p.m.

Together in Faith is focusing on St. Joseph during the month of March. There are a few reasons for this. First, March 19th is St. Joseph’s feast day, so in keeping with Catholic tradition, we honor him this month. Second, Pope Francis declared December 8th, 2020 to December 8th, 2021 the Year of St. Joseph. It is the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as a Patron of the Universal Church. Catholic Churches around the globe will be celebrating St. Joseph this year. The St. Francis Parish community plans to feature St. Joseph prominently in prayer, worship, and faith formation, including a St. Joseph consecration. In addition to all of this, St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers.

As the patron saint of fathers, St. Joseph is a role model for dads today. St. Joseph was given the beautiful blessing of being Jesus’ earthly father. He loved, guided, and protected Jesus as He grew up. He taught Him how to be a man and how to live a life of faith. Fathers today are called to the same task. Every child is a blessing from God, and belongs to God first and foremost. As God trusted St. Joseph, He continues to place His trust in dads to raise the next generation of His children. Providing love, guidance, and protection are as essential in bringing up children now as they were during Jesus’ childhood. Fathers, through their words and actions, teach sons how to grow up and live as men. They also teach daughters through their interaction with them how to build a relationship with a man. Living a life of faith and following Christ is a vital part of this. If we want our sons and daughters to believe in Jesus, to follow His ways, and have a relationship with Him, then dads need to lead the charge.

As St. Joseph presented Baby Jesus in the temple, fathers today present their children for Baptism and make a promise to continue journeying with them through Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. St. Joseph followed the traditions of his faith, such as attending the Passover Festival in Jerusalem with Mary and Jesus. Modern day fathers echo his actions when they celebrate Mass with their families. St. Joseph not only understood, but embraced passing on faith as a part of fatherhood. Sharing the faith is still a fundamental part of fatherhood in raising Catholic children. Faith formation happens at the deepest and most important levels in the family, and fathers are key role models in this process.

Together in Faith appreciates and honors St. Joseph and all of our fathers this month. For more information about St. Joseph, visit the parish website and search for Together in Faith, then click on Go Forth and look under Meet the .

You Are Invited… A Light For My Path Praying the Psalms on the Way of the Cross

During this Lenten season, offer yourself the opportunity to meditate on the Way of the Cross in a different way. You are invited to reflect on Jesus’ Way of the Cross by using the same prayers he used in his life: the Book of Psalms. The prayer service will journey through the traditional 14 Stations of the Cross while providing time for personal reflection, an examination of conscience, and the communal singing of the psalms.

Date: Sunday, March 21st | Time: 5—6 p.m. | Location: St. Francis Church in person or virtually via YouTube FAITH FORMATION CONTINUED THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH Consecration to St. Joseph

All are invited to participate in a parish-wide consecration to St. Joseph this summer! In honor of the Year of St. Joseph as declared by Pope Francis, we will be providing parishioners the opportunity to Who will join our parish family this Easter? consecrate themselves to St. Joseph beginning June 7th and Those who will be brought into full communion with the completing with a consecration celebration on July 10th! Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil are: Charlie Flippen, Chase Clemens, and Madeline Clemens. What does it mean to consecrate yourself to St. Joseph? The RCIA/Becoming Catholic catechists and team offer our It basically means that you acknowledge that he is your thanks to our parish community as a whole who have prayed spiritual father, and you want to be like him. To show it, for and with our candidates during the Rites from fall to present you entrust yourself into his paternal care so that he can day. Please continue to pray for our candidates as they enter help you acquire his virtues and become holy. their final week of preparation for the sacraments of initiation. Total consecration to St. Joseph means you make a formal act

of filial entrustment to your spiritual father so that he can

take care of your spiritual well-being and lead you to God. The person who consecrates himself to St. Joseph wants to be as close to their spiritual father as possible, to the point of resembling him in virtue and holiness. St. Joseph, in turn, will give those consecrated to him his undivided attention, protection, and guidance.

Through generous parishioner donations, a limited number

of “Consecration to St. Joseph: Wonders of Our Spiritual

Father” by Fr. Donald Calloway will be made available.

Stay tuned for more information!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God.

When: June 21-25, 2021 Who: Children 3 years old—5th grade in fall 2021. Children must be 3 by January 1st, 2021 and toilet trained. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding registration details.

Volunteers Needed We are looking for adult and youth volunteers. If you have questions about VBS, please contact James Wenman at [email protected] or call the What is NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference)? Faith Formation Office at 515-440-1030. It is 3 full-to-the-brim days of music, entertainment, incredible speakers, prayer, worship, and fun shared with 25,000 Catholic teens, grades 9th-12th (2021-2022 school year) from all over CATHOLIC TUITION ORGANIZATION (CTO) the country! It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The deadline for applying to CTO is Friday, April 2nd, 2021. At NCYC 2021, we will call upon the Holy Spirit to descend upon our young Church and set them Ablaze for the Lord! Applications are available at all Catholic schools in the Diocese NCYC will be November 18-21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. of Des Moines or online at www.fairapp.com. Applications are Tickets are limited due to the pandemic. in both English and Spanish this year and a $27 processing fee

Steubenville STL Mid-America is a high-energy youth is required to submit your application. Not sure if you qualify conference where thousands of teens, grades 9th-12th, for assistance or have questions about the application process? are invited to encounter Jesus Christ through dynamic speakers, Check the income guidelines below or go to www.CTOIowa.org. engaging music, the Sacraments, small group discussions, and fellowship with other teens. Our conference is an outreach of Franciscan University in partnership with the St. Louis Archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry. Two conferences are held every year in July and take place on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.

If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please contact Christy Peletz at [email protected] or 515-440-1030. SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION A big “Thank You” to one of this month’s featured Please Be Generous St. Francis advertisers: Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the *Hy-Vee Drugstore at 60th St. in WDM* Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians Please consider reciprocating our advertisers’ generosity by in the Holy Land. Your support helps the church minister supporting their business. in parishes, provide Catholic schools and offer religious education. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection also helps Grow Your Business! to preserve the sacred shrines.

We are always looking for businesses that would like to The wars, unrest and instability have been especially hard on expand their reach locally by advertising in the St. Francis Christians. In these times of crisis, the Pontifical Good Friday weekly bulletin. You will be able to build your business and Collection provides humanitarian aid to refugees. help grow a vibrant faith community at your parish at the same time. As an advertiser, you can count on support from When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, the parish leadership and parishioners. Your business will you become an instrument of peace and join with Catholics be seen as a trusted resource in the community. around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land.

The St. Francis bulletin serves as the primary publication For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, tool to the parishioners each week. The cost covers the cost visit www.myfranciscan.org/good-friday. of the bulletin and even serves as a fundraiser for the parish once the bulletin has been paid for. VIRTUAL BIBLE CONFERENCE If you are interested in advertising, please call our bulletin Are you seeking to grow in your love and knowledge of provider at 1-800-950-9952. God’s Word?

Join some of the nation’s most dynamic Scripture scholars on SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN March 27th for a one-day virtual event that will be streamed Subscribe to receive email notifications once new via Zoom. This virtual event is free for all registrants! Register at https://bibleconference.augustineinstitute.org/ bulletins become available online. Hosted by Dr. Tim Gray, President of the Augustine Institute. Featured topics and speakers include: The Last Supper (Dr. Brant Pitre) The Agony in the Garden (Dr. Tim Gray) The Passion of the Christ (Dr. Elizabeth Klein) Holy Saturday (Dr. John Sehorn)

The Resurrection (Dr. Michael Barber)

MASKS AT MASS

Once you click on “View Bulletins”, click on “Subscribe” for St. Francis’ bulletins and enter your email address. CHILDREN’S PAGE

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David C. Ball, M.D.

Kelley S. Baumhover, O.D. www.dsmcapitalortho.com 515.440.2676 (COSM) (515) 225-3546 • 5901 Westown Pkwy, #200 • West Des Moines Ankeny • Clive • Indianola

McCartan Insurance Group 5806 Hickman Rd. Des Moines, Iowa, 50322 Joel McCartan 515-633-2133 West Des Moines, IA Custom Homes 515-633-2273 Remodeling [email protected] Additions cpcustomhomes.com 515-208-5721 For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Francis of Assisi, West Des Moines, IA B 4C 02-0334 All Around Handy Man Home Repairs,Deck Repairs/ www.ashworthvision.com Staining, Painting & Furniture Look no further for the quality eye care you deserve. Repair/Refinish 515-222-2300 | Member FDIC Dr. Barbara A. Scheetz Phone: 515-440-4610 Gary Dresher, Parishioner Dr. Kreg D. Harper 5970 Ashworth Rd westbankstrong.com Doctors of Optometry West Des Moines, IA 52066 715-321-1343 Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Construction Co. General Contractor • Construction Manager 515-440-1481 (515) 288-6077 1010 60th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266 www.Breiholz.com Owner/Parishioner Mike Davidson ORGANIZED, EFFICIENT, CREATIVE, EXPERIENCED, AND UNPARALLELED REMODELS.

(515) 992-3735 1204 Linden St. • Dallas Center

JOEL MAGRUDER J2 MAGRUDER President/Founder • Parishioner LPL Financial Advisor • Parishioner Divine Word College Seminary

515-223-9200 x4301 515-223-9200 x4305 Educating Tomorrow’s Catholic Missionaries [email protected] [email protected] www.dwci.edu www.financialpartnersgroup.net Family, Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Securities and advisory services offered through LPI Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The only Catholic college in the U.S. Elizabeth M. Craig preparing young men and women for D.D.S. Diocesan Parishioner life as Catholic missionaries To help our students contact Mark Singsank 563-876-0097 or (515) 987-8387 [email protected] | 102 Jacoby Dr. SW, Epworth, Iowa

5000 E.P. Physicians: Nurse Practitioners: True Pkwy, Darci Lewis, ARNP Dennis Dornbier, DO Ste. B. Contact Kjirsten Finnegan to place an ad today! Stephen Feltz, MD Kathy Lamb, ARNP [email protected] or(800) 950-9952 x2659 Jeffrey Fagerland, DO Jamie Butterworth, ARNP 223-5673 Jeanna Panosh, ARNP Tamara Dassanayake, MD www.westbrookefamilydentistry.com Francesca Turner, DO ® ® Lindsey Jenkins, MD Matt Kneifl, AAMS , CFP Financial Advisor, Parishioner Lisa Vigue, MD 1100 73rd Street Windsor Heights, IA 50324 515-279-2219 www.obgyndm.com | (515) 288-3287

Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Pleasant Hill, Knoxville and Winterset. Member SIPC

Auto • Home • Business • Farm • Life 515.225.3469 Vance Whitwer, Your dream is out there. Go get it. 14225 University Avenue Robert Ridgway AIA Agent Suite 110, Waukee, IA 515-967-8200 Parishioner [email protected] • 301 1st Ave S, Altoona www.f-w.com LOUIE’S Carl "Chip" Davis Parishioner FLOOR COVERING Retirement Specialist Low Prices on Name Brands CK Davis Financial 800 S.50th ST Suite 110 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 243-8608 5550 Wildrose Lane W.D.M, IA firecreekonline.com • P:515-224-0500 2709 Ingersoll Ave. • Des Moines (515) 491-4576

Rob Ryan, Field Agent 515-490-8753 515-222-9711 [email protected] 2020 Grand Ave West Des Moines We are Our Brothers Keepers Life Insurance • Long Term Care • IRAs www.edible.com Join Us Today! Disability Income • Retirement Planning

A.J. ANDERSON Bernhardt & Smith Realtor / Assistant Manager [email protected] (515) 202-6173 Investing in Midwest businesses; Parishioner - DCHS, Grad ‘95 growing Midwest communities. Orthodontics Dr. Nick DeRocher 978-8889 John Mickelson 515-244-1279 www.mgpfund.com www.grahamconstruction.com 70 E. Hickman, Waukee, IA 9295 Bishop Dr., Ste. 120, WDM 987-9130 245 50th St., Ste. 120, WDM 222-0010 www.bernhardtandsmith.com

Drs. Conrad, Rasool, Hartman and Wenger 375 S Jordan Creek Pkwy 550 SE University Ave, Waukee, IA 50263 West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 (515) 987-9672 (515) 216-2795 www.ciortho.com $5 OFF a $50 minimum purchase Limit $5 off with coupon per customer. Excludes lottery, tobacco, gift cards, DESIGNING - MANUFACTURING OUTDOOR DURABLE GRAPHICS pharmacy, postal, money order and fuel 1830 Fuller Road, West Des Moines purchases. Valid ONLY at West Des Moines Hy-Vee HealthMarket with Bulletin 2805 100 th St Urbandale 515-225-7007 515-276-4951 | plazaflorist.net For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Francis of Assisi, West Des Moines, IA A 4C 02-0334 EVENTS AROUND THE DIOCESE TAIZÉ LENTEN SERVICE HOLY HOURS Thursday, March 25th, 2021 | 7—7:45 p.m. St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church & Student Center The faithful are invited to join Bishop William (1150 28th Street, Des Moines, 50311) Joensen for a weekly Holy Hour at 5 p.m. on Mondays at St. Ambrose Cathedral. Welcome to our Taizé Lenten prayer experience, a time to rest in God, to let the words listened to and sung penetrate our being. There is no The Holy Hour will be streamed at facebook.com/ dmdiocese. preaching, no teaching. Just a simple service: short chants, repeated over and over in candlelight, plus some short Scripture readings. Find prayers, Bishop’s reflections on the Eucharist, And silence. and more here: Taizé prayer originated with the Taizé Community, an ecumenical https://www.dmdiocese.org/resources/bishop- monastic order founded in 1940 in central France with a strong devotion initiatives/eucharistic-renewal/holy-hours to peace and justice through prayer and meditation. The community of Catholic and Protestant is drawn from 30 countries across the world, and attracts seekers from many different cultures and traditions. JOB OPENINGS SAVE THE DATE St. Boniface (Waukee) is seeking an Associate Des Moines Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Director of Youth Ministry. The position will plan, Virtual Spring Conference lead, implement, and evaluate youth ministry for th th Save the Date—April 10, 2021 families of St. Boniface youth ages 6 —12 grade, ALL Catholic Women! as well as oversee family-based preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the Des Moines Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s spring conference last March 2020. We decided Full position description and application instructions we did not want to cancel again this year! As a result, ALL Catholic are available at https://stbonifacechurch.org/ women are invited to join us on April 10, 2021, for a virtual encounter employment to RENEW AND REFRESH in these difficult times. We are delighted to have as our featured speaker Barbara Heil. Bishop William Joensen St. Pius X Parish is hiring for the position will also join us. It will be a morning-only event and it is FREE. of Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. We do ask that you register on the diocesan website and we will send This is a full-time position, M-F, with hours of you a link to join us. Come in your PJs, bring your coffee, and enjoy 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Dean Roth at the morning with other Catholic women around the diocese. 515-276-2059 if you are interested.

Details and registration info in the March issue of The Catholic Mirror. St. Pius X Parish also has immediate opening for a wedding coordinator. Please contact Fr. Fleming at 515-276-2059.