December 29, 2019 the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

DECEMBER 29, 2019 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

PARISH STAFF Fr. Lazarus Kirigia, Pastor of Red Oak & Imogene

Parish Office: 712-623-2744 Cell: 515-770-9064 Email: [email protected]

Jean Anderson, Secretary, [email protected] Cindy Joneson, Bookkeeper [email protected] Virginia Bueno, Hispanic Coordinator [email protected] Alan Vonnahme, DRE [email protected]

St. Mary’s Parish Website:

www.stmarysredoak.com OFFICE HOURS Monday-Closed Jean -Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. Cindy-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Please call the office or Fr. Lazarus prior to visiting

the staff so we may assist you best. PARISH LEADERSHIP PARISH TRUSTEES Tom Stamets 623-9797 Connie Sampers 623-2369 PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS ST. MARY’S MISSION STATEMENT Charla Schmid (Secretary) 623-4675 “Our vision is to see Christ in others and to treat Joe Nealon 623-9642 others as Christ, because this is what we believe.” Matt Ross 623-8956 As a Catholic community, we gather and celebrate Jeff Grebin, Chair (Social Justice) 621-6954 the presence of Christ in sacriﬁce and sacrament. Nancy Nealon (Arts & Environment) 623-9642 Charla Schmid (Music & Liturgy) 623-4675 “Our mission is to support our community by Hank Latus (Property & Grounds) 712-829-2404 meeng the spiritual, faith formaon and other Ken Podliska (Property & Grounds) 623-3622 needs of our parishioners.” Kerry & Elaine Carlson (Stewardship) 623-4122 Pat Jensen (Health & Wellness) 712-370-2511

Welcome! It is our hope that you feel at home and Nancy Nealon: Coordinator, Saturday Mass among friends here. If you are a Tim Schmid: Coordinator, Sunday AM Mass visitor for the day, we pray God’s blessings on your jour- David Bueno: Coordinator, Spanish Mass ney. If you are looking for a parish community, we would Kim Roberts: Coordinator, RCIA be delighted to welcome you into our parish family. Vocations: www.vocationsonline.com Please join us at the beginning of each mass before the Des Moines Diocese Info: www.dmdiocese.org Catholic Charities: www.CatholicCharitiesDM.org opening song to pray three “Hail Mary’s” and a “Glory 515-244-3761 Be” to end aboron in our country. Musings From The Pastor. Special graces of discernment and self-discipline are needed to deal with the threat to family life of both young Holy pictures of the Flight into Egypt have and old alike being so taken up in many pursuits, not a certain charm about them. There is necessarily bad in themselves, that they find little quality Mary, with Jesus in her arms, riding a time for each other. The tragedy is when this is accepted as camel that is led by Joseph. a fact of life in the modern world. As this happens But the reality was far from charming. As meaningful relationships become increasingly disposable. we learn from the Gospel for the Feast of the Holy This constitutes a huge privation of loving experiences and Family, King Herod was so intent on taking the life of lovely moments together in the home, with children and Jesus that Almighty God found it expedient to send an especially adolescents being the chief losers, the most liable angel to warn Joseph in a dream to get moving? and get to be damaged. moving fast. The Flight into Egypt that we hear about in the There was nothing romantic about Joseph and Gospel of today's feast suggests that we should consider to Mary having to abandon plans for a peaceful return from what extent the love, unity and even survival of our own Bethlehem to Nazareth where they looked forward to families are under threat. Are there precautionary measures settling down at home and raising the child Jesus. This to be taken before it is too late? Family life is something family was fleeing for its life, fighting for its life, with a precious. Those near to us should be dear to us and we to special concern for the helpless infant, Jesus. Most them. Family life is worth fighting for. Family life needs families would have this instinct that the elders protect fighting for. And most certainly, praying for. the very young, even with their lives if necessary. In the case of the Holy Family, Jesus, as we know, was very, Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed New Year. very special and, therefore, to be cherished and Fr. Lazarus Kirigia. protected with extra care. The reality of families in fear fleeing from danger EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES towards God-knows-what is brought home to us day after The Diocese of Des Moines has several positions open including a day on our TV screens when newscasts show us director of marketing and enrollment management, and a disability refugees on the move or huddled together in wretched coordinator. Contact [email protected] or go to dmdiocese.org/ resources/human-resources shanty-town camps. Perhaps such a state of emergency creates a bonding of surviving together and an COUNSELING AVAILABLE appreciation that, with all the privations and hardships, Catholic Charities has licensed, professional therapists working people cherish and take care of each other. with clients of all faiths and backgrounds who are addressing de- On this Feast of the Holy Family we should be pression, anxiety, stress, marital issues, relationship problems, mightily thankful if our own families are living in security child behavior problems, trauma, abuse and more. Therapy is available in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, and Ankeny. Set up an and with sufficiency. We will know what a blessing it is if appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling we are living with a modicum of harmony in our homes. 515-237-5045 or 712-328-3086. And our hearts must go out to those who do not have this, who have never known this, and to those who WIDOWED, DIVORCED, OR SEPARATED? The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce, or death is at this very moment find that their family life is crumbling one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Beginning Experience® is to pieces. For one reason or another, the idea of Holy a program intended for those suffering the loss of a love relation- Family and Happy Family finds no resonance in their ship who are ready to come to terms with that loss and begin to own lives. If anything, it remains a dream never to be move forward with their lives. The program is presented by a team fulfilled. of people who are willing to share their own experiences to help I sense that this feast surely offers special others. The weekend program is held at St. Thomas More Center graces of consolation for those who are starved of fond on Jan. 17-19. For more information, contact Father Bob Schoe- family memories. Those who have none of this pain mann at 515-418-1938, Daryl Stahl at 515-480-6617, or Dana Reed at 515-975-3745. should realize how much they need the grace to treasure what they have and to take flight from all that destabilizes VICTIM ASSISTANCE ADVOCATE families -- selfishness, unresolved quarrels, disloyalties The diocese encourages anyone with allegations of abuse by cler- and infidelities. There surely must be the grace to gy to contact their local police department or diocesan Victim As- recognize and fight against the social environment that sistance Advocate Sam Porter at [email protected] undermines family life making it so difficult for parents to or call 515-286-2015. He can assist the person with making a com- bring up their children with godly values. plaint, and with receiving support and counseling services.

Page 2 | St. Mary Catholic Church FAITH FORMATION Readings for the week of December 29, 2019 2019-2020 SCHOOL Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Col 3:12-21 YEAR or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23; The Holy Family; St. Thomas PreK-K has no Sunday classes. Becket Reminder: If there is no school because of weather, there is Monday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 [11a]/Lk 2:36-40; no Faith Formation that night. If the weather changes St. Egwin throughout the day, a decision will be made by 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 [11a]/Jn 1:1-18; will be announced on KCSI if Faith Formation, or any other St. Sylvester I function, is cancelled, and sent on Flocknote. Wednesday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 [2a]/Gal 4:4-7/Lk January Faith Formation Class Schedule: 2:16-21; Mary, Mother of God Jan. 8-Including High School Thursday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn 1:19- Jan. 15 28; St. Basil the Great Jan. 22-Including High School Friday: 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6 [3cd]/Jn 1:29-34; Jan. 29-Catechist Meeting Most Holy Name of Jesus Saturday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9 [3cd]/Jn 1:35-42; St. Every one is invited to our 15 minute chapel time after each Elizabeth Ann Seton faith formation class, 8:00-8:15 p.m. Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 [cf. 11]/ LIVING NATIVITY Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Thank you to everyone who participated and attended the Living Nativity. Thank you to the people who donated soups and cookies, building the manger, and helping to organize the event. Many hands were appreciated. We hope all enjoyed the evening. We will have more information and pictures in the future.

Summer Camp-Are you thinking about summer plans already? Catholic Youth Camp is! Registration is open for summer 2020! Get your children signed up now. They’ll be among the first to use the NEW cabins being built at CYC. Go KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS to stmcenter.com for details. Thank you to those who helped and attended our

Blessings to all!! Seminarian Breakfast. It is always a good time, with Alan Vonnahme, St. Mary’s Catholic Church good food! Great job Knights!! Director of Religious Education; [email protected] Please keep in mind our next 3 Semi- narian breakfasts: January 12, February 9 and ADORATION March 15. Please put the dates on your calendar WE ARE IN NEED OF SUBSTITUTES for Adoration and invite your friends. Hours!!!! Please Contact Kevin Naser or the office. HOUSE (CHURCH) DECORATING This hour Jesus wants you to spend with Him is Thank you to all who helped decorate our church spent any way you want. for Christmas. We received the very generous UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS donation from Red Oak Greenhouse again of the Dec. 31 Mass at 4:00 p.m. Imogene poinsettia plants that helped make our house just Jan. 1 Mass at 9:30 a.m. Red Oak beautiful. We are very fortunate to have the parish- Jan. 7 Knights of Columbus Meeting ioners we do that always help us out! A HUGE Jan. 12 Seminarian Breakfast thank you to Nancy for getting us in the spirit of the holidays. FACEBOOK Please remember to “LIKE” the St. Mary’s Church Facebook page. if you have anything for facebook please give us a call! Thank you for sharing!! St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Red Oak. TITHING ENVELOPES Please pick up your tithing envelopes in the front of the church. If you do not have one please call the office and we will get one to you. Thank you. MINISTRY SCHEDULES IN FRONT OF CHURCH The next quarter of the Ministry Schedules are in front of the church. Please take yours. Thank you for all of your dedication to

our church and the ministries.

St. Mary Catholic Church | Page 3 LITURGICAL MINISTRIES WEEKLY CALENDAR Saturday-January 4 Saturday, December 28 Lector: Kevin Naser 7:30 a.m. Holy Grounds (Hall) Altar Servers: Steve Gray / Lauren Roberts 5:00 p.m. Mass in Imogene Min. of Communion: Tom & Carrie Stamets Sunday, December 29 Greeter/Usher: Joe & Nancy Nealon / Pete & Jolene Crawford 8:30 a.m. Mass in Imogene Musician/Singers: Charla Schimd / Jim Kearney & Ann Ross 10:30 a.m. Mass in Red Oak-Members of the Parish Sacristan: Nancy Nealon 1:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish Monday, December 30-Office Closed Sunday-January 5 Tuesday, December 31-Office Closed Lector: Mark Swanson 4:00 p.m. Mass in Imogene Altar Servers: Sam Fields / Cate Horn / Rylan Grebin Wednesday, January 1-New Years Day Min. of Communion: Connie Sampers / Jeff Grebin / Judy 9:30 a.m. Mass in Red Oak Podliska Thursday, January 2 Homebound: John Pruss 6:00 a.m. Adoration Begins Greeter/Usher: Bob Johnson & Joan Smith / Ken Podliska 5:15 p.m. Rosary Musician/Singers: Charla Schmid / Kerry & Elaine Carlson 6:00 p.m. Mass in Imogene Sacristan: Joan Smith 8:00 p.m. Spanish Rosary Money Counters: Kim Robinson / Connie Sampers Friday, January 3 Please find a substitute if you are unable to fulfill your 6:00 a.m. Adoration Ends assignment. Thank you! 9:30 a.m. Mass at Arlington Place 6:00 p.m. ESL (Hall) RCIA Saturday, January 4 If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a Catho- 7:30 a.m. Holy Grounds (Hall) lic, or learning about the faith, please contact Fr. Lazarus or Kim 4:15-4:45 p.m. Individual Confessions Roberts. RCIA classes will begin soon and we welcome all! 5:00 p.m. Mass in Red Oak-Sean Nealon+ PLEASE PRAY FOR: Sunday, January 5 Dan Bruning Josh Watson 8:30 a.m. Mass in Imogene Homebound Parishioners Patricia Menendez 10:30 a.m. Mass in Red Oak-Grace Kittel+ Fr. Thomas Kunnel Danielle Woods 1:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish Noe’ Sanchez Flores Mardell Anderson Ken Steffen Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas, and a Happy and If you or someone you know would like to be on the prayer list, Healthy New Year from all of us at St. Mary’s ! please call the office so that we may put it in the bulletin.

BAPTISM: Please call the office to schedule the Bap- tism. A class is required for first-time parents. RCIA: Each Fall the parish forms a group of adults who are interested in becoming Catholic, or in leaning about the faith. Contact the Parish Office or Fr. Lazarus. CARE OF THE SICK: Please contact the Parish Office or Fr. Lazarus to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, or if you would like a visit while in the hospital or Communion brought to your home. MARRIAGE: Couples planning a wedding at St. Mary’s should contact Fr. Lazarus at least 6 months prior to the wedding to begin the preparation process. LITURGICAL MINISTRIES WEEKLY CALENDAR Saturday-January 4 Saturday, December 28 Lector: Kevin Naser 7:30 a.m. Holy Grounds (Hall) Altar Servers: Steve Gray / Lauren Roberts 5:00 p.m. Mass in Imogene Min. of Communion: Tom & Carrie Stamets Sunday, December 29 Greeter/Usher: Joe & Nancy Nealon / Pete & Jolene Crawford 8:30 a.m. Mass in Imogene Musician/Singers: Charla Schimd / Jim Kearney & Ann Ross 10:30 a.m. Mass in Red Oak-Members of the Parish Sacristan: Nancy Nealon 1:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish Monday, December 30-Office Closed Sunday-January 5 Tuesday, December 31-Office Closed Lector: Mark Swanson 4:00 p.m. Mass in Imogene Altar Servers: Sam Fields / Cate Horn / Rylan Grebin Wednesday, January 1-New Years Day Min. of Communion: Connie Sampers / Jeff Grebin / Judy 9:30 a.m. Mass in Red Oak Podliska Thursday, January 2 Homebound: John Pruss 6:00 a.m. Adoration Begins Greeter/Usher: Bob Johnson & Joan Smith / Ken Podliska 5:15 p.m. Rosary Musician/Singers: Charla Schmid / Kerry & Elaine Carlson 6:00 p.m. Mass in Imogene Sacristan: Joan Smith 8:00 p.m. Spanish Rosary Money Counters: Kim Robinson / Connie Sampers Friday, January 3 Please find a substitute if you are unable to fulfill your 6:00 a.m. Adoration Ends assignment. Thank you! 9:30 a.m. Mass at Arlington Place 6:00 p.m. ESL (Hall) RCIA Saturday, January 4 If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a Catho- 7:30 a.m. Holy Grounds (Hall) lic, or learning about the faith, please contact Fr. Lazarus or Kim 4:15-4:45 p.m. Individual Confessions Roberts. RCIA classes will begin soon and we welcome all! 5:00 p.m. Mass in Red Oak-Sean Nealon+ PLEASE PRAY FOR: Sunday, January 5 Dan Bruning Josh Watson 8:30 a.m. Mass in Imogene Homebound Parishioners Patricia Menendez 10:30 a.m. Mass in Red Oak-Grace Kittel+ Fr. Thomas Kunnel Danielle Woods 1:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish Noe’ Sanchez Flores Mardell Anderson Ken Steffen Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas, and a Happy and If you or someone you know would like to be on the prayer list, Healthy New Year from all of us at St. Mary’s ! please call the office so that we may put it in the bulletin.

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