ST. PATRICK’S /
HOLY TRINITY
MISSION STATEMENT To share the good news of Jesus
in word and deed; to gather in
prayer, worship, and the celebra-
tion of the Eucharist; to facilitate
life-long faith formation; to serve
the larger community especially
the poor and marginalized; and to
sustain parish ministry through
the stewardship of time, talent,
and treasure.
SACRAMENTS
RECONCIL IATION ST . PATRICK’S :
4:00-4:30 PM SATURDAYS
HOLY T RINITY :
7:45 AM
2ND & 4TH SUNDAYS
ALSO BY APPOINTMENT ANOINTING OF THE S ICK CALL THE OFFICE IF POSSI -
BLE WHEN HOSPITAL IZED .
BAPTISM CALL THE OFFICE DURING
PREGNANCY FOR PREPARA-
T ION CLASS .
MARRIAGE CALL THE OFFICE AT LEAST
NINE MONTHS TO ONE YEAR
AHEAD TO PLAN MARRIAGE
PREPARAT ION . W EDDING
DATE SHOULD NOT BE SET
UNTIL PREPARAT IONS HAVE
BEGUN .
ANNULMENT/
MARRIAGE VALIDAT ION CALL THE OFFICE TO LEARN
MORE ABOUT THIS PROCESS
WITH D IOCESAN T RIBUNAL IF
YOU ARE DIVORCED AND
REMARRIED OR NEVER MAR-
RIED IN THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH .
RCIA
CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU ARE
INTERESTED IN LEARNING
MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH OR THE RCIA PRO-
CESS .
MEMBERSHIP/
REGISTRATION IF YOU ARE NEW , WELCOME
TO OUR PARISH . PLEASE
REGISTER BY CALLING THE
OFFICE . IF YOU ARE MOVING
AWAY , PLEASE CONTACT THE
OFFICE TO NOTIFY US BEFORE
MOVING .
BULLET IN DEADLINE : WEDNESDAY NOON
Holy Trinity Church
208 Kilworth St N Exira, IA 50076
Office 712-563-2283
Holy Trinity Hall 712-268-5466
St. Patrick’s Church 116 E Division St
Audubon, IA 50025 Office 712-563-2283
St. Patrick’s Parish Ctr 712-563-3300
Mary, the holy mother of god
January 1, 2017 As we step in to a new year, and honor the Holy Mother of God, we are invited to follow in
the Shepherds’ footsteps. St. Luke paints a beautiful picture of those poor, hardworking
shepherds making their way to the stable cave at Bethlehem. There are three verbs that
describe the shepherds’ actions, and they can be patterns of how every Christian should
live out the message of Christmas.
First, St. Luke tells us that the shepherds ‘went in haste’ to find Christ, to seek him out in
the midst of his family, the Church, here represented by Mary and Joseph. They were ea-
ger to meet the Savior, to spend time with him, to get to know him, to receive his blessing.
That is why Jesus came to earth in the first place - so that we could more easily find him.
The history of humanity is the history of a people lost in darkness and searching for mean-
ing, forgiveness, grace, and light. Jesus is the source of all those things. He is our salva-
tion. That is the significance of the name ‘Jesus’, which means ‘God saves’. The Jews tra-
ditionally had their boy children circumcised on the eighth day after their birth. During the ceremony, the
child would also be given his name. St. Luke tells us that Joseph and Mary followed this tradition with Jesus.
Circumcision was the sign of God’s covenant with ancient Israel, and the most important thing about that
covenant was God’s promise to send a Savior. Receiving one’s name at the same time that the boy was cir-
cumcised was a symbolic way of emphasizing that the boy’s life, his very identity, was now tied up with that
promise. And performing the ceremony on the eighth day was also significant. God had created the universe
in seven days. But that creation was wrecked by original sin. The eighth day is a symbol of the redemption -
the first day of the new creation in Christ. God’s promise of blessing, our true identity, redemption and ever-
lasting life - this is what Christ comes to give us, this is why we, like the shepherds, should be eager to go
and look for Christ, to ‘make haste’ to find him each day in prayer, the Bible, and the sacraments.
Second, the shepherds ‘made known the message that had been told them’. The news the angels an-
nounced to them was too good to keep to themselves. They felt a need to share it, to tell others about the
Savior. That is always a sign of an authentic encounter with God. When we have or discover something won-
derful, we can’t hold it back, we simply have to share it. Even on a merely human level - if you find a great
golf club or book or website, you tell your friends about it. When we truly experience Christ, even just a little
bit, something similar happens. Our hearts automatically overflow with a desire to share that experience.
And if we don’t feel that desire, it probably means that our friendship with Christ needs some maintenance.
Being committed Christians doesn’t make us immune to temptation. If we are not careful, we can fall into
routine. We can come to Mass, say our prayers, keep up appearances - but underneath it all, we can be fall-
ing into spiritual mediocrity. An excellent thermometer for mediocrity is precisely this: if we feel an inner urge
to spread Christ’s Kingdom, to bring others into Christ’s friendship, to share our experience of Christ - as the
shepherds did, then we know we are spiritually healthy. But if we don’t feel that urge - it is a warning sign
that our friendship with Christ is growing cold, and that we need to ‘make haste’ to Bethlehem to take a
fresh look at our Savior.
The third verb that Mary used to describe this scene to St. Luke is a double verb. St. Luke tells us that after
the shepherds made haste to come and see Jesus, and after they told their amazing story to everyone who
would listen, they ‘returned glorifying and praising God’. When we seek Christ and share Christ, he fills our
hearts with a deep, inner joy. The shepherds were so full of this joy that they couldn’t hold it in. Materially
and economically nothing had changed but they saw God, the Savior, and they saw his Mother, our Queen.
Their encounter with the newborn Christ made them immeasurably richer on Christmas Day than they had
been the day before. And if we follow in the shepherds’ footsteps this year, actively seeking Christ in prayer,
the Bible, and the sacraments, and bringing Christ’s grace and presence to those around us, we too will ex-
perience the true joy of Christmas - all year round.
Pastor: Rev. Antony Mathew Phone: 712-304-4836 (cell)
E-mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Kathryn Yager
Bookkeeper: Linda Blomme
Dir. of Religious Education: Jennifer Mosinski
Office Hours: Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Office E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sphtdm.org
Now would be a GREAT time to sign up for
online giving!! Just go to our website,
www.sphtdm.org, click on “DONATE” and
then click on the green online giving button
to access our online giving site. Once there,
click on Create New Account and follow the
online instructions. No more need for tithing
envelopes! It is that easy!
HOLY TRINITY’S WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Jan. 4: 8:30 a.m.-Mass [ For The People ]
4:15 p.m.-RE K-6th grades
6:30 p.m.-RE 7-12 grades
Sunday, Jan. 8:
EPIPHANY 8:30 a.m.– Mass [Past & Present
Altar & Rosary Society members]
9:30 a.m.-Coffee/Rolls
Happy Birthday
1st- Kathleen Hansen
Don Heller
3rd- Charlotte Fett
Nick Weihs
Jeremy Hoffman
Skyla Rasmussen
4th- Megan Irlmeier
5th- Scott Meislahn
Gary Vais
6th- Karleigh Henkle
7th- Duane Schulte
Yaris Mari Correa
All those involved in serving our country in any capacity. May they be kept free of
harm and know our prayers are with them.
Special prayers to those on our prayer chain: Cory Cornwell, Hayden Weisenborn,
John Renze, Sue Merical, Keegan Provost, Caleb Deist, Debbie Inman, Pat Strauss,
Mary Ann Lundberg, Amanda Lumpkin, Nicole O’Tool, Don Kalkhoff, Bruce Kennedy,
Diane Wagner, Darla Mullenger, McKenzie Bruch, Jeff Bowman, Richard Schlichte,
the Steckler Family, Jean Michalski and Savannah Meiners .
All those who are suffering and their families remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Please contact the office if your loved one’s condition changes.
Remember in your prayers:
Gary & Rosemary Williamson
57 Yrs. ~ January 2, 1960
Happy Anniversary
December 25, 2016 giving
St. Patrick’s Holy Trinity
Tithes 2,539.00 1,045.00
Plate 244.00 202.00
Total 2,783.00 1,247.00
St. Patrick’s Parish is short of our ADA
goal by $2,775.00. If you have not
pledged or donated toward the Annual
Diocesan Appeal, please prayerfully con-
sider making a year-end donation. If you
have misplaced your donation card,
please contact the church office for a
replacement.
ST. PATRICK’S WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Jan. 3: 7:30 a.m.-Mass [Bernie Klein]
8:00 a.m.-Bible Study
Wednesday, Jan. 4: 4:15 p.m.-RE K-6th grades
5:30 p.m.-Mass [Clarence & Caroline Vonnahme]
6:30 p.m.-RE 7-12 grades
7:00 p.m.-Choir practice
Thursday, Jan. 5: 7:30 a.m.-Mass [Sheryl McDonald]
Friday, Jan. 6: NO MASS
Saturday, Jan. 7: 5:00 p.m.-Mass [Mark Madsen]
Sunday, Jan. 8:
EPIPHANY 10:30 a.m.-Mass [Earl Riesberg ]
Coming soon – Family Night ! to encourage, strengthen and celebrate the gift of family.
All the parishioners of St. Patrick and Holy Trinity (adults/youth/children) are invited.
Saturday, January 21, 2017 @ 6.30 p.m.
St. Patrick Parish Center
What is the cost? – it is free, but a free-will offering to cover the cost of food is appreciated. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the event.
If you would like to help, please contact Lisa Sorensen or Janet Baumhover.
Attention
A tax deduction is awaiting you! Make a donation to
St. Patrick or Holy Trinity Catholic Church before the
31st of December 2016, and you can claim a tax
deduction when you file your tax returns.
Grades K-6th 4:15-5:30p
Junior High—High School 6:30-8:00p
A sign in sheet is next to the entrance
for all RE students.
List of upcoming Coffee & Rolls served by youth:
Feb. 5-11th graders March 5– 10th graders
BECOMING THE BEST DISCIPLE: The quote for this week that also appears on the whiteboard in the
entry of the church is:
“Receive the greatest gift of all--JESUS CHRIST!”
Take time this week to sit quietly, or perhaps as you drive to your des-
tination, to reflect on that question.
REMEMBER TO LISTEN FOR GOD’S RESPONSE.
THE HOLY EUCHARIST: The Holy Eucharist is the heart and summit of the
Church’s life...for by this sacrifice he pours out
the graces of salvation on his Body which is the
Church. Let us therefore make use of the God-
given opportunity to participate in the Holy Eucharist, and
receive Holy Communion as often as we can.
We are collecting plastic bags again to make blankets for
those in need. Please leave them in the basement.
Thank you!
We need assistance in preparing meals for our junior
and senior high students on Wednesday evenings.
**RE Classes resume January 4**
SPCW and KCs are sponsoring
SUNDAY (JAN. 29) BREAKFAST
Parish Center ~ 8:00 a - 12:00 p
Serving biscuits w/gravy and omelets.
Free will offering
Holy Trinity Altar and Rosary Society
Annual Soup Supper
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 Serving 4:30-7:00 in the Parish Hall
Chicken Noodle Soup, Chili, & Oyster Stew, sandwiches, pie, and
other desserts
Adults $8.00, ages 12 years and younger $3.50, pre-schoolers free
** Please be sure you’ve received the slip about your donation for the soup supper and have checked the work schedule posted on the shelf behind the rear pew on the north side. We need everyone’s help to
make this a successful fundraiser.
Thank you to everyone who helped with caroling
on Wednesday, December 21, and with the
Christmas pageants at St. Patrick and Holy Trini-
ty. We do appreciate the sacrifice and hard work
of everyone. Your sacrifice and hard work bring
bless-
ings to
our parish family. May
God bless us, our fami-
lies, and our loved ones
with His abundant
blessings.
THANK YOU PARTY FOR ALTAR SERVERS:
Our parish family is blessed with a good number of altar
servers. Father Tony wants to recognize and thank all of
them on
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
in the St. Pat’s Office Building (Rectory). Consider your
personal invitation and join us for the party.
A Blessed and Happy New Year Father Antony Mathew and the staff wish
each and every member of our parish family
a Blessed and Happy New Year. May our New
Year be one that brings us closer to God and
to our own parish family; one that enables us
to praise God for His love and mercy; and
one that strengthens us to reach out to one
another in love and charity. I also take the opportunity to recog-
nize the contributions of those who make our parish family a
unique one; and our celebration of the Holy Eucharist a profound
experience for those who gather to worship and praise God. I want
to thank all those who devote so much of their time, energy and
life for the parish day after day, and thereby bring immeasurable
blessings to the parish family. Thanks to our wonderful pastoral
team: Rev. Antony Mathew, Katie Yager, Linda Blomme, Jennifer
Mosinski, Angie Petersen, Judy Bintner, Lynda Best for their com-
mitment, sacrifice, and selfless giving to our parish family. We
appreciate and express our gratitude to the Corpus Christi Pasto-
ral Council; the Finance Council, the Devotional Ministry Team
(rosary, first Friday, divine mercy Sunday); the Religious Formation
Team (Catechists/Substitutes, and Catechist Aids for children and
adults (RCIA), Scripture study groups); Liturgy Ministry Team
(sacristans, extra-ordinary ministers of the Holy Eucharist, lectors,
greeters, ushers, altar servers, and art and environment); Music
Ministry Team (cantors, organist/pianists/choir); the Outreach
Ministry Team (caring and sharing, quilting); the Social Ministry
Team (parish social gathering ministry, bereavement ministry, St.
Patrick Catholic women, altar and rosary society, knights of Co-
lumbus, maintenance ministry), and all the others, who bring
blessings one way or another. My heart is filled with joy and grati-
tude to Almighty God, who continually blesses us with His abun-
dant blessings, and to all our parishioners for blessing us by their
unwavering dedication, commitment, support, sacrifice, and finan-
cial generosity. Thank you.
Father Antony Mathew thanks every
one for the thoughtfulness, love, appre-
ciation, and prayers extended to him during the
Christmas Season through Christmas Cards, presents
and so on. I am really blessed and honored to be part
of everyone’s life through my priesthood and ministry
here at St. Patrick and Holy Trinity. May God bless
each and every one of us with His peace, joy and love.
PRAY FOR THEIR SERVICE: Several of our members and relatives of mem-
bers are currently serving in the military.
Please pray for them and their families. We
pray for their safety and when on a mission,
their quick return home to family and friends.
Mary Jo Bauer Matt Anthofer Sara Kerkhoff
Don Mosinski Marty Hupp Aaron & Deanna Kerkhoff
Robert Hjuler Chris Hjuler Casey & Taylor Kerkhoff
Mark Hjuler Craig Hjuler Zachary Kirkpatrick
Mark Otte Beck Benton Rusty Dixon
Bradley Sutter Irlmeier Madeline Bintner
*Please contact the office with names of other service men/women.
Corpus Christi Council members:
(Parish Pastoral Council)
Steve Brinkman, Chair
Judy Bintner, Secretary
Harriet Jayne
Evelyn Nelson
Roger Nelson
Joanne Greving
Gary Rasmussen
St. Patrick’s Finance Council :
Steve Schmitz, Chair
Alice Lauridsen, Secretary
Virginia Mennenoh
Dean Fett
Leonard Baumhover
Linda Kerkhoff
Holy Trinity Finance Council:
Gary Vais, Chair
Julie Christensen, Secretary
Cleo Wiskus
Ben Hansen
Perry Paulsen
HOLY TRINITY: Sunday, January 8 - 8:30 a.m.
Ushers: Jon David Bintner & Perry Paulsen Greeters: volunteers
Servers: volunteers
Music: Riann Hansen
Lectors: Deanna Bintner
Eucharist Ministers: Betty Simonsen, Dave & Deanna Bintner
Shut-ins: Betty Simonsen
Altar Society Committee (Dec./Jan.): Chairperson: Megan Wilkerson,
Jane Beckendorf, Amanda Kommes, Riann Hansen, & Cleo Wiskus
ST. PATRICK’S: Saturday, January 7– 5:00 P.M.
Ushers: Kenny Petersen, volunteer
Greeters: Ruth Ann Bock
Servers: McKenna Petersen, Brody Beane, Brayden Sporrer
Music: Jo Beane
Lectors: Linda Kerkhoff
Eucharist Ministers: Ruth Ann Bock
Sacristan: Jerry Carter
Sunday, January 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Ushers: Trever & Jason Schulz
Greeters: Trever & Jason Schulz
Servers: Grace & Joanne Greving, Luke Mosinski
Music: Kathy Johnston, Tom Mennenoh
Lectors: Rachel & Jennifer Mosinski
Eucharist Ministers: Joan Bauer
Sacristan: Scott Hansen
Shut-Ins:
Maxine Klein: Sally Kerwin (Saturday)
Ardella Schlichte: Fr. Home & Hospital
Darrell Wittrock/Joanne Greving: Terry & Pat Crosley
Question of the week: To what “strange lands” might God be
inviting me to travel in this New Year to discover Christ? What
gifts will I bring with me to offer there?
SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM:
The Audubon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
is looking for volunteers to help to put up and
take down our display of flags in the City Park.
These flags are in honor of our Audubon Coun-
ty veterans. We have three events during the
year when the flags are flown. It will take six
people, approximately one hour each time, to
put them up and take them down. Two VFW members will be there
with the flags and have a place to store them when taken down. If any
organizations or individuals would like to volunteer for a specific date
in 2017 please contact Craig Owen at 563
Dates:
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION: Many of us have disconnected our landline or have a
new cell phone number or a new email address. Or all
three! Please contact the office with your new infor-
mation. We appreciate it.
Saint Patrick’s Catholic Women Minutes…...December 18, 2016
The meeting was called to order by President, Lora Anthofer. The opening
prayer was Mother Stewards.
The minutes and the treasurers report were read and approved. We have a
balance of $4816.11.
Correspondence: Thank you from Benediction Sisters and the Audubon
Schools snack program for donations given. Donation requests from New
Hope staff and training and Gabriel’s corner.
Old Business: We bought $77 for bar soap for Caring and Sharing Thanks-
giving baskets. The shampoo was all donated. We collected $57 for Mary’s
Meals from the quilt raffle at the cookie walk. Christmas poinsettias were
ordered and paid for. We ordered two batting rolls for the quilting ladies.
Joanne Greving motioned and Joan Bauer seconded.
New Business: January Brunch will be January 29th. We will have sign up
sheets for workers and possible food donations after Christmas. We had a
sign up sheet for meals on wheels for the month of January. Discussion on
fish fry work schedule;will be handled the same as last year. Joan mo-
tioned and Lois seconded to pay $100 due for the National Council of
Catholic Women. Joanne motioned and Joan seconded to donate $50 to
Gabriel’s Corner. Virginia motioned and Joan seconded to give Father
$150 for Christmas. Dorothy motioned and Joan seconded to keep donat-
ing to the snack program at the Audubon school.
Closing prayer. Next meeting January 15, 2017
Respectively submitted,
Linda Irlmeier
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