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News
Click here to view current and past bulletins Mass Intentions
Wednesday February 1 NO MASS SCHEDULED Readings for the Week of January 29, 2012
Sunday: Dt 18:15-20/1 Cor 7:32-35/Mk 1:21-28 Welcome We welcome two new families or our parish family. Welcome to Sean and Niki Davis and also to Robert and Michelle Haugse and their children, Josh, Jake, and Carleigh. The faith community of St. John the Baptist welcomes Emersyn Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Nick and Nichole Martin. Fr. Anthony Kruse baptized Emersyn on Sunday, January 15, 2012. We also welcome Mia Grace Panos and Josie Claire Panos the daughters of Dave and Lesley Panos. Fr. John Gossman baptized Mia and Josie on Sunday, January 22, 2012. May Emersyn, Mia, and Josie continue to grow in their faith life surrounded by the Christian example of their family and the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Women's CEW - February 10-12 Do you feel a need to recharge your faith and take a break from your everyday routine? We could all use a little boost during our cold Iowa winter, and a CEW weekend is a perfect way to recharge your spiritual life just in time for Lent. It's hard to describe this unique Catholic experience, but anyone who feels the desire to grow in their faith and personal relationship with God will very likely come away from this weekend with a new sense of spiritual purpose and energy. The cost is $35, and did I mention the food is amazing? Registrations are in the gathering space on the bulletin board. Call or email with questions: Natalie Klostermann; 319-551-7650 or natalieck@iowatelecom.net. A Journey Into Lent for Teens with John Angotti The Cedar Rapids Area Youth Ministers are hosting an event with John Angotti tailored specifically to high school youth in preparation for the holy season of Lent. All high school youth from the area are invited to attend this day of music and reflection with nationally known Catholic artist John Angotti on Saturday February 18th beginning at 1pm and concluding with 5pm Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Hiawatha. Registration forms are available; please contact Sarah Casey for more information. Communications Survey
Archbishop
Jerome Hanus, OSB has designated a Task Force to study and recommend an
Archdiocesan Communications plan. The Task Force has created a short 6 minute
survey in which parishioners select their communication preferences and
technology access. Please share this survey link with family members age 13 and
older. If you would like a paper copy to complete, call the Pastoral Center at
563-556-2580. Your input is very important. Please go to the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CommParishioner Catholic Charities As Catholics, we are called to love and provide help for our brothers and sisters in need. Catholic Charities’ continued success is dependent on the volunteerism, financial support and prayers of each of us.
Once a
year, Catholic Charities requests your financial assistance through their annual
appeal weekend, this year held February 11-12. A letter will be mailed to the
home of all parishioners who have made a donation to Catholic Charities in the
past, requesting your support for this worthy cause. Your contributions can be
mailed to Catholic Charities in the envelope provided with the appeal letter.
Please be as generous as you can. If you do not receive a letter in the mail but
would like to make a tax-deductible gift, please visit the website
www.charitiesdbq.com
to make your secure online donation. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Knights of Columbus Club 5677, Sunday January 29, 2012. Serving 4:30 to 6:30 pm. $8 for adults, $5 for children 14 and under. All dinners include pork & dumplings, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, sauerkraut, bread, dessert, and coffee or fountain pop. Located 810 Vernon Valley Dr, just North of the intersection of Mt Vernon Rd and Highway 13. Open to the public, for information phone 319-247-2000. The Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time Harden Not Your Heart
SCRIPTURE
REFLECTION Jesus amazes the people with his "authority." His message differs from that of the scribes because he not only backs it up with signs (casting out demons), but its truth penetrates and quickens people's hearts. God had promised Moses to send a prophet and to "put my words into his mouth" (Deuteronomy 18:18). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that promise and the people sense it. This man can't be ignored, they realize. Because God's prophet does his bidding and speaks his word, God expects us to listen to him. In fact, God warns, we'll have to answer for ignoring any words the prophet speaks in his name (Deuteronomy 18:19). Moses reminds the people they wanted an intermediary, someone less intimidating than the awesome God who spoke to them in fire and thunder at Sinai. The irony is that God's ultimate intermediary is his own divine Son. Today's crowd understands the need to listen to him. And Paul does, too Ń that's why he endorses an "undivided" life. Paul isn't denigrating marriage, but emphasizing the need to be attentive to God's Word as spoken in Jesus. Anything that distracts us from that should be eliminated. Single people know it's no easier for them to hear and obey the Lord than married people. They, too, must eliminate distractions from their lives. It takes an open heart to recognize "a new teaching with authority" (Mark 1:27), and a generous heart to make room for it. "What is this? A new teaching with authority" (Mark 1:27). SHARING FAITH ✦ Do you know anyone who "speaks with authority"? What characterizes someone who possesses such authority? ✦ What do you know about the role of prophets in Israel? Do you think we have prophets today who are sent to speak God's word? ✦ Have you become complacent about or hardened your hearts to some person or situation in your family, community, school, or workplace? If so, what can you do that you aren't doing?
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