We have scheduled two separate, but related, training opportunities on the weekend of August 2-4, 2019 at St. Patrick, Iowa City. The theme for this training is “The Parish As Initiating Community” and will help us recognize how the entire parish serves as the initiating community for those preparing to receive the sacraments. The training has been divided into two portions and we invite you to join us for either or both sessions. We encourage all parishes to have at least one representative at each training. There is a discount for those who participate in both days.

In 2010, frequencies in the 700MHz range were phased out for wireless mics. Beginning in 2017, the FCC started to phase out frequencies in the 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz ranges. This may effect your wireless system in your parish.

Pope Francis has established that the Optional Memorial of Pope Saint Paul VI be inserted into the General Roman Calendar, to be observed on May 29.

The Apostolic Penitentiary of the Catholic Church has, once again, generously granted a plenary Indulgence for the Christian faithful taking part in the sacred celebrations throughout the course of the March for Life from January 17 through 18, 2019.

In response to President Trump’s policies of overturning asylum protection for victims of domestic violence and of separating children from their families at the border, the Bishops of New Mexico “pray the United States Department of Justice will reverse these practices, as they constitute human rights violations and an offense against the most important unit in society, the family.” Please click on the link for resources that we can use to join them in prayer.

Let us pray for immigrant and refugee children, especially for those being separated from their parents at our border.... Please click on the link above to access a prayer from the USCCB.

The Spanish translation of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal for use in the US has been approved and is in the process of being published. Regional workshops are now open for registration. Click on the link above for more information.

“Music Ministry: Spirituality and Skills for Choirs, Cantors, and Directors”

November 19 (the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time) has been designated the World Day of the Poor by Pope Francis.

At its fall meeting, the USCCB set December 12, 2016, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe aside as a National Day of Prayer with a focus on the plight of refugees and immigrants. In their press release the Bishops note that “It will be a time to place before a merciful God the hopes, fears, and needs of all those families who have come to the U.S. seeking a better life.” Please open the full story for resources... beyond December 12.

Praying for a new bishop...

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has published a new Instruction, Ad resurgendum cum Christo, regarding the burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation.

Here are links to prayers from the USCCB for use during this election season (English and Spanish) as well as a link to sample intercessions as we approach Election Day.

Pope Francis recently declared September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, as the Orthodox Church has done since 1989.

Pope Francis has raised the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene to the rank of a Feast.

The revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony has been approved for use in the United States beginning September 8, 2016.