2 9 0 0 H o o v e r

A v e n u e ●

A m e s , I A 5 0 0 1 0

May 24, 2015 P e n t e c o s t S u n d a y

2 9 0 0 H o o v e r A v e n u e

Fr. James L. Secora, Pastor

www.stceciliaparish.org

Saint Cecilia Catholic Church

2 9 0 0 H o o v e r A v e n u e ● A m e s , I A 5 0 0 1 0

Fr. James L. Secora, Pastor www.stceciliaparish.org

August 23, 2015– Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

FORMED by the Word of God … UNITED by the Holy Eucharist … ENLIVENED by the Holy Spirit!

2 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church

YOUTH MINISTRY FAITH FORMATION

EDGE

Life Teen, Sundays from 7-9PM

August 23- For the Least August 30- Battle Lines September 13- Distorted Direction

YDisciple YDisciple is Wednesdays from 7:15-8:45PM

Fall Retreat The high school fall retreat is quickly approaching! Join us August 28th-30thfor a weekend away to grow and learn more about your faith and to build community! Sign up and find more information at www.tinyurl.com/RESIST15 "Be subject therefore unto God; but RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:7-8

Parent Mini Retreat Parents, Help Launch the Teens on their Retreat with a Send-Off Social Aug. 28 from 7-8PM. Parent Mini-Retreat Aug. 29 from 9AM-2PM at St. Cecilia: All Catholic Parents of Middle School and High School Teens: Energize and strengthen your efforts to lead your families in the faith. Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch served. (http://tinyurl.com/Resist15) For babysitting, contact Joy Graveline at gravelinefamily@aol.com.

Teen Testimony: I haven’t always been as strong in my faith as I should. One big part of this is the people I choose to hang out with. The group I hung out with in middle school was not a good, faithful group of friends. When I came to that realization, I distanced myself from them and got better friends that were strong in their faith. This has brought me closer to God in many ways and I am eternally thankfully for that. –LTLC 2015

BAPTISM

BAPTISM PREPARATION

All parents seeking baptism for their child are expected to attend a preparation session.

Baptism Preparation I for first born child – Next session: Thur., August 27, 2015 at 6:15PM

Baptism Preparation II for second/later child – Next session: Thur., September 24, 2015 at 7:00PM

Please call the parish office at 233-3092 for reservation. Godparents are also expected to attend.

All sessions take place in the St. Louis Room

Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Registration 2015-16

Registration is currently online for all Faith Formation and Youth Ministry classes.

The last day to register is August 31.

Classes will fill up so please note it is a first come first serve basis for each grade. Please contact Abby with any questions you might have or if you are new to the parish at ahanson@stceciliaparish.org.

We look forward to seeing you in 2015-16!

The Christian Initiation of Adults process (RCIA) will begin a fall series of “Inquiry” sessions beginning Thur., Aug. 20, 2015. The group will meet weekly – for 7 weeks - in the St. Louis Room from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, please invite them to one or more of these sessions. And just to make it a little easier for that person to attend, why not come with them? For more information please contact Jo Anne Dalhoff at RCIA@stceciliaparish.org or 515-233-3092.

And, in case you are not aware, the RCIA process receives interested persons at any time during the year. So, if you are an adult, or know of an adult or child over the age of 7 years interested in becoming a Catholic and celebrating the sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation and First Communion, please contact us at RCIA@stceciliaparish.org

RCIA

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS

Saint Cecilia Parish Confirmation for Adults Never been confirmed?

Join a 7-week Confirmation Preparation Program Thursdays, 7-8:15 PM, St. Louis Room

First Session: August 20, 2015 Second Session: August 27, 2015

For more information contact Jo Anne Dalhoff at jdalhoff@stceciliaparish.org or 515-233-3092

Edge Kick Off, Sept. 13 from 7-9PM

August 23, 2015—Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

•WELCOME•

STEWARDSHIP: In today’s first reading, Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling God’s faith-fulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God. May we, too, be mindful of God’s gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts.

TO OUR GUESTS We hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof today.

May this church be your “second” home.

May those you love be near you in thought and prayer.

Even though we may not get to know you, We pray that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own church home.

May whatever need brought you our way find a hearing by God.

When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We pray you God’s peace.

PLANNED GIVING

CONTRIBUTIONS Month of August as of Aug. 17, 2015

General Collection MTD $ 54,000 YTD General Collections $ 131,672 YTD Budget $ 174,956 Annual Budget 2015-2016 $1,280,100 Burma Mission $ 5097

May God Bless Your Generosity

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Gifts of stock avoid capital gains tax! If you own appreciated stock, you may wish to consider giving the stock to the parish rather than cash. You may be able to deduct the full value of the stock, avoid the capital gains tax, and make a substantial gift to the parish. A good steward uses his or her assets in a way that does the most good. Please contact Frank Oppold—290-1163.

Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers; it is a way for St. Cecilia parishioners who have the gifts for CARING...to use those gifts to bring Christ's love to people in need. Stephen Ministers go through 50 hours of training to provide high quality, confidential, Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties. Stephen Ministers are each assigned a care receiver and meet with that person for about one hour a week, with the relationship lasting as long as the care receiver needs it. Are you being called to be a Stephen Minister? Please Contact Deacon Alan at 515-231-8099.

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

School begins on Monday! We are so excited for a new school year! Please get your children to bed early and start them off with a good breakfast. You may bring them to school anytime between 8-8:20AM. School begins at 8:25AM. Events Mon., 08/24: School Classes Begin 8:25AM-3:20PM and FSA Parent Coffee 8:30-9:30AM (Media Center) Wed., 08/26: All School Mass 9AM and remember that Wednesday we dismiss at 2:15PM Mon., 08/31: Preschool Classes Begin 8:25-11AM and 12:30-3:15PM Tues., 09/01: Catholic School Board Meeting 7PM (St Louis Room) Wed., 09/02: All School Mass 9AM Thur., 09/03: Family Night & FSA Ice Cream Social 5:30PM; Staff introductions will start promptly at 5:30PM (M/P Room)

In today’s Gospel, we hear that a number of Jesus’ followers left him because his message was too difficult for them to accept. In essence, they did not believe in him. He then asked the Twelve if they wished to leave as well. Peter responds by making a profound profession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The Twelve made a choice and stood by their choice, remaining loyal to their commit-ment to Jesus. A good question for our reflection might be this: Are we satisfied with the stewardship we exercise over our baptis-mal commitment? Are we just “along for the ride?” Are we keeping Christ in front of us as we make decisions about our daily activi-ties, our relationships, our parish, issues in the workplace, issues such as peace and justice? What is the quality of our stewardship?

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH To view the Catholic Catechism this week go to

www.usccb.org/catechism/text/

4 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church

Saturday, August 22 5:00PM: Richard Zbaracki †

Sunday, August 24 8:30AM: Parishioners of St. Cecilia 10:30AM: Bernard T. Remmes † & Family 5:00PM: Living & Deceased Members of Catholic Daughters Misa en Español

Tuesday, August 25 8:00AM: Alvera Irlbeck †

Wednesday, August 26 9:00AM: All-School Mass

Thursday, August 27 8:00AM: Joyce Sullivan †

Friday, August 28 8:00AM: Cynthia Hogan

Saturday, August 29 5:00PM: Jon “the little” Brown †

Sunday, August 30 8:30AM: Parishioners of St. Cecilia 10:30AM: Charles Nelson † 5:00PM: John Kleinschmidt †

Misa en Español

MASS SCHEDULE

Weekend: Saturday 5PM; Sunday 8:30AM, 10:30AM & 5PM (Misa en Español)

Weekday: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8AM (Chapel)

Wednesday 8AM (Chapel in Summer) Wednesday 9AM All School Mass (Church During School Year)

St. Thomas Aquinas Mass Times

Weekend Masses 4:45PM Saturday

8:30AM & 10:30AM (Sunday night Masses resume on August 23)

Weekday Mass 12:00 Noon Monday-Friday

9:15PM Thursday (TNL)

Sts. Peter & Paul Mass Time 8:30AM Sunday in Gilbert

UPCOMING DEADLINES

September 6 bulletin announcements due by Friday, August 28

September 13 bulletin announcements due by Friday, September 4

Bulletin announcements are due by noon on the due date.

Please Remember in Your Prayers: Dave Cooper and Pat Cain. May the Lord grant peace and consolation to their families in their time of need. May they and all who sleep in Christ, find in God’s presence, light, happiness and peace.

Readings for the Week of August 23, 2015 Sunday: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b/Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32/ Jn 6:60-69 Monday: Rv 21:9b-14/Jn 1:45-51 Tuesday: 1 Thes 2:1-8/Mt 23:23-26 Wednesday: 1 Thes 2:9-13/Mt 23:27-32 Thursday: 1 Thes 3:7-13/Mt 24:42-51 Friday: 1 Thes 4:1-8/Mt 25:1-13 Saturday: 1 Thes 4:9-11/Mk 6:17-29 Next Sunday: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8/Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27/Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 ©Liturgical Publications Inc.

Some of our parishioners are highly allergic to perfumes and scented lotions. Please be considerate and

refrain from wearing perfumes and scented lotions to Mass.

FAITH FORMATION COMMISSION

MEETINGS

August 23, 2015– Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Ric Nelson Chair 382-2024

Tina Colburn, Chair 509-1827 Jason O’Brien, President 233-6479

FINANCE COUNCIL

Mark Moore, Chair 337-1551

SCRIP

COMMUNITY

CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD

Meets 4th Tues. of each month at 7PM in the North Social Hall Meets 3rd Tues. of each month at 7PM in the Sun Room

Meets 2nd Tues. of each month at 7PM in the St. Louis Room Meets 1st Tues. of each month at 7PM in the St. Louis Room

EVENTS

Unseen Servant - Are you looking for a way to serve your parish but prefer to avoid the spotlight? Consider becoming a Mass Coordinator. Mass Coordinators prepare the church before and after Mass. Your services would be required approximately once a month. If you are interested, please contact Todd Clancy at toddmclancy@gmail.com.

Ice Cream Smorgsasboard & Annual Auction. Sun., Aug. 30, 5PM, Sheldahl United Methodist Church, 6th & Hubbell, Sheldahl, IA. $4/Adults; $1.50/Child (10 & under). Homemade ice cream, toppings and goodies. Handmade treasures and homemade goodies and garden produce for the auction.

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Presentation Sun., Aug. 23 after the 8:30 and 10:30 Masses St. Cecilia Parish Social Hall You and your children are invited to experience a presentation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by CGS catechist, Rosemary Wilson. It will only take 10 minutes but will give you a sample of the beauty and effectivity of this catechetical program.

St. Mary Circle will meet at 1:30PM in the South Social Hall on Thur., Sept. 3. Dawn Aitchison will give a program on the Nicaraguan Mission Trips. New members are welcome. For information, call Paula, 268-3376.

Q. I was surprised to learn that the church has had so many problems, wars, and conflicts that are part of her history. Doesn't that take something away from the holiness of the church?

A. In the minds of church historians, the long and at times "colorful" history of the church points to only one fact: that with-out the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church would never have survived. There are so many times when the church seemed to be perched on the edge of disaster, only to be rescued by a great saint, a humble peasant, world events, or political revolution and unrest. Reading church history is an exciting adventure through the great events of the world where at various times the church is both ob-server and participant.

It is true that we have had some dark moments. But this does not diminish the holiness of the church. After all, the church is the body of Christ. The sins and failures of individual members may for a time obscure that holiness, obstructing for a moment the message of the Gospel. But none of us is bigger or more powerful than God. No sin will defeat him. God constantly renews and strengthens the church, especially in times of trouble, weakness, or doubt. We believe that the Holy Spirit guides the church and that Jesus will be with us until the end of time. There can be no greater holiness than to be united forever with God. And that is what defines the church.

New Member Registration Are you new to St. Cecilia’s, moving back, just married, attending Mass but never registered? If you have not officially registered at St. Cecilia’s, stop at the "Welcome to St. Cecilia's" table during the Stewardship Fair August 29 and 30 after Mass. We can answer your questions and help you with the registration process.

2015 St. Cecilia Ministry Fair in the Social Hall

Aug. 29, 6:30 - 8:30PM & Aug. 30, 9:30AM - 2PM Light supper provided

by the Parish on Aug. 29 (free will donation accepted)

Balloon Art - noon to 2PM on Aug. 30

Bring the family! Have a good time. Participant prize drawings both days

Learn about all the exciting activities going on the parish.

Mark your calendars...the next SCRIP sale will be Sept 12th and 13th. This is a week later than normal due to Labor Day Weekend. Thanks for the continued support of our program!

Q AND A

I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Name and Address the way you would like it to appear.

Name: ____________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ Zip: ____________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Please return via mail or drop in collection basket. Someone will contact you. You will receive a registration packet with additional information.

Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish.

PRAYER CHAIN

Call requests to Marge Sutter at 233-2622.

Prayer opportunities held in the Chapel

Scripture Rosary…………………………………...Monday 7:00AM Intercessory Prayer Group ................... Sunday 8:00-9:00PM Rosary ... ..Monday 7:30PM*, Tuesday-Friday before 8:00AM Mass (*The rosary is said for Pro-life the first Mon. of each month.) Christians in the Spirit ....................... .Tuesday 7:15-9:00PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy…………………………...Friday 3:00PM Liturgy of the Hours……………………………..Saturday 7:00AM Women's Rosary…………………………………….Tuesday 9:00PM For Peace and Health in our world Eucharistic Adoration ....... The chapel is open daily, keypad access only between 10:00PM & 6:00AM.

**Contact the Parish Office at 233-3092 to have your information forwarded to the Coordinators to schedule a weekly holy hour.

6 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church

RECONCILIATION

Saturday 3:15-4:30PM and by appointment.

PARISH OFFICE Hours ................................... Mon.-Thur. 8:30AM-4PM Fri. 8:30AM-2:30PM Phone .................................. (515) 233-3092 Fax Number…………………….(515) 233-6423 Priest Residence .................. (515) 233-9477 St. Cecilia Website…………..stceciliaparish.org

PARISH STAFF Pastor………………………….......Father James Secora jsecora@stceciliaparish.org Pastoral Associate ............... Jo Anne Dalhoff jdalhoff@stceciliaparish.org Deacons ............................... Gary Aitchison, Mark Bortle, Alan Christy, John McCully & Ron Smith Director of Music & Liturgy...Robert Hauser bhauser@stceciliaparish.org Business Manager……………..Char VanKerckvoorde cvankerck@stceciliaparish.org Administrative Assistant .... Mary Sue Derks msderks@stceciliaparish.org Administrative Assistant .... Dawn Cowles dcowles@stceciliaparish.org

FAITH FORMATION Phone .................................. (515) 232-3514 Fax ....................................... (515) 232-2875

Director of Youth Ministry…..Anna Steele asteele@stceciliaparish.org Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry...Ricardo Garcia rgarcia@stceciliaparish.org Administrative Assistant .... Abby Hanson ahanson@stceciliaparish.org

SCHOOL Phone .................................. (515) 232-5290 Fax ....................................... (515) 232-2875 Principal ............................. Ervin Rowlands erowlands@stceciliaschoolames.org Administrative Assistant .... Lois Vidimos lvidimos@stceciliaschoolames.org

The Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy assistance program. Call 450-6473 for assistance.

Birthright offers free pregnancy tests and counseling.

Confidential. 108 Hayward Ave. 292-8414 www.birthrightames.org

Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stcames

Homebound Ministry If someone is unable to get to mass, please contact the parish

office at 233-3092 to be added to the list to be visited.