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National Prayer Vigil for Life ~ January 28 & 29th
A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer. —Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae
Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Thursday, January 28, to Friday, January 29, marking the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalizing abortion through nine months of pregnancy. Since those decisions, over 60 million abortions have been performed legally in the United States.
Each  January, the National Prayer Vigil for Life is hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. Last year, thousands of people from across the nation gathered at the Basilica and prayed through the night for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life. The Basilica will not be open to the public for the 2021 vigil due to local attendance restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The vigil will begin with a live rosary and Mass, broadcast from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, on Thursday, January 28, at 8 p.m. on EWTN-TV (check local listings) and the Basilica’s website (www.nationalshrine.org). The principal celebrant and homilist for the opening Mass will be Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, who is chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). After the Mass and throughout the night, holy hours led by bishops from various dioceses around the country will be broadcast on the here: USCCB’s website. The vigil concludes at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 29, with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore on EWTN-TV and the Basilica’s website.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2020, USCCB, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
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C O M I N G S O O N!
A NEW and IMPROVED live stream experience!
Stay tuned for details and a schedule of events!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel now!
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THERE IS STILL TME TO REGISTER TO JOIN US!
For the Virtual Archdiocesan Women’s Conference, Beauty in Christ: ON FIRE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT! Saturday, January 30th, 2021, 9:00 am to 1:00 p.m. for a fabulous day designed to ignite you with the power of the Holy Spirit!!! You’ll experience dynamic speakers, Maria Vadia and Caroline Gambale-Dirkes, plus prayer, music, vendors, plus your friends of faith! Don't miss this incredible conference!
More details at https://www.archwomensconference.org/.
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Celebrate Catholic Schools the week of January 31- February 6
It’s Catholic Schools Week! We’re grateful for all of our wonderful teachers and students who contribute so much to the life of our parish.
This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.
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Continue your journey with The Search on FORMED.Org!
Watch the next episode beginning Sunday, January 31st!
The most beautiful part of this story is that we can personally know God’s love. This is the person of Jesus. But how did this seemingly insignificant carpenter born into poverty in a dusty corner of the Roman Empire become the most pivotal figure in all of history? Christianity isn’t simply a philosophy for life—the center of Christianity is a person. We look at the life of Jesus and what he came to do. Ultimately, we need to decide if Jesus really was who he said he was. We can’t sit on the fence. Because if Jesus really was who he said he was, we need to make him the Lord of our lives, and when we do, everything changes.
Access Episode #1 at FORMED.org. Not signed up on FORMED.org? Visit FORMED.org/signup and search for our parish by name or Zip code.
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FORMation Inspiration with FORMED.org 
Each week we will spotlight programs, movies or devotions to help encourage your faith at home using our new FORMED.org subscription!
* Daily Inspiration
FORMED Now: Daily Reflections
Everyday FORMED Now! features special guests and insider looks at special topics. New episodes are published each day at 1pm (CST).
* Self-guided Bible Scripture Study
Take time to dive into the bible and revel in the perfect love story God has written to us.
Join scripture scholars Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Michael Barber as they dive into the Gospel of Matthew. This Bible study is part of a weekly series hosted on FORMED Now! We hope you enjoy this lively and faith-filled study of the first Gospel.
* Celebrating the Sacraments
As we move back into Ordinary time and prepare for the start of Lent, let's take a deeper dive into the mystery of the Eucharist.
Although the Eucharist appears to be simple bread and wine, it is actually the "source and summit" of the Christian life. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and her members. It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation.
NOTE -- This is a wonderful study for those who are wanting to connect with this Sacrament on a deeper level and also for parents and children who are preparing for First Holy Communion.
* Sunday MOVIE Night
Faith begins at home and what a better way to celebrate the faith together than with a movie night! Each Sunday evening set aside time to gather the family, grab your favorite snacks and check out the faith-filled movie options below.
This week enjoy an excellent movie entitled Saint John Bosco: Mission to Love
"Flavio Insinna gives a winning performance as John (Don) Bosco, the great priest and educator of youth from the tough streets of Turin, Italy. Beautifully filmed in Italy, this epic movie dramatizes the many challenges that Don Bosco had to overcome from his childhood all the way to founding his religious order, the Salesians, for helping educate boys. Growing up without a father gave him compassion for the many orphans that he cared for, while he faced persecution from both secular society and the Church as he fought to build a place to house and educate the homeless, outcast youth of Turin. His deep faith, creative imagination, and profound charity shine in this wonderful film. Also stars Charles Dance (Gosford Park) and popular Italian singer and actress Lina Sastri.
This movie is not rated, but was created with an adult audience in mind. It may contain violence indicative of the life and times of the saint or character portrayed. We would recommend Parental Guidance and that parents preview it before watching with children."
For a Kid-friendly option, share this beautiful story of life ~ Angel in the Waters
 In its mother's womb, a tiny baby grows, explores the waters, and talks with the angel who is there. These gentle illustrations and wise words tell the story of that baby and the angel in the waters . . . a story that will delight all young children, because the journey from conception to birth is their story, too.
---> Not yet on FORMED?
- Visit http://signup.formed.org/.
- Enter our parish’s zip code or name.
- Enter your name and email.
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Religious Education & Sacramental Prep Updates
Religious Education
We will resume in person class on Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at Holy Ghost School. Please contact Cassie at dbq059ff@dbqarch.org if you have any questions.
First Eucharist Preparation
We had the Parent Meeting last night. If you missed this meeting and/or have not picked up the materials, Cassie will be reaching out to you. We will begin studying Chapter 1 of the preparation book on February 8th. If you have any questions please contact Cassie at dbq059ff@dbqarch.org.
Confirmation Session
Our next class will be Sunday, February 14th at 10:30am. The assignment due that morning is the paper on the Confirmation saint you've chosen to use for your Confirmation name. Please email the paper to Cassie when you've completed this assignment. Contact Cassie at dbq059ff@dbqarch.org with any questions or for more information.
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A Note from Patrick, Director of Worship
Dear All,
I hope you and your families continue to be in good health! What a blessing to be able to come together to celebrate Mass! Since many ministers are staying home for various legitimate health and safety reasons this means many of you are serving each week to help; please know how grateful I am for all of you who are serving every week! We are all in this together and will take it week by week .
The 11/29/2020-1/31/2020 schedule is live. Please let me know if you need to update your preferences or schedule, I will update the schedules and share them via our weekly email blasts and the Parish website under the Ministers, Minister Scheduler Pro tab. We are staying the course with the same amount of ministers through January and February. Lectors will continue to read through the first reading, psalm, and second reading. All volunteers, Especially Ushers/greeters, please wear your mask fully over your nose. It is of the utmost importance to set a good example of the safety protocols to ensure everyone’s health and well-being. As we approach Ash Wednesday soon it is time for the next schedule for Lent 2021! (February 6th - March 28th); I posted this schedule last week, please let me know if you need to update your preferences or schedule, and I will update the schedules. As always, copies of the schedule can be found via MSP, the parish website, along with hard copies in the sacristy of each church and parish office. For those that have no computer access I will mail hard copies. Please let me know if you would like me to add you to my mailing list. As we assemble more information on Lent prayer services, and Palm Sunday, we will let you know. If you are unable to make your Mass time, please click on sub request and/or let me know at least 2 days in advance. For all ministers across the board please be at least 20-30 minutes early to Mass. Especially in these trying times, thank you for all your continued service to Holy Spirit Parish. As Father Steve and I do all that we can to maintain the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese and Archbishop Michael, we thank you for your patience and understanding!
Ash Wednesday 2021 Masses: 7:30 am (SH), 12:10 PM (HG), 5:30 PM (HT), 6:30 PM (HG). Please let me know if you are available to serve as lector or Usher/Greeter for any of these Masses. Thank you.
Notes on MSP emails and App: I know there are issues with the new MSP emails; please double check all inboxes as these emails sometimes go to other inboxes. If an email is delivered to the Promotions tab, you can click and drag it to the primary inbox. Once you move one message, the others will no longer be marked as promotions so they will go to the primary inbox! The phone app has been updated! To access the updated app, volunteers should click Update for the MSP app in the App Store or Google Play and then click Open. Doing so will allow you to regain access to your account. If for any reason they do not get access, please simply close and reopen the app, or click the “reload” link if they experience an error code.
Many prayers and blessings to you and yours,
Patrick J.
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Sunday Reflection from Father Steve Garner
Reflection | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time | January 31, 2021
 In this weekend’s Gospel we hear that “The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” Jesus’s teaching was new, fresh and surprising to those who heard Him. The Jewish people were used to the teaching style of their scribes, the scholars who interpreted the Scriptures and taught the corresponding laws. The scribes were legalists by trade and focused on what was required of the Jews based on the holy writings. For them, the law was dominant. But when Jesus showed up in the synagogue and began to teach, He was dominant. As the incarnate Son of God, He spoke with an authority that was greater even than the religious laws.
And just in case those who heard Him doubted His legitimacy, Jesus proved His authority by more than words; He cast out evil spirits. When the people witnessed Jesus commanding “even unclean spirits’ and saw that these spirits obeyed Him, they were “amazed” at this “new teaching with authority.”
What our Jewish ancestors experienced is recorded for us to bolster our own faith. Although we were not there to see these events unfold, if we meditate on the reality of our Gospel passage this weekend, we too should be astonished and amazed. Jesus is more than a teacher. He is more than a kind man with an attractive philosophy. Jesus has power over the spiritual world! His authority over us is real and He exercises this authentic authority for our own good. He has the power to do away with evil and to set us free, both through His teachings (passed on to us in the Bible and the Church) and through His action in our lives. We need only to follow His lead.
I wish everyone a blessed weekend!
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Together is a monthly bulletin from the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Each month, Together will feature messages from Archbishop Jackels as well as initiatives and happenings from around the archdiocese.
Click on the link above to read the January edition.
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 Prayer Resources
ONLINE MASS (Pre-recorded)
Opportunities for online Mass with the Archbishop will continue to be available. Click the button below for the broadcast schedule.
DAILY PRAYER RESOURCES
Please visit these websites for resources for your daily prayer life or other prayer opportunities:
TELEVISED MASS TIMES
Click HERE and enter your zip code to view where you can find televised Mass times and channels.
FAMILY RESOURCES
Please refer to the Archdiocesan webpage for family resources during COVID-19.
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Prayer and Intention for the Week
Prayer to Overcome Indifference
All too often, Lord, we turn away from the world's many problems,
which seem too big, too complex, or too far away.
Forgive us our indifference.
It is easier, Lord, to see only what is around us:
our lives, our homes, our challenges.
Forgive us our isolation.
Help us to see with your eyes:
eyes which notice one another
and help us understand.
Help us to dream your dream:
of communities that reach out and dialogue
and where diverse people creatively cooperate.
Help us to be people of solidarity and action,
so moved by prayer, encounter, and understanding
that peace can become a reality.
Amen.
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Enjoy the latest edition of the Family Matters newsletter here!
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Recent Updates & Reminders
REQUIRED for attending Mass at Holy Spirit
Masks are REQUIRED to attend Mass at Holy Spirit Parish. If you do not have a mask, there are some available at the church entrances. Also, as the number of Mass attendees increases there is a chance we may need to turn people away so as to maintain recommended social distancing guidelines.
Parish Office Closure
Due to COVID-19, the Parish Office will remain closed to walk-ins for your health and the health of our staff. We will still keep reduced office hours (8am-noon, Monday-Friday) for the time being, so if you need to speak with someone, please call 563-583-1709 and we will be happy to help! If you have something to turn in to the office, please place it inside the front storm door at the parish office in the locked depository box on the left under the shelf. We will retrieve items during business hours.
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Guidelines for Attending Mass at Holy Spirit Parish
Please review the following guidelines implemented for the celebration of public Mass until further notice.
- All (including children) must wear masks before, during, and following Mass (while in church/parking lot areas). The CDC recommends children under the age of two do not wear a mask; please refrain from bringing children under the age of two to Mass until restrictions have been lifted.
- Seating will be limited; please sit only in open (untaped/unroped) pews minding social distancing guidelines; please do not disturb, change placement of or remove blue tape or rope on pews
- Once pews are filled we will be at capacity and admittance will cease, pews may not be held or saved for others
- Families or those living in the same household may sit together in a pew; if room permits, others may enter the same pew IF proper distance is available. Families living in different households must maintain proper social distancing guidelines.
- Church pews, handrails, kneelers, door handles, high use areas, etc. will be sanitized after each Mass
- Holy Water fonts and cisterns will be remain empty
- Sanitizer will be available at all church entrances
- Rest rooms (in churches) will be available and sanitized following Mass
- Church halls (Kriebs, Terence, and Paraclete) will be CLOSED during Mass, including the rest rooms located in those halls
- All printed materials (including the bulletins) will be removed from churches, please refer to the parish website to view the weekly bulletin
- There will be no missalettes or music issues available for use in pews
- Social distancing must be observed (at least six feet apart) in church and parking lot areas
- Please refrain from singing during Mass
- There will be no (or very limited) liturgical ministers
- Please refrain from greeting or gathering before and/or after Mass in church and/or parking lot areas
- There will be no collection during Mass, collection boxes will be placed at church entrances
- There will be no offertory/gift procession
- Please avoid physical contact during the Our Father and Sign of Peace
- Only the Precious Body will be offered at Communion and placed only in the hand (not on the tongue)
- There will be no distribution of the Precious Blood
- Logistics are still being considered for each location concerning the distribution of Holy Communion. NOTE: Priests will begin by bringing Communion to the people in the pews and adjust if need be as we proceed.
Please keep in mind these other important points when considering attending Mass:
- The coronavirus is still with us. Following social distancing guidelines in regard to gathering for a liturgy or a devotional in church will result in less space, reducing greatly the number of people who can attend.
- Dispensation from the obligation to participate in Sunday Mass and holy days will remain in effect until further notice, most likely until a vaccine is available.
- Please refrain from attending if you are sick, were recently sick (in the past 14 days), or have an underlying medical condition; or, if you are concerned about contracting COVID-19 or live with or care for someone who is at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions or advanced age, or is sick. Additionally, those who are frail due to advanced age, are under the age of two, and those who work in a high risk profession should abstain from attending Mass.
- Daily Mass will be offered each day (regular schedule) with the same restrictions.
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