Many people scoff at the idea of miracles. Unwilling to believe that Jesus could restore the sight of the blind when He walked on earth, they are unwilling to see the miracles that Jesus continues to work today. If we are open to the guiding touch of God's hand and willing to discover His plan for our lives, miracles will happen. What prevents us from seeing and being a part of God's miracles? Would we rather be blind?

That was a powerful snow storm last weekend. My thanks goes out to all those who moved the massive amounts of snow so that by late last Sunday, moving around was getting more normal.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving day. It was a beautiful way to celebrate God's gift of an awesome year and the reality that we all depend on one another. The youth group in Ida Grove composed thank you cards for Msgr. Ken, Fr. Rich and me. They were nicely done! Again, a spirit of gratitude is so contagious; let’s keep it going!

There has been very good turn out after weekend Masses of folks celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What a great way to prepare for coming of Jesus, by leaving behind the sadness and sorrow that sin leaves behind! Jesus comes to heal often in ways that are beyond our full understanding. If it has been awhile or a long-time since your last confession, Jesus is waiting for you to come and receive what only God can give away.

Monday, December 8th is a Holy Day of Obligation, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, please check out the Mass times starting Sunday night and many on Monday for your convenience.

Peace and Joy,

Fr. McCarthy.

The first annual Christmas Cookie Box Fundraiser will be Sunday, Dec 14th after Mass. There will be apple cider and hot chocolate available while you choose your boxes for a free will donation. The Heavenly Gift Shop will be open also for your Christmas shopping.

Questions? Call Lisa Jacobsen 712-371-3297.

St. Mary’s Mapleton is adopting 5 families this Christmas season. These families consist of children, families, and older adults. Ornaments adorning the two evergreen trees, one in each Church entrance area, will have items family members need. Please select ornament(s) from the trees and donate to help these families in need. Items donated to help these families may be left in the church basement, entering via the north church door, every Sunday until noon on Sunday, Dec. 14th. Any cash donations to assist may be sent to St. Mary’s Adopt-a-Family, 703 Heisler St. Mapleton, IA 51034 or left in the collection basket at the church entrances.

Check out St. Mary’s Facebook page for the complete details of families’ needs.

The Adopt-a-Family committee extends its thanks in advance for your heartfelt generosity!

As we prepare for year end, and to comply with federal law, donations must be received (or postmarked) by 12/31/2025 to be included on your 2025 parishioner statement. If received (or postmarked) on 1/1/2026 or after, the donation will be included on your 2026 statement. We cannot accept donations in 2025 for 2026 or in 2026 for 2025.

Thank you for your understanding and generosity!

The first annual Christmas Cookie Box Fundraiser will be Sunday, December 14th.

To make it happen ALL Sacred Heart Church bakers need to bring Christmas cookies to the church before 10 am on Saturday December 13th, and if you can stay to help put the boxes together we will enjoy Christmas music and fellowship!

Questions? Call Lisa Jacobsen 712-371-3297.

Want to help those in need of a little supplemental food? A basket can be found at the entrance of the church for your non-perishable items. Please consider helping those in need throughout the year.

Please join us for coffee and rolls after Mass the first Sunday each month. Get your spiritual fill and then fill your tummy with coffee and rolls and your soul with socialization.

To date we have collected $5,471.01 of the $14,300.00 needed for the new roof on the Danbury rectory.

If you wish to give towards the new roof, please place your donation in an envelope and mark it Danbury Rectory Roof. Please drop off in the collection basket, parish office or you may mail your donation to 602 Peach Street, Danbury, Iowa 51019.

Thank you in advance for helping raise the funds for the new roof.

Want to include Christmas flowers to our church in honor or in memory of loved ones? Want to just provide flowers to help with our Christmas decorations? If you ordered through Danbury Catholic School, we will take them to the church for you when they arrive (yes, there are extras if you forgot to order and want to support DC).

Flowers purchased outside of DC - please have them to the sacristy by noon on December 23rd.

The St. Mary's, Mapleton Secret Prayer Pal gathering will be Sunday, Dec. 7 following the 8:30 a.m.Mass. We will meet in the parish hall. We will have a gift exchange and have the reveal. Refreshments served. Spouses welcome.

Deanery meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, so Father Ball will hold the Mass on those days at 7:30 a.m.

Thus, this week’s Tuesday Mass is at 7:30 a.m.

Please help decorate Mapleton St. Mary’s Church for the Christmas season by donating poinsettias in memory of your loved ones. The plants need to be at the church by December 23rd.

Adoration is held for an hour every Tuesday after Mass and all day on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Please join us.

Be sure to watch for the latest weekly Catholic content in the next LumeNotes landing in your inbox weekly available 24/7 at lumenmedia.org. Upcoming articles include – Bishop Keehner grants faculties to pastors – on a per case basis – to confirm adult baptized Catholics. The diocese provides centralized payroll services for efficiency; Bishop Emeritus Nickless is honored by Bishop Heelan Schools; Humboldt St. Mary offers an evening Advent pilgrimage; Our Lady of Guadalupe schedules. See our list of parish, school and diocesan events, area news, photos, and the Illuminating Catholics podcast. Subscribe for free at news@scdiocese.org or text Notes to 84576. Check your account to switch to text delivery!

To have a name added to this unpublished list/tree, please contact the following:

Danbury - Pat Brouillette at 880-0519

Ida Grove - Sherry Hittle at 371-2070

Mapleton - Pat Sullivan at 881-2420 - Marilyn Seuntjens at 712-253-0603

A parish subscription to formed.org is provided to all parishioners at St. Therese Lisieux Parish. It is an excellent source for Catholic video content!

If you are not yet a registered user, follow these simple steps to do so.

Note: Once you have your Username and Password established, the upper right side of your screen will allow you to Sign In and/or Log Off.

If you are currently registered, but can't remember the email you used or password, you can contact the formed. org tech support for assistance. Their email address is: parishcare@formed.org

Writing a check? Remember: When writing a check for your contribution, please make your check payable to St. Therese of Lisieux Parish.

Online Giving: Online Giving is available to all parishioners. To give online, go to https://www.osvhub.com/herlittleway/giving/funds. Select the fund to where you want your contribution to be credited. Enter your account and bank information. Enter the amount you want to give.

For all donations (including grain) to the parish: Please make checks payable to St. Therese of Lisieux Parish.

For donations (including grain) to Danbury Catholic School: Please make checks payable to Danbury Catholic School.

The ongoing financial support of our parish is always appreciated. Thank you!

Can’t make it to Mass? Please to continue to support your parish by mailing your contributions:

Please like and share our Facebook page.

Sacred Heart, Ida Grove - https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartidagrove

St. Mary's, Mapleton - https://www.facebook.com/stmarysmapleton

St. Mary's, Danbury - https://www.facebook.com/StMarysDanburyIowa

Please call Father Bill to make an appointment to do Baptismal preparation and to set a date.

Anytime by appointment in any of the three parishes.

Danbury & Mapleton: Thirty (30) minutes prior to weekend Masses.

Ida Grove: Tuesday and Thursday before and after daily Mass.

If you or a family member is sick, facing surgery, or in the hospital, please contact Fr. McCarthy or Deacon Stover immediately for visits and to be anointed with the Sacrament by Fr. McCarthy. Also, when one leaves the hospital, please notify Father or Deacon; this assists us to continue our care for the sick.

Planning a wedding? Contact Fr. William McCarthy a minimum of nine months prior to the wedding date to ensure all diocesan requirements are completed.

Due by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Send info to danigmapbulletin@gmail.com or call Lynn at 712‑893‑2160.

We welcome you into God’s family! If you are interested in learning more about our church, or would like to join, please contact the rectory of your city of residence to register as a new member or if you have change of address or telephone number.

To have a name added to this unpublished list/tree, please contact the following:

Danbury - Pat Brouillette at 880‑0519

Ida Grove - Sherry Hittle at 371‑2070

Mapleton - Pat Sullivan at 881‑2420 or Marilyn Seuntjens at 253‑0603