Now that we are into February, it’s full speed ahead planning for Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th this year.

On Monday I celebrated a Funeral Mass for Catherine Anderson who was almost 98 years old at her passing. Catherine lived a glorious life, being the light of Christ to others. Her committal service was at St. Clares Cemetery in Ute. As I left the cemetery grounds, I was thinking how there needs to be more in life 6 feet under the ground in the middle of a field, the grass brown from the winter temperatures. Our bodies will one day fail, but we should not live in fear. The Good News is that God, from the time of Adam and Eve, expelled out of the Garden of Paradise, saw this sort of event coming for humanity. God saw we needed a remedy for sin and death. This dilemma is beyond human power to fix. It takes a loving God who would become just like us, humbly accepting the worst death to win for us eternal life. That is why Lent is so important; we each need to reveal our love for the God who saves us. We reveal it through prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. But the amazing part is that when we embrace Lent we are given new life. Our spirits are recharged with new hope for the future. A cemetery is not the end of the story. Like Jesus, we will burst forth from the tomb with a glorious transfigured body that can do incredible things like the Risen Jesus did. Now is the time to ask God for the grace of an awesome Lent.

God bless,

Fr. McCarthy.

Sacred Heart is offering a Lenten renewal for youth and parents. The renewal will begin on February 22nd and run consistently through March 22nd. We will be going over the Ascension Press materials titled "A walk thru the Mass." Cost is $20; if a parent and child is doing it together, materials could be shared if you wish OR you can purchase one for each person. The refresher will begin right after Mass on Sundays in the church hall. Beginning time is approx. 11:30 with the class lasting approx. 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. A light lunch will be served since it will be over the lunch hour.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Amy Forbes, Luke or Ashley Collins, or Paige Whitney. We are excited to bring the opportunity to the church for the youth and parents.

Please fill out the google link OR sign up with one of the people listed above. https://forms.gle/RkXk9HpJH7NGqVBy9

Sign up deadline is February 15.

The Knights of Ida Grove will be helping all to have a great meal without meat during Lent. They will hold their fish fry meals on February 20th, March 6, and March 20th. More info coming.

As Lent is fast approaching the Knights of Ida Grove are asking the good ladies of our parish to donate desserts for the fish fries Friday February 20th, March 6th, and March 20th.

We are looking forward to seeing many wonderful desserts. Thank you.

Women of Sacred Heart: Please pick up your circle letters that are in a box on the beautiful new table at the entryway of the church. If you didn't get one and would like to be on a circle, please let me know. That’s why we gave out registration forms in the women’s circle letters.

Thanks, Lisa Jacobsen - 712-371-3297

We are trying to update the over 20 year old lists. That's why we gave out registration forms.

There are also forms available for single men to fill out on the table. Please put the registration forms in the white box by the church office door.

If you had a baptism in the past year you should have received a stroller or car seat blanket. If you would like one please let me know. Lisa Jacobsen - 721-371-3297

Amy Forbes has taken the position of parish coordinator at Sacred Heart. To contact her about parish-related business, please call 712-371-2915 or email igparishcoordinator@gmail.com.

Do you know someone living in Danbury who could use a special meal? Perhaps someone who is facing struggles? Maybe someone who has gone above and beyond for others and could use a thank you meal? Or maybe someone who would like to see a smiling face deliver a meal.

The youth group at St. Mary’s in Danbury is planning to Feed Some of Jesus’ Flock on Wednesday, February 12th. If you know someone to nominate for one of these meals, please contact Lynn Buth at 712-840-0327. The group needs the names and addresses by noon on February 12th.

Thank you for your assistance.

Do you enjoy a little treat after Mass once a month? Are you willing to make a donation to keep these treats coming?

If you would like to donate towards Sweeet Saturdays, please contact Lynn Buth at 893-2160 or 840-0327.

Plan now to attend the Stations of the Cross will be in Mapleton at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays during Lent - February 24th, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th.

Want to help the financially challenged but not sure how? Baskets can be found at the church entrances for non-perishable items. These will be given to the Mapleton Food Pantry to help those in need of a little boost with their groceries and paper products.

St. Mary’s Mapleton is always open during the day to give you a place to get away from everyday distractions to pray and listen to God. However, not all doors will be open each day.

When there is NO daily mass, only the north door will be unlocked from about 8am - 5pm unless a special request has been made (i.e: someone needs the lift).

Winter brings crisp fresh air. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is like winter because it’s a weekend full of fresh air and a time to rejoice in the beauty of our marriage and family. It’s a great time to enjoy a weekend away. For more information call 563-920-9419 or sign up at wwme.org.

Upcoming dates: February 13-15 in Dubuque, April 10-12 in Marshalltown, and October 9-11 in Epworth.

Please join the Catholic Daughters of America Holy Rosary #1602 of Anthon at Trivia With the CDA! Test your knowledge while supporting the CDA fundraiser. All proceeds will be used for things like scholarships, events, and local shelters.

The event will be held on Saturday, February 28th at the Anthon Events Center. Doors open at 6:15, and trivia begins at 6:30. The cost is $120 per table of up to 6 people in advance or $130 per table after February 16th. Price includes a meal. Spectators are welcome! We ask for a free will donation for the meal and to watch. Cash prizes for the top 2 teams and the best team name.

For registration and further information, contact Haley Hayworth at 712-541-1431.

In the next edition of LumeNotes, there’s links to articles including a special bilingual message from Bishop Keehner, grouped confirmation Masses, meet the new Briar Cliff University chaplain, Pope Leo welcomes Olympics as an opportunity to promote peace, Angeline’s Wing grand opening and Remsen St. Mary receives major corporate gift. As always, see our list list of parish, school and diocesan events, area news, school 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!

Bishop John Keehner shares his love for genealogy research and ties in the themes of forgiveness and redemption. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, on the Diocese of Sioux City YouTube channel or at https://www.lumenmedia.org/illuminating-catholics-podcast.

Loving and generous God, you called the prophets to bring your word to your chosen people. Your Son, Jesus, called the first disciples to be bold proclaimers of the good news.

In the modern world, you continue to call your sons and daughters to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Calm the chaos and soothe the sounds of our world, and allow more to hear your soft voice calling them to pick up their cross and follow.

May the Holy Spirit fall upon your church in a profound way, so that we may experience a tremendous harvest of grace. May vocations increase ever abundantly and may your church stand as a witness to the world of the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

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