The Faith Communities of

Remsen - Marcus - Oyens

Fr. Bill McCarthy, Pastor

For the Weekend of December 8 & 9, 2018

Fr. Bill McCarthy Use ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY 515-570-8704 Parish Offices: Remsen 121 E 4th Street, PO Box 509 Phone 712-786-1437 Office Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Mon - Fri Email smparish@midlands.net

Marcus 102 N Elm St, PO Box 366 Phone 712-376-2628 Office Hours: Tues & Thurs following Mass until 2PM Permanent Deacons: Jerry Bertrand, Marcus Holy Name 376-4891 Rick Roder, Remsen St. Mary’s 540-3100 Business Manager: (RSM) Jo Tentinger tentingerj@rsmschools.org Kathy Steffen (assist) steffenk@rsmschools.org Sheila Cronin (assist) cronins@rsmschools.org Bookkeeper/Secretary: (MHN) Ginell Wetter bkmarcus@scdiocese.org cell: 712-229-2250 Scrip: (Remsen) Tonya Galles gallest@rsmschools.org

Development Director: Norine Harvey 786-1324 harveyn@rsmschools.org

St. Mary’s Schools Principal: Jeff Burkey 786-1433 burkeyj@rsmschools.org

Family Faith Formation: Rick Roder (RSM) 540-3100 roderr@rsmschools.org

Faith Formation: Sherill Glassmaker (MHN) 229-0996 sglassmaker@midlands.net

St. Mary’s Elementary: 786-1160

St. Mary’s Middle/High School: 786-1433

Grouping Website: www.mostholynameofmary.org Bulletin Email rectorybulletin@rsmschools.org St. Mary’s School Website: www.rsmschools.org Prayer Chain: Remsen: Call One Christy Pick 786-2655 Carla Ahlers 786-2612 Marcus: Call Both Joan Cronin 376-2288 Jacque Bird 376-4677

Baptism: Call parish office for arrangements - pre-baptism class required.

Marriage: Engaged couples are to begin preparations at least 10 months prior to their wedding. Reservations of wed-dings subject to use fee of $250 at St. Mary’s. Payment due upon scheduling the wedding date.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Communal penance services during Lent and Advent seasons. Individual Reconcilia-tion, one half hour prior to weekend Masses or by appointment.

Anointing of the Sick: Please contact the Parish Office.

Prayer to the Holy Family

O Jesus, look graciously upon our family, pros-tate before thee. Once more we consecrate our-selves before thee, along with our trials and joys, that our home, like thine, may ever be a shrine of peace, purity, love, labor, and faith. Protect and bless all of us; absent, present, living and dead. Be merciful to those departed.

O Mary, loving mother of Jesus and our Mother, pray to Jesus for our family, for all the families of the world, to guard the cradle of the newborn, the schools of the young, and their vocations.

O Joseph, holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, as-sist us by your prayers in all the necessities of life. Ask of Jesus that special grace, which he granted to thee, to watch over our home at the pillow of the sick and dying so that with Mary and thee, Heaven may find our family unbroken in the Sacred Heart of Je-sus Christ. Amen

Mass Schedule/Intentions 12/10 Mon 7:45 AM - Lauds

6:30 PM - Dale Weiler, Joan Loutsch

St. Mary’s

St. Catherine’s

12/11 Tues 8:00 AM - Dennis & Betty Moser, Ron Mathew

10:15 AM - Francis Nilles, Dale Loutsch

Holy Name

Happy Siesta

12/12 Wed 7:45 AM - L&D Donald & Mavis Kunkel Family, Chuck Klein

St. Mary’s

12/13 Thur 8:00 AM - L&D Grage Family, Msgr. Richard E. Zenk

1:20 PM - L&D Al Vaske Family, Ken Alesch

Holy Name

Heartland

12/14 Fri 8:15 AM - L&D Ron Martin Family, Sandy Augustine

St. Mary’s

12/15 Sat

4:00 PM - Wayne Heidesch, L&D Lorne & Audrey Heideisch Family

St. Mary’s

12/16

Sun 8:00 AM - Shirley Roder, L&D Ray & Agnes Waldschmitt Family

10:00 AM - Emily Schroeder, Parish Families

St. Mary’s 1

Holy Name

RSM MHN

Adult Support $ 14,160.00 $ 2,640.00 Loose $ 445.00 $ 64.00 Children $ - $ - Donations $ 7,010.00 $ 200.00

Sacramental Rites

Liturgical Ministry Saturday, Dec 15, 4:00 PM Remsen, St. Mary’s Lector: Rick Loutsch Hosts: Luke Homan, Sue Klein, Linda Loutsch Chalice: Al Loutsch, Maureen Pottebaum Altar Servers: Carson & Parker Loutsch, Taylor Galles Gift Bearers: Jim & Sue Klein Sunday, Dec 16, 8:00 AM Remsen, St. Mary’s Lector: Deb Pick Hosts: Mike Tentinger, Marv Pottebaum, Arlie Pick Chalice: Randy & Connie Ortmann Altar Servers: Maci & Caleb Gravenish, Megan Wurth Gift Bearers: Sharon Homan Sunday, Dec 16, 10:00 AM Marcus, Holy Name Lector: Gwen Peters Hosts: Pat Bird, Dawn Roberts

Chalice: Mike & Teresa Dammann Altar Servers: Jocee & Mason Roberts, Branden Whited Ushers: Lenny Dreckman, Tim Dreckman, Al Reuter Gift Bearers: Jake Wetter Family Happy Siesta Dec 16: Mike Tentinger, Marv Pottebaum Happy Siesta Dec 23: Roger Galles, Michelle Gentz Eucharistic Minister the week of: Dec 12: Michelle Gentz Dec 19: Mike Klein

Mass Servers the days of: Dec 12: Jacie & Aiden Homan Dec 19: McKenna & Micah Loutsch Week Day Lectors/Servers Marcus Holy Name: As Scheduled

Stewardship

Please pray for soul of Jim Ruden, whose Mass

of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December

7, at Holy Name in Marcus. May he rest in the

peace of the Lord. Our sympathy to the family.

Advent Reconciliation

Sunday, December 16 - 1:30 PM - Alton, St. Mary’s

- 3:00 PM - Remsen, St. Mary’s

Christmas Mass Times (Holy Day of Obligation)

Monday, December 24 - 4:00 PM - Remsen, St. Mary’s (Children’s Mass)

- 5:00 PM - Marcus, Holy Name (Fr. Murray)

Tuesday, December 25 - 8:00 AM - Oyens, St. Catherine’s

- 9:00 AM - Marcus, Holy Name (Fr. Murray)

- 10:00 AM - Remsen, St. Mary’s

New Year’s Mass Times (Holy Day of Obligation)

Monday, December 31 - 5:30 PM - Marcus, Holy Name (Fr. Murray)

- 7:00 PM - Remsen, St. Mary’s

Tuesday, January 1 - 9:00 AM - Remsen, St. Mary’s

From the Diocese: With the year end ap-proaching, there are 3 options available to ensure that your contribution will be deducti-ble for 2018 taxes. 1) Drop off your contribu-tion at the rectory office by Friday, December 28. 2) If mailing, make sure the envelope is

postmarked by Saturday, December 29. 3) Drop your contri-bution in the collection basket during the weekend Masses of December 29th or 30th or on New Year’s Eve Mass on December 31. To comply with the federal law, we cannot accept donations in 2019 for the 2018 tax year. St. Mary’s rectory will be closed on Monday, December 31, whereas, Holy Name’s rectory will be open 8:00-2:00 PM.

Scrip has on hand just in time for the Christmas 4 $100 iTunes gift cards. Stop by St. Mary’s rectory office to get yours.

Scrip profit for the past week was $349.62. Tuition earned was $156.92 and Scrip proceeds netted $192.70.

Explanation of St. Mary’s Schools scrip program and order forms are available at the church door entrances. Also if you need a quick gift idea we have gift cards available at

the RSM rectory office during normal business hours.

The giving tree is up! Please take a tag from the tree, purchase the gift and return the gift with the tag attached to the tree. Please note there is a date on each tag and your

gift needs to be returned by that date.

The showcasing of Holy Name Church’s organ has been

moved to Sunday, December 30, at 2:00 PM.

Sunday, December 9: Family of Faith and Confirmation Classes at MHN 8:15-9:45; MHN Choir Prac-tice 8:15-9:30 AM; MHN First Reconciliation following 10:00 AM Mass Monday, December 10: MHN CDA Meeting Wednesday, December 12: RSM 2 Hour Early Out; RSM 7-12 Christmas Concert 7:00 PM; RSM KC’s Euchre Tournament 7:00 PM at VFW Hall; MHN CYO Meeting Thursday, December 13: MHN Adoration 8-2 Friday, December 14: RSM Adoration 8-4 Sunday, December 16: Family of Faith Confirmation Class 8:15-9:45 AM; MHN Choir Practice 8:15-9:30 AM; Advent Reconciliation 1:30 PM at St. Mary’s in Alton and 3:00 PM at St. Mary’s in Remsen Monday, December 17: MHN Catechist Meeting and Teaching Session Wednesday, December 19: MHN Nativity Program Practice 3:30-5:15; MHN KC Meeting; RSM KC’s Pinochle Tournament 7:00 PM at VFW Hall

Please pray for the fol-lowing people: Julie B e n s o n , H a n n a h Harpenau, Eli Biezuns,

Jameson Heidesch, Emily (Ehrig) Sideris, Rose Marie Delaney, Kevin Ortmann, Linda Harris, Randy Schiltz, Joe Dreckman, The Henke Family, Barb Brady, Rita Sand, Marty Wurth, Sr. Joan Stoffel, Rosemary Wibe, The Douvia/Kellen Families.

Upcoming Events Prayers Please

From the Desk of Fr. Bill

This past week was really busy with Holy Day Masses, funerals, confessions and appointments morn-ing, noon and night but I should not be surprised; Advent is a very short season. If there is one thing I

could emphasize it would be the benefits of making a great confession this time of the year. We all carry around extra baggage like guilt, sorrow, shame, worry or fear that keeps us distant from God. Why not come to Church a little earlier on the weekend and go to confession or else attend the reconciliation liturgy on December 16 begin-

ning at 3:00 PM at St, Mary’s Church in Remsen. Advent is an incredible time to draw close to God by staying away from those things that dominate our lives and partaking in sacraments that heal and relieve the burden that comes upon each of us in one way or another. A couple of updates: Bishop Nickless has given me permission to celebrate a Christmas Mass at Oyens. This Mass will take place at 8:00 AM. In terms of the Church Painting pro-ject, the contractor has moved up the date of his arrival to January 2, 2019. Thus the first weekend in January the Masses will begin in the St. Mary’s high school gymnasium. The Sunday Mass times will remain the same with Saturday night at 4:00 PM, Sunday morning 8:00 AM in the St. Mary’s High School gym and 10:00 at Holy Name Church. This decision not to switch time is a result of dialogue with our snow removal people and the staff-ing and equipment. I realize not everyone will be happy with that Mass schedule, but at this time it is the best I can do. It is a reminder than we need to pray for more priests so that more Masses can be offered to the faithful people of Northwest Iowa. God bless! Fr. Bill

What a Better Way to Give a Christmas gift or ring in the New Year for a loved one than with a Mass intention said for them. St. Mary’s and Holy Name are currently in need of more Mass intentions at this time. We have updated our policies. We now accept 12 Mass inten-tions at one time. To reserve a intention(s), you can drop your request in the collection basket, in an separate envelope marked Mass inten-tion. Include your name, phone number and payment along with your loved ones name and date(s). You can call Remsen’s rectory at 786-1437 or Marcus’s at 376-2628 or stop by the rectory offices during

business hours. Current cost is $10 per intention.

Poinsettias for St. Mary’s Church, please call your local florist. This year the poinsettias will be red in color, pots wrapped in gold foil with a

white ribbon.

Poinsettias for Holy Name’s Church, please call your local florist. This year the poinsettias will be red in color, pots wrapped in gold foil

with no preference on the ribbon.

RSM Family Eucharistic Adoration will be available on Thursday evenings during Advent. Dates will be December 13th and 20th from 6:00-8:00 PM. Please consider attending as couples and families.

Have you scheduled Jesus into your Advent and Christmas plans?

RSM Alumni: Please send any updated family information such as births, addresses, anniversaries, career changes or accomplishments for the next issue of St. Mary’s Today. You can email your information

to harveyn@rsmschools.org or call 786-1324.

MHN Choir will be having practices on Sunday, December 9th and 16th, from 8:15-9:30 AM in the choir loft. Parishioners high school age

and older are encouraged and welcome to come sing with the choir.

MHN CDA Court 1897 will have their Christmas Party meeting Mon., Dec.10. Rosary will begin at 5:45 PM, followed by a potluck supper. Everyone please bring a dish to pass (meat will be furnished). There will be a very short meeting and then some Christmas fun. Please bring a $5-$8 Christmas ornament to exchange. Also If you like, bring socks for any age to donate to the Bishop Dudley House in Sioux Falls. The committee is Bev Nielsen, Kathy Johnson and Peg Wurth. Joan Cronin

will have the Spiritual Enhancement.

The Everlasting Choir of St. Mary’s is looking for young and the old to join and sing at small or large funerals. You do not need to be a member of St. Mary’s Parish to sing in the choir. There are no practic-es, just come and sing. If you would like to join or have any questions

please call Dorie Kolker at 786-1457 or Sarah Ruba at 786-1002.

MHN KC Meeting/Christmas Party will be Wednesday, December 19. Social hour will start at 5:30 PM with dinner to follow at 6:00 PM. RSVP is not required but strongly encouraged. Please call Al Hoefling

at 389-2228 to RSVP.

MHN CYO bake sale and breakfast will be Sunday, December 23, following the 10:00 AM Mass until 1:00 PM. Free will donation, pick up some last minute goodies for Christmas celebrations and come join us

for fellowship.

Rick

Waldschmitt

Construction

For all your Building

Needs

786-5548—540-0548

Marcus 376-2434

Corn

Soybeans

DALE GALLES

SEEDS

Cell 540-2509

ARENS

TRUCKING

Livestock & Grain

Remsen

786-1178

NORTHWEST IOWA

MUTUAL INSURANCE

ASSN.

Scott Nielsen

Chris Nielsen

Remsen 786-1436

___________________________________________

Chuck Weiland

Remsen — Kingsley

786-2942 — 378-2355

Russ Schroeder

Appliance Repair

Professional Installations

Plumbing, Heating and

Cooling

712-786-2164

Dave Keffeler, CCA

Cell: 402-290-5710

Russel

Schroeder

Trucking, LLC

Livestock Only

712-540-1497

FRERICKS

REPAIR

Mitch Frericks

Remsen

786-1467

Cell: 712-540-9686

HOMAN

PIONEER

SALES

Dick & Luke Homan

Pioneer Brand Products

540-0050—540-2775

Ben Klein

786-2218

MRS. B’S

Convenience

Liquor Store

Mike & Deanna

Bohnenkamp

Kent - Hubbard -

Big Gain Feed

Complete Farm Supplies

Remsen 786-2234

IOWA STATE

BANK

Remsen

786-1143

Ron’s Electric

Connie’s

Painting

712-786-2952

Marcus –Remsen

712-376-2112

712-786-2083

DAN JAMINET

TRUCKING

Local & Long Distance

Hauling

Remsen 786-1527

full service feed,

agronomy,

grain buying & selling

786-1134

Wurth

Chiropractic

Dave Wurth

Marcus

376-2572

NIELSEN - GALLES

INSURANCE

AGENCY

Scott Nielsen

Chris Nielsen

786-1435

MOELLER

CARPET & FLOOR

COVERING

Tom Matgen, Owner

Remsen

786-3374

Feeck Crop

Insurance

Krier Insurance Ryan Feeck

Steve Krier

Remsen 786-1580

MATGEN INSURANCE

AGENCY

Auto-Home-Farm

Crop Insurance

Remsen

786-2095

Mike’s Custom

Fabrication

Mike Delperdang

Certified Welder

546-8755

JEFF’S

FOODS Marcus Iowa

376-4319

J.W. TANK

LINE

Remsen

786-2339

229-9446

Schorg Ag

Supply

your partner in ag

Jeff Schorg

Remsen 786-2478

Klein

Transportation

Co.

Remsen

712-540-0825

FISCH FUNERAL

HOME &

Monument LLC

Remsen—786-2333

David Fisch-Owner

Elizabeth Fisch-Dir.

Randy “Pete” Galles

Nick Galles

786-2269

Advertise

Here

Farmers State

Bank

Marcus

376-4154

Mauer Johnson

Earnest Funeral

Homes

LeMars Marcus

Kingsley

376-2727

Three

Sisters’

Bistro

203 S Washington

Remsen 786-1733

Schorg’s

Service &

Repair

Remsen

786-2713

Klein on 9

Dine in or

Carry out

786-2255

Remsen 786-1117

Fax 786-1119

KLEIN REALTY &

AUCTION

Office: 786-2870

Cell: 540-1206

Remsen

Plumbing, Heating &

Air Conditioning

Chris Frederes

786-3440

Beer City

Chicken, Pizza &

wings

Remsen 786-1458

100 Eagle Ave. Marcus IA

712-376-4886

216 S 2nd St. Hwy 59

Cherokee IA

712-225-4886

Marcus

Junction 406 Hwy 3

Marcus IA

376-2402

Please Support our Local Advertisers Schmillen

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carpet cleaning, duct

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fire & water restoration 712-376-2213

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Remsen

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786-2989

Dr. Tammy Rhea-Bohnenkamp

Dr. Steven Ready

546-5183

Cooperative

Farmers Elevator

Agronomy Feed Grain

Lumber

www.coopfe.com

Schmillen

Construction, Inc.

Excavating

Hauling

Tiling 376-2249