On May 1st Fr. John Keehner was ordained as the eighth bishop of Sioux City Diocese in an inspiring liturgy with fifteen bishops present, priests from our diocese and from Ohio, deacons and their wives, our seminarians, pews full of guests and his own family members.

For the past few years we as a parish have traditionally celebrated First Holy Communion on the Second and Third Sundays of Easter, at Sacred Heart and St. Malachy.

Join us for a six-week book study on Return by Brandon Vogt, a practical guide for parents and loved ones seeking to bring their children back to the Catholic Church. Together, we’ll explore thoughtful strategies, share experiences, and pray for our loved ones’ return to the faith.

Upon our shepherd, Pope Francis, Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. According to the church and diocesan guidelines, we cannot offer a Mass of the Dead for Pope Francis until after the first week of Easter.

I am grateful for those who brought forth the grace and dignity of our Holy Week Liturgies experienced in all three churches: St. John, St. Malachy, and Sacred Heart.

Holy Week Journey to the Cross Palm Sunday: Jesus entered as King; God prepared His sacrifice. Monday: Jesus cleanses the temple; God prepares those who will accept His sacrifice.

We welcome Bishop Nickless to our parish as he offers the Sacrament of Confirmation to forty-five of our students.

“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So to them Jesus addressed this parable: ‘A man had two sons. . . .”

And Jesus said, “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will perish.” Strong, seemingly threatening words Jesus uses in an attempt to convey the significance of God’s mercy. Rather than a forceful edict attempting to control and subdue individuals, Jesus’ strong words are an invitation to recognize our self-centeredness, and humbly seek God’s merciful forgiveness.

“Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up to the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothes became dazzling white.” Mount Tabor is the recognized place where Jesus was transfigured.

Speaking of the Lenten efforts of Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving, our parish recently received a letter reminding us of the possibilities—both personal and communal—of graciously sharing our blessings with another. (Dated February 25th.)

The Light is ON for you to receive God's mercy at St. Malachy Church in Madrid on March 18th. Fr. Tim will be hearing confessions a half hour before and after the 5:30 pm Mass. (Daily Masses are shorter! Approx. 30 minutes)

Originally Lent started out as only a few days of fasting and in some Christian communities, 40 hours of preparation before Easter.

From today’s gospel passage according to Luke: “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’”

Click here to see our Ash Wednesday services.

Usually as Spring nears we await the announcement of priests’ assignments and any new parish alignments. However, in the midst of winter the Apostolic Nuncio for the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, has just announced the new bishop for our diocese.

As you look over the Annual Report for our parish please remember our mission as a Catholic community nurtured by the Eucharist:

“Simon took the child Jesus into his arms and blessed God saying, ‘now Master you may let your servant go in peace. . .for my eyes have seen your salvation. . .a Light for the revelation of Gentiles.’”

May you keep in your prayers the soul of Fr. Jim Dubert, and his siblings and their families.  Fr. Jim died unexpectedly last Monday in Ames. 

Toward the latter part of ‘24 our long time parish director, Tom Venner, said it was time for him to step down.