Spirit on 7th Street
8/28/2024 The Eucharistic Revival
By Rose Heisel
Revival was in the air! The Eucharistic Congress was an absolute gift for so many reasons. For me worshipping the Eucharistic Lord with over 55,000 other on-fire Catholics was a very powerful experience to just name one.
How true that God delivers. We had perfect weather to walk to our destinations and visit with people along the way. The Lord set our hearts ablaze through the Pilgrimage and Congress this summer, and the grace pouring out of those milestone moments continued to flood the congress as it continues around the world.
We made our early morning trek from our hotels to the Lucas Oil stadium for Mass, worship music, and amazing speakers.
Catholics across the United States were reporting incredible things; from physical healings, hearts converted, and unexpected encounters. The Holy Spirit was drawing the hearts of active Catholics deeper and inviting many others to discover Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
There were tiny babies to the very old, people on handicap scooters filling the streets on their way to Mass, and breakout sessions at the convention center.
There were worship bands and dancing. Young teenage boys right next to me stood up dancing and worshipping the Lord with Sisters showing them a few of their dance moves. No convention is complete with a room full of awesome venders. And of course Formed.org was there!
I recall standing on the street to watch the Blessed Monstrance in parade mode in an open white canopied vehicle. One police officer on the street corner said to me,” This is the safest place to be in the whole United States, right now, right here.” I was a witness to everything being so peaceful, people smiling, and the police officers were almost invisible, but they were there, and so was Jesus!
Hearts were rekindled at every Mass. At the last Mass we attended with Cardinal Tagle, you could feel Jesus calling all of us to be Eucharistic Missionaries, to Walk With One, so that with Him we will be the light of the world. A very moving experience that reminded me of my Confirmation.
This is our mission: to make our Eucharistic Jesus known, loved, and served!
As Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, commissioned as Pope Francis' envoy, said at the NEC closing Mass, let us go forth to share this Eucharistic light with everyone we encounter!
This was a commissioning within our hearts to follow through.
We cannot even begin to imagine what Jesus has in store for us in the days, weeks, and years to come. We’ve been entrusted with magnificent graces of the Eucharistic Revival. Let us be attentive and open to the way in which these graces will now take root and transform our lives and make it possible for us to be instruments of renewal and conversion in the lives of others.
12/15/2023 Women's Advent Retreat
We had around 175 women attend the Women’s Advent Retreat on Dec. 2nd. The attendees enjoyed a morning with mass, breakfast, a dynamic talk by Fr. Daly, and adoration and confession. We would like to send out a huge thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing and serving breakfast to all of the women at the retreat! We truly appreciate their help! Mark your calendars for the All-Parish Lenten Retreat on March 9th! Here are some photos and testimonies from the Women’s Retreat.
Nora Dehmer - Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
A reflection on the retreat by Cheryl Petykoswki
The retreat on Saturday December 2 was such a blessing. We worshiped at mass as a united front of women dedicated to standing for the beauty of womanhood. After mass we gathered in the social hall for an awesome breakfast cooked by the Knights and during this time we took the time to learn more about each other and how God has touched our lives. After breakfast we gathered to hear Father Daly speak on Guadalupe. The details and stories he shared were wonderful and have been with me all week. We ended our day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and confessions. Seeing so many moving towards reconciliation with our Lord was inspiring. This was truly a heartfelt experience of love.
A reflection on the retreat by Shawna VanHoorik
The women's advent retreat this past Saturday was a wonderful event hosted by our parish. The speaker, Father Daly, delivered the perfect mix of humor and knowledge. He provided us with information on how to prepare for Advent and gave an informative insight on the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her call for conversion. His talk drew me towards the conversions I need to make in my life. It was a reminder that, as Catholics, we are always being called to learn and grow in our faith. We all need to be preparing for Heaven. Father Daly also prompted our memories to the fact that our Mother Mary is always enough. She can be counted on to bring our prayers straight to her son, Jesus, even when we are not feeling like we are “enough.” Breakfast was served by the KC’s and provided a great opportunity to visit with women from our parish and the surrounding parishes. Concluding the retreat with Jesus in Adoration and receiving Reconciliation made this an excellent use of a Saturday morning. What a grace that our parish offered this beautiful event as an opportunity to remember that we are on a pilgrimage towards Jesus’s birthday!
A reflection on the retreat by Marcia Flicker
I was grateful to be able to attend last Saturday's Women's retreat with Fr. Daly. It was inspiring to be with so many women wanting to grow in their faith (170+!!!). Fr. Daly shared fascinating information about Our Lady of Guadalupe and reminded us that Mary sees Jesus in us. When we go to Mary, she takes our little offerings and prayers and makes them enough to bring to Jesus. Many good things to reflect on during Advent.
 |
 |
 |
9/22/2023 World Youth Day 2023 Recap.
Click on the image to read entire article.
4/13/2023
3/29/2023
12/21/2022 by Mary Roberg, Youth Minister
The Future Is Bright!
As we celebrate the last Sunday of Advent, we light the 4th candle. The candles represent Jesus coming as a light in darkness and each candle brings a little more light into the darkness. We are called to spread His light in the world, but how do we do that? This is something the youth of our parish have been asking
themselves.
As I have been working with the youth the last few months, I have seen firsthand the light that our youth bring and wanted to give you a little glimpse into what has been happening in youth ministry.
This past August we had a Core Team Retreat. The Core Team is our high school leadership group that commits to serving our middle school youth group. We spent a day at Bertram Chain of Lakes where the youth learned leadership skills through talks and team building activities. They also went canoeing, spent time in prayer, attended Mass,
adoration, and confession, participated in praise and
worship around the fire, and played games! It was a day full of bonding, growing in faith, and sharing a lot of laughs! An important part of Core Team is discerning a theme for the year that we carry throughout all our youth events.
Many ideas were proposed and as you can guess it was hard to narrow it down. Our solution was to go into
adoration to let the Holy Spirit guide our decision. We came out with the perspective that one of the proposed themes could be the capstone of all the rest. After much prayer and discussion, the theme for the year is, “Set the world ablaze.” This was inspired by Luke 12:49: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” Each meeting we discuss how we can set the world ablaze and pick the topic for the upcoming youth group evenings. Some of the topics we have discussed have been on apologetics, evangelization, and service.
Our youth group evenings for all 6-12th graders have been filled with games, community, food, and faith enrichment. We focused on Mary’s seven sorrows in September, we did a scriptural, candlelight rosary in October, and made our own remembrance board to remind us to pray for the souls who have gone before us in November. For the feast of All Saints, we dressed up as saints and shared a fact about our saint. We also had a night of swing dancing, a Bingo night, and a service project night.
The youth of this parish are on fire for their faith. They are vibrant and joy-filled. The love they have for God, and for each other is inspiring. They are our future and it is bright!
I pray that your Advent and Christmas be filled with many blessings!
9/12/2022
In 2022, the Parish Pastoral Council welcomes 3 new members. We asked each one four questions to get to know them a little better.
Tony Rumreich
- What prompted you to accept this new role on the council? (Why did you say yes?) Simply put, because Father called and asked me to. Trusting in the Spirit, I just said yes.
- As a new member, what goals do you have in mind? (or what do you hope to accomplish) Be a good listener, a willing doer, a thoughtful contributor. To help encourage a vibrancy that goes beyond Sunday and draws in those who desire more than they expect. Cliches aside, growing ministries that meet the younger members (whether in physical age or spiritual maturity) where they are and then help them grow in participation is an area of big interest.
- What do you want our Saint Henry’s parishioners to know? "The Servant Song" is one of my favorites to sing and meditate on. I believe St. Henry's is full of people who think likewise. It is wonderful when we take time to get to know them or give them time so they can know us.
- What Mass time do you attend most regularly? 10:30 Sundays has been the standard. However, we do travel quite a bit for work and pleasure so St. Henry attendance can be in streaks. Wednesday morning Mass is also a favorite!
Louise Fasen
- What prompted you to accept this new role on the council? (Why did you say yes?) I said yes to being on parish council because I see it as an opportunity to be a help to our parish community.
- As a new member, what goals do you have in mind? (or what do you hope to accomplish) I hope to be a sounding board for Fr. Barnes and to be able to communicate the joys, hopes and concerns of our parishioners to him and our parish administration.
- What do you want our Saint Henry’s parishioners to know? I would like St. Henry's to be attractive to young adults and their families.
- What Mass time do you attend most regularly? My family and I attend the 8:30 Sunday morning mass most regularly.
Adriana Maldonado
- What prompted you to accept this new role on the council? (Why did you say yes?) Donny asked me to be a member of the council and I said: “If you think I can help or I can do something good for God and for our community, I 'll do it.”
- As a new member, what goals do you have in mind? (or what do you hope to accomplish) I would like to be a voice of the Hispanic community, make it grow and share our traditions to unite both cultures in God.
- What do you want our Saint Henry’s parishioners to know? I am a Mexican immigrant who came to this community and this Church 22 years ago, and began a closer relationship with God and his Church. Here I got married and I had 2 daughters. I feel very blessed to belong and serve in this community.
- What Mass time do you attend most regularly? I Attend Spanish Mass 1pm.
7/28/2022 Thank You from Sister Carrie
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
My feeble words can’t come close to describing the beauty and outpouring of love of my farewell weekend. My cup overflows with gratitude. I appreciate your every expression of thoughtfulness and the opportunity to bid farewell within a moment of so much abundance. Your well wishes, cards, and gifts are so appreciated. Monetary gifts will allow me to offer a donation in your name toward the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and her neighboring countries as well as assist me with personal needs and expenses during this time of transition.
My prayer for you:
May you be blessed with a sense of beauty and may beauty come and visit your life. May you be given the grace of recognition so that you may learn to see in a new way all that is beautiful about you.
The Divine Imagination -John O’Donohue
In our Risen Lord, Sr. Carrie Link, PBVM
Moving Day By Sharon Iano
We had a good time when we (Sharon and Tony Iano and Bill and Kathy Kelly) took Sister Carrie to the Presentation’s Motherhouse in Dubuque IA. We had the opportunity to visit with other sisters who served at St Henry’s.
Our first stop was in Charles City to have a brief visit with Sister Diana. Sr Irma had dinner with us at our own special dining room table. She seemed very cheerful and happy to see us. She has Alzheimer's but shared a fun story about Fr Sipe who was the priest at St Henry’s in the 70s. Sr Emilie has Alzheimer's and is not able to talk. But she did light up when she heard Tony laugh and talk so his laugh was familiar to her. Sr Carrie's cousin, Sr Susanne, was there to greet us. She guided us into the dining room for dinner then on to unpack. Two staff and two sisters were right there joyfully helping Sr Carrie move in to her apartment. Kathy and Sharon set up Sr Carrie's art studio in the adjoining room. The studio has windows on both sides and Sr Carrie is very happy to have her own art studio with a North exposure. Sr Carrie has lovely living quarters and the grounds are beautiful. The Parish gift of a power lift recliner fits in just fine and she is overjoyed with the comfort and the CCW quilt. We all settled into comfortable quarters after unpacking. The next day as we were leaving, we had a good feeling about Sr Carrie's new residence at Sisters of the Presentation.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
4/22/2022 Parish Pastoral Council
What is the Parish Pastoral Council?
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body, and it strives to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit among God’s people in our parish. The Council serves to advise the Pastor, who presides over the council, through researching matters brought forth by the Pastor or by members of the parish, reflecting on them, and making recommendations. Council members also serve as liaisons to parish ministries in order to help implement the parish vision and mission. In this ladder role, they provide an additional path to communicate ministry needs. Most of all the Parish Council consists of a diverse membership that reflects and represents the parish.
Specifically, the Parish Pastoral Council’s purpose is to enhance the process of:
Pastoral planning, Developing pastoral programs, Improving pastoral services, Evaluating the effectiveness of various ministries, programs and services.
The Council is not a body which makes binding decisions, although the recommendations of the Council are to be taken seriously when grounded in prayer, discernment and common wisdom.
Who is on the Parish Pastoral Council? Current members are Donny Lill (chair), Dean Flicker, Brian Lutes (Secretary), Michelle Rosnow, Jill Nelson, Renee Berens (Co-Chair), Melissa Anderson, Judy Ashley, Tim Davis, Karen Dehmer, Ryan Graham, Dick Frie, and Father Barnes. Pictures of the council members can be found on the bulletin board by the office. You will recognize these members by the Parish Council badge many of them wear when they are attending mass or other parish events.
When does the Parish Council Meet? Parish council meets monthly, usually the third Tuesday of the Month after Mass.
Can anyone attend a Parish Council Meeting? Yes, anyone can attend a meeting. If you have an agenda item that you would like to discuss please reach out to Donny Lill, Council Chair and request an agenda item.
What to do if you have an issue or question to bring to the council? You may contact the Parish Office.
How does someone become a member of the Parish Pastoral Council?
Parish Council members serve a 3-year term and each year nominations are received from the Parish at large for the terms that are opening at the end of the parish fiscal year (June 30). Once collected and reviewed there is a discernment period and then we call those chosen to discuss their nomination. The nominations are usually accepted in May, discernment in June and new members start in July.
Is information about the parish council on-line? You can find information about the parish council and the meeting minutes on the Church of St. Henry’s website under Parish Life and are posted in the Parish Council board in the office hallway. The link is https://www.sthenrycatholic.info/Parish-Pastoral-Council.
Parish Pastoral Council liaisons:
Communications & Stewardship which includes:
Council of Catholic Women, Knights of Columbus, Communication, New Member Welcoming team, Stewardship team, and others.
Sacraments & Worship which includes:
Altar Servers, Cross Bearers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Music Ministry, and others
Charity, Pastoral Care and Justice which includes:
Hospital Communion, Help Center & Food Shelf, Mission Outreach, Pro-Life Ministry, Prayer Chain, and others
Administration & Maintenance which includes:
Building & Grounds Board, Cemetery Board, Church Cleaning (Church Mouse), Finance Committee, Garden Group, Trustees, and others
Faith Formation and Evangelization which includes:
Adult Small Groups, Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, Library, and others.
Remember – Be Who God Created You to Be!
4/8/2022 Eucharistic Adoration to get new Software
Beginning April 25, the Church of Saint Henry will begin using an automated software program called, We Adore Him for Eucharistic Adoration. We Adore Him is software used by adoration programs throughout the archdiocese and has a high satisfaction rate among adorers. The program is easy to learn and simple to use for all ages, English, and Spanish users. All parishioners can see which hours need another adorer should they want to spend time with Jesus in adoration.
“What is not to like? I love the reminder notification, and if I need a substitute, I simply push a button and my request goes out. I do not have to spend time making phone calls.” -Susanne from St. Ambrose in Woodbury
Benefits for committed hourly adorers include easy ‘check in.’ An iPad screen is located on the pillar near the cabinet where the paper sign in currently is. Adorers tap it, that is it! This feature allows us to keep adorer contact information private. Another benefit is ease in finding a substitute. When an adorer needs a substitute, they will use the tool that automatically contacts substitute adorers one at a time until someone agrees to take the hour. No more time-consuming phone calls! Finally, you will receive reminder messages and bulk notifications in the way that works best for you, text, phone call or email.
Learning tutorials will be available online https://www.sthenrycatholic.info/adoration
Eucharistic Adoration Team
Program Coordinators: Marcia Flicker and Deb Fluharty
Adoration Team Captains (Adorer Contacts)
Carol Goodwin and Alan Warmka Midnight – 5 am
Melissa Schaefbauer and Tim Davis 6 am – 11 am
Louise Necklen and Grace Janssen 12 noon – 5 pm
Jenny Meyer and Angela Schaefbauer 6 pm – 11 pm
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
Eucharistic Adoration is a devotion where we unite in taking hours of adoration before the most Blessed Sacrament both during the day and throughout the night. The purpose of this Holy Hour is to encourage a deep personal encounter with Christ. God is constantly inviting us to come to Him, to adore Him, praise Him and to give thanks to Him. Use this quiet time to pray, to pour your heart out to Jesus or to sit quietly and just “be” in the presence of God.
The Presentation Chapel is open for visitation Sundays at 6 pm through Fridays at 11:59 pm., except when Mass is occurring. If you do not have an adoration hour, doors are open during office hours. Come, Jesus is waiting for you. Please keep in mind that doors lock after business hours and require security access. Please contact the parish office for more information.