Bulletin for October 18th, 2026
TWENTY-NINETH SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
Sacramental Preparation Programs
Not only are our Faith Formation/Religious Education classes underway, but we are preparing our 2nd grade and older children for First Reconciliation this fall/winter. This will be followed by preparations for First Communion. Parents are actively engaged in this work.
These programs are parish based and rely on the faith and efforts of parents to help prepare their children. I’ve enjoyed meeting the parents of our children at several parent meetings. At this time in our pastorate, our sacramental preparation takes place in each parish.
Not only are our Faith Formation/Religious Education classes underway, but we are preparing our 2nd grade and older children for First Reconciliation this fall/winter. This will be followed by preparations for First Communion. Parents are actively engaged in this work.
These programs are parish based and rely on the faith and efforts of parents to help prepare their children. I’ve enjoyed meeting the parents of our children at several parent meetings. At this time in our pastorate, our sacramental preparation takes place in each parish.
Know that several of our parishes are grouped into the Heart of Mary Cluster (includes Walker, Urbana and Vinton). These parishes do a joint program of sacramental preparation together. There are exciting moments ahead for our children as they prepare (with their parent’s help and care) to receive Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Did You Know?
Children of 2nd grade age who have not been baptized participate in a different process to receive the sacraments. As they are older and not yet baptized, they are prepared for Baptism, Confirmation and their First Communion all at once. The follow a modified process like the adult initiation process (OCIA). All three sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil (again like we do with older adults!).
Yes! That means that those who may be only 8 or 9 years of age are also confirmed and that is not delayed until they are of high school age. At 8 years old or more, we don’t treat them like infants or younger children. We see them as able to participate, learn and pray in ways younger children cannot. So, their preparation follows an entirely different path and their sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. I’d wager many of you perhaps did not know this, but this is in sync with the Church throughout the world and explicitly emphasized for almost 40 years in the U.S. Why is this a less known process? Simple, in the past most children were baptized as infants. Currently, Baptism has been delayed for many children, so this is far more common today.
Did You Know?
Children of 2nd grade age who have not been baptized participate in a different process to receive the sacraments. As they are older and not yet baptized, they are prepared for Baptism, Confirmation and their First Communion all at once. The follow a modified process like the adult initiation process (OCIA). All three sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil (again like we do with older adults!).
Yes! That means that those who may be only 8 or 9 years of age are also confirmed and that is not delayed until they are of high school age. At 8 years old or more, we don’t treat them like infants or younger children. We see them as able to participate, learn and pray in ways younger children cannot. So, their preparation follows an entirely different path and their sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. I’d wager many of you perhaps did not know this, but this is in sync with the Church throughout the world and explicitly emphasized for almost 40 years in the U.S. Why is this a less known process? Simple, in the past most children were baptized as infants. Currently, Baptism has been delayed for many children, so this is far more common today.
Pastoral Commission and Pastoral Councils
These two leadership groups will work in harmony though separately this year to address key issues for our pastorate and parishes. The Pastoral Commission members include appointed representatives from our pastorate parishes serving a one year term as we begin the process of our life and work as a pastorate. Though they are from various parishes, their efforts are to work together for the benefit of the pastorate and serve to advise me as pastor.
A member from St. Mary in Vinton remains to be appointed to the Pastoral Commission. Other members to the council include Richard Drake and Ken Klees from St. Isidore/Springville, Kelly Faughn, Sherry Kramer, and Sam Pritchard from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton/Hiawatha, Peter Brecht and Ruthanne Weighton from St. Stephen/Central City, Dave Francois from St. John/Coggon, Matt Ramsey and Nicole Trapani from St. Joseph/Marion, Dennis Dorothy from Sacred Heart/Walker, and Michele Koppedryer and Todd Peterson from St. Mary/Urbana.
This group meets Thursday, October 15 for their initial meeting.
Each of our parishes also have representatives with one year terms named to a Pastoral (previously termed “Parish”) Council. Pastoral Councils have not met yet, but will following the meeting of the Pastoral Commission since their work in each parish will be related to the work of the commission. I am grateful to those who have agreed to serve on both of these groups for the coming year.
Your counsel and advice to me are important!
These two leadership groups will work in harmony though separately this year to address key issues for our pastorate and parishes. The Pastoral Commission members include appointed representatives from our pastorate parishes serving a one year term as we begin the process of our life and work as a pastorate. Though they are from various parishes, their efforts are to work together for the benefit of the pastorate and serve to advise me as pastor.
A member from St. Mary in Vinton remains to be appointed to the Pastoral Commission. Other members to the council include Richard Drake and Ken Klees from St. Isidore/Springville, Kelly Faughn, Sherry Kramer, and Sam Pritchard from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton/Hiawatha, Peter Brecht and Ruthanne Weighton from St. Stephen/Central City, Dave Francois from St. John/Coggon, Matt Ramsey and Nicole Trapani from St. Joseph/Marion, Dennis Dorothy from Sacred Heart/Walker, and Michele Koppedryer and Todd Peterson from St. Mary/Urbana.
This group meets Thursday, October 15 for their initial meeting.
Each of our parishes also have representatives with one year terms named to a Pastoral (previously termed “Parish”) Council. Pastoral Councils have not met yet, but will following the meeting of the Pastoral Commission since their work in each parish will be related to the work of the commission. I am grateful to those who have agreed to serve on both of these groups for the coming year.
Your counsel and advice to me are important!
All women are invited to join the Friday morning group as they begin a new study on Genesis through Ascension Press. Each Friday from 9:30am-11:00am the group meets to watch a video, discuss and share community together. No registration is required, just join us on Friday mornings in the Formation Center, just off Seton Hall. For more info contact Trish Lokmer: tlokmer@seasp.org
Each year on All Souls’ Day, we gather to pray for our departed friends and loved ones. In faith, we entrust them to God’s mercy, believing that life is changed, not ended, and that beyond death we continue our journey of purification and growth in holiness. This year, we are having a pastorate-wide Mass of Remembrance on Monday, 11/02, at 6:30pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. During this Mass, we will remember in a special way parishioners from throughout the pastorate who have passed away this past year. All are invited to come and pray for our deceased and to support one another in grief. Strengthened by hope, we look forward to the day when we will be reunited with them in the glory of the Resurrection and the joy of the heavenly banquet.
Upcoming Training
We are having Eucharistic Minister training for anyone interested on the following dates:
Sunday, October 18th, 10 AM
Wednesday, October 21st, 6 PM
We are also in need of ministers who are interested in taking communion to the care centers or to the homebound. If you are interested, please contact Martha at mgarciawegener@seasp.org or fill out the Ministry Interest Form below:
We are having Eucharistic Minister training for anyone interested on the following dates:
Sunday, October 18th, 10 AM
Wednesday, October 21st, 6 PM
We are also in need of ministers who are interested in taking communion to the care centers or to the homebound. If you are interested, please contact Martha at mgarciawegener@seasp.org or fill out the Ministry Interest Form below:
We are looking for more ministers for daily Masses (lectors and EMs) and to lead the Rosary before Masses and at Adoration. If you're interested in ministering for any of those, please contact Martha (mgarciawegener@seasp.org).
Congratulations to Tate Richard Weber, Son of Ryan & Kimberly Weber as he joins our parish family through baptism this weekend!
Information on how to baptize your child at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton can be found on our baptism webpage. If you would like to schedule a baptism, please get in touch with Kathy Lester (klester@seasp.org).
Information on how to baptize your child at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton can be found on our baptism webpage. If you would like to schedule a baptism, please get in touch with Kathy Lester (klester@seasp.org).
To women of CR North Pastorate
Please join other women at Coffee & Conversation, which is held at Mr. Beans Restaurant in Marion on the 4th Friday of each month. The August meeting is on the 28th at 9:30 AM.
This is a good way to meet and make new friends. Please join us.
Please join other women at Coffee & Conversation, which is held at Mr. Beans Restaurant in Marion on the 4th Friday of each month. The August meeting is on the 28th at 9:30 AM.
This is a good way to meet and make new friends. Please join us.
SUPPORTING OUR XAVIER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TEACHERS AND STAFF: PARISH CAMPAIGN UPDATE
The Xavier Catholic Schools Impact Fund will once again help support our shared commitment to providing competitive and equitable salaries for Xavier Catholic Schools teachers and staff. For more than 20 years, parishioners have generously supported our schools through the Parish Campaign in the fall.If fall is when you traditionally make your gift, we encourage you to continue doing so.Gifts are also welcome whenever it is most convenient for you throughout the year.Our goal this year is to raisemore than $2 millionthrough the XCS Impact Fund. Funds are raised through several campaigns throughout the year:
·Business Outreach --> October 19, 2026, through Thanksgiving
·Dancing with the Saints --> January 30, 2027
·Parish Outreach--> Kicks off in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week last week in January 2027
·Generosity Challenge/School Families--> March 2027
·Forever Saints Day/AlumniOutreach --> April 2027
No matter when you choose to give, your generosity helps us continue investing in the dedicated teachers and staff who serve our students and families every day. Giving is easy! Make your gift online at crxcs.org/give or mail a check to: Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation, PO Box 10956, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410. Bonus: If you choose to give this fall, you will be removed from the parish outreach in January. Thank you for your continued support of Xavier Catholic Schools and Catholic education in our community.
Xavier High School Community Service Day Nov. 11
Xavier High School students will be out in the Cedar Rapids/Marion/Hiawatha communities for the annual Community Service Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. If you’re elderly or living with a disability and could use help with leaf raking or window washing, we’d love to lend a hand! Just give us a call at 319-294-6635 and we’ll get you on the list.
Xavier High School students will be out in the Cedar Rapids/Marion/Hiawatha communities for the annual Community Service Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. If you’re elderly or living with a disability and could use help with leaf raking or window washing, we’d love to lend a hand! Just give us a call at 319-294-6635 and we’ll get you on the list.
Please Pray for XHS Juniors and Leaders on Kairos 58
Kairos retreats are a powerful multi-day experience that allows XHS juniors to step away from daily distractions and deeply reflect on their identity and faith. Translating to "God's time" in Greek, it fosters meaningful connections with self, others, and God through shared testimonies, small groups, and community building. We invite our entire parish and pastorate communities to keep these young people (and retreat leaders) in your prayers as they embark on this transformative spiritual journey Oct. 29-Nov. 1.
Kairos retreats are a powerful multi-day experience that allows XHS juniors to step away from daily distractions and deeply reflect on their identity and faith. Translating to "God's time" in Greek, it fosters meaningful connections with self, others, and God through shared testimonies, small groups, and community building. We invite our entire parish and pastorate communities to keep these young people (and retreat leaders) in your prayers as they embark on this transformative spiritual journey Oct. 29-Nov. 1.
Xavier Catholic Schools (XCS) Part-Time Food Service Team Members Needed!
XCS is seeking part-time food service team members to support our schools by ensuring our students receive healthy meals in a clean and welcoming environment. Responsibilities may include dishwashing, serving, food preparation, and much more!
If you are interested please contact Lauren Van Hoeck, XCS HR Manager, at 319-739-7300 ext. 408 or hr@crxcs.org
XCS is seeking part-time food service team members to support our schools by ensuring our students receive healthy meals in a clean and welcoming environment. Responsibilities may include dishwashing, serving, food preparation, and much more!
If you are interested please contact Lauren Van Hoeck, XCS HR Manager, at 319-739-7300 ext. 408 or hr@crxcs.org
Sunday, Oct 18 | Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Matthew 22:15-21
8:30 AM Mass - ♰ Harry Larson
11:30 AM Mass - ♰ Pat & Tom Tyrrell
Monday, Oct 19 | Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs | Luke 12:13-21
12:15 PM Mass - ♰ Marjorie Meeker
Tuesday, Oct 20 | Weekday | Luke 12:35-38
9:00 AM Mass
Wednesday, Oct 21 | Weekday | Luke 12:39-48
Reconciliation, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rosary, 11:45 AM
12:15 PM Mass - ♰ Eileen Reilly
Thursday, Oct 22 | Weekday | Luke 12:49-53
Rosary, 8:30 AM
9:00 AM Mass
Rosary, 12:00 PM
Eucharistic Adoration, 12:00 - 8:00 PM
Friday, Oct 23 | Weekday | Luke 12:54-59
12:15 PM Mass
Saturday, Oct 24 | Weekday | Luke 13:1-9
Reconciliation, 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
5:00 PM Mass - ♰ Tim, John & Joe Grant
Sunday, Oct 25 | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Matthew 22:34-40
8:30 AM Mass - ♰ Roger & Carol Overbeck
11:30 AM Mass - For The People
♰ deceased
8:30 AM Mass - ♰ Harry Larson
11:30 AM Mass - ♰ Pat & Tom Tyrrell
Monday, Oct 19 | Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs | Luke 12:13-21
12:15 PM Mass - ♰ Marjorie Meeker
Tuesday, Oct 20 | Weekday | Luke 12:35-38
9:00 AM Mass
Wednesday, Oct 21 | Weekday | Luke 12:39-48
Reconciliation, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rosary, 11:45 AM
12:15 PM Mass - ♰ Eileen Reilly
Thursday, Oct 22 | Weekday | Luke 12:49-53
Rosary, 8:30 AM
9:00 AM Mass
Rosary, 12:00 PM
Eucharistic Adoration, 12:00 - 8:00 PM
Friday, Oct 23 | Weekday | Luke 12:54-59
12:15 PM Mass
Saturday, Oct 24 | Weekday | Luke 13:1-9
Reconciliation, 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
5:00 PM Mass - ♰ Tim, John & Joe Grant
Sunday, Oct 25 | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Matthew 22:34-40
8:30 AM Mass - ♰ Roger & Carol Overbeck
11:30 AM Mass - For The People
♰ deceased
Week Of October 11th, 2026
Weekly Offering: $21,821.04
(includes envelopes, checks & online)
EFT: 27,096.33
Loose Bills: $1,619
Loose Coins: $3.53
Total: $50,539.90
Weekly Offering: $21,821.04
(includes envelopes, checks & online)
EFT: 27,096.33
Loose Bills: $1,619
Loose Coins: $3.53
Total: $50,539.90
Thank you for your generosity!
If you'd like to update your giving method, please visit https://www.seasp.org/stewardship to see your options.
If you'd like to update your giving method, please visit https://www.seasp.org/stewardship to see your options.
Pastor, Rev. Neil Manternach
Parochial Vicar, Rev. James Brockman
Parochial Vicar, Rev. Emmanuel Fénélus
Parochial Vicar, Rev. Jacob Dunne
Parochial Vicar, Rev. James Goerend
Parish Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Phone: 319-393-3778 - Fax: 319-393-7165
Email: office@seasp.org
Website: www.seasp.org
Parochial Vicar, Rev. James Brockman
Parochial Vicar, Rev. Emmanuel Fénélus
Parochial Vicar, Rev. Jacob Dunne
Parochial Vicar, Rev. James Goerend
Parish Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Phone: 319-393-3778 - Fax: 319-393-7165
Email: office@seasp.org
Website: www.seasp.org
