West Fork Catholic Community

On this Thanksgiving Day like no other, even now, O God, your name is worthy to be praised.
For in your mercy and kindness no thought of ours is left unguarded, no tear unheeded, and no joy unnoticed.

For the blessings we have known and for those we have yet to recognize, to you we give our grateful thanks.

For life that reminds us how fragile we are and also how strong we can be: We thank you, O God.
For sheltering that urges us to rediscover what truly matters: We thank you, O God.
For communication that allows us to connect in ways new and old: We thank you, O God.
And for mindfulness that shows us how much we rely on one another: We thank you, O God.

Watch over your family, Lord, gathered here and at tables separated by miles, and bless those who work tirelessly to keep us all safe.
Though we may be kept apart on this day that calls us together, we know your Spirit draws us close.

Lord, we ask you to ease the pain of empty chairs that bring to mind our beloved dead.
Let our grieving find its rest in your Son, Jesus, in whose Resurrection is our hope.

Grant your Spirit to be present here that this meal may become a foretaste of your heavenly table where every tear shall be wiped away, every hunger fed, and no distance can separate us from your love in Christ, from whom all good things come.

Amen.

ATTN:  West Fork Catholic Community

Due to the increases concerning the COVID-19 virus, there will be no Wednesday morning mass at Immaculate Conception in Moville until further notice.

Ushers, please ensure all entering the Church are wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, the Eucharistic Ministers will be distributing communion at the end of mass again in all 3 Churches.  Once you receive communion, we ask that you leave the Church to help eliminate socializing after mass both inside and outside.

Mandates from the COVID-19 Task Force and Bishop Walker Nickless as of Nov. 12, 2020 -
• The Bishop and COVID Task Force (T.F.) MANDATE, due to the risk of heighted spread of COVID-19, that effective on Friday 11-20-2020 all school program activity involving music/singing is to be done virtually with no live audience until further notice.
• As there is no clear line of authority to make a definitive decision as it applies to school sports the Bishop & T.F. highly RECOMMEND that all audiences for school sports events be virtual in nature until further notice.
There will be no change to the current attendance and scheduling protocols for the following:
• Weekend/Weekday Masses
• Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Adoration
• All Sacraments
MANDATE: All in-person parish group meetings/events (regardless of size) must go virtual effective 11-20-2020 until further notice.
Includes:
• Religious Education Programs
• Board & Leadership Meetings
• Meetings in General
• KC Meetings @ Parish Facilities
• Women’s Guild
• Bible Study
• Adult Education
• RCIA
• Marriage Prep
• Baptism Prep
• Youth Groups
• Parish Facilities are closed to outside group meetings… Scouts, etc.
With distancing and masks the following live events are approved
• Private Meetings with one or two people
• Drive Through Fund Raisers – Dinners, Sold Products, etc.
• No Funeral Dinners
• No Receptions or Parties
• No Facility Rentals
• ETC.
• **Exception for when schools use parish facilities for lunches, education venues and more due to COVID Protocols
Mandate on Singing / Music during Liturgies: Effective 11-20-2020 until further notice
• The use of cantors is prohibited with the exception of Liturgies on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• No Singing of Mass Parts
• Recorded Music is not allowed during liturgies
• NO Congregational Singing
• Instrumental Music is allowed during Liturgies
Mandate: Effective 11-20-2020 until further notice
• All parish and Central Catholic Office staff are to wear their masks when they leave their personal work area and are to constantly wear their masks when working in a common workspace with other co-workers.
Important reminder:
Liturgy duration should not exceed 30 minutes when at all possible
 

Congratulations to Jamie & Barb Sitzmann.
Jamie received the Rite of Acolyte this past week-end. He is one of seven who received this achievement after 4 years of extensive religious studies.
Your dedication and commitment to your Faith is inspiring.
We look forward to your Ordination to be a Deacon which is scheduled for June 2021.
Congratulations to you both on this great accomplishment.

Statement regarding pope's comments on documentary:
I want to speak to the faithful of the Diocese of Sioux City regarding comments reportedly made by the Holy Father that were released in the media yesterday about civil unions for same sex attracted persons. Unfortunately, as of now, no clarifications on these comments have come forth from the Vatican and the comments have caused many people to question whether Church teaching has changed. The remarks were made by Pope Francis in an Italian documentary film, Francesco, released in Rome about the pope and his ministry and approach to social issues.
The Holy Father, it is reported, commented that those with same-sex attraction should be part of a family, that they are Children of God. Other comments were made about his support of civil unions.
Pope Francis has not changed Church teaching regarding same-sex attraction, nor would he be able to do so. The sacrament of marriage can only be received by one man and one woman. The Holy Father is certainly not changing Church teaching but is encouraging us as Catholics to treat all human beings with kindness as we are all made in the image and likeness of God.  Those with same sex attraction are no exception.
I, as your Bishop, ask you to pray for those who struggle with their faith because of these statements reportedly said by our Holy Father as well as those who struggle with same sex attraction. Pray also for the Holy Father, and for me, your humble servant.

Most Rev. Bishop Walker Nickless

WANTED: Part-time Director of Faith Formation at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Kingsley to be responsible for the faith formation programs of the parish and to facilitate a process for assessing the needs of the parish children and youth to develop appropriate goals and objectives for the total program. Religious Education knowledge, skill, and experience preferred with excellent communication skills. Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing. For more information please contact the office at 712 873-3644

WANTED: Part-time Director of Faith Formation at Immaculate Conception Church in Moville to be responsible for the faith formation programs of the parish and to facilitate a process for assessing the needs of the parish children and youth to develop appropriate goals and objectives for the total program. Religious Education knowledge, skill, and experience preferred with excellent communication skills. Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing. For more information please contact the office at 712 873-3644