Thank you:
-to everyone who helped to celebrate the Fortnight for Freedom : Freedom to Bear Witness, June 21–July 4.
-to everyone who contributed to Peter’s Pence collection last weekend.
-to everyone who joins me for Adoration/Benediction on the First Fridays of the Month.

Fr. Jerome A. Degen [1933-2015, 81], pastor of Immaculate Conception-Moville 15 July 1994-15 July 1996 died Saturday June 27. His funeral was at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona on Thursday July 2. He retired in 2001. May he rest in peace.
As people continue to discuss the decision of the United States Supreme Court issued Friday June 26, it is important to remember this decision only affects those who marry according to civil law, i.e. in the county courthouse. This decision does not impact the Sacrament of Matrimony as celebrated by the Catholic Church. Catholics are bound to marry in the Catholic Church unless permission is received from the Bishop and weddings that take place in the courthouse is not recognized by the Church. Thus, “marriage" between same-sex couples is not marriage according to canonical definition (canon 1055).
Today is the Fourteenth (14 ^th) Sunday in Ordinary Time. When Jesus went to teach in his native synagogue, there was such a lack of faith shown in him that he was unable to perform any mighty deeds. Are things different in our life? Are we accepting of all that Jesus could do for us? Or is our lack of faith creating obstacles to the wonderful things Jesus wants to do for us?
The Liturgy requires many ministers. Some of these ministries occur outside of Mass. This week I wish to focus on the ministry of the Collection Counter. These persons are trained to accurately account each weekend’s collection and work in teams of two on Sunday or Monday mornings. Counters undergo a background/credit check and Virtus training in accord with Diocesan and insurance requirements and training by the parish bookkeeper. We are in need of some additional Collection Counters as the few we have are asked to count the collection there are times when counters need to work up to four times a month. If you know of anyone who would make a good Collection Counter [adult], please ask them to volunteer using the form inside this bulletin.
Pray for the consecration of Russia to Mary by the pope.
May God bless you.