This prayer, from the U.S. edition of the Book of Blessings (no. 1965), is an adaptation of the prayer for the Church and for civil authorities which was composed by Archbishop John Carroll for use on the occasion of the inauguration of George Washington in 1789. This prayer, or particular sections of it, especially section 2, could be used at gatherings for prayer....

Due to the Blizzard warning from now until 6:00 p.m. Friday 1/15/2021, the 8:00 a.m. Mass on Friday 1/15/2021 is cancelled at OLGC-Holstein. [1/14/2021, 4:15 p.m.]

Gracious and loving God, we come to you in humble prayer for the United States of America....

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The coming birth of our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas fills our hearts with joy. This is much richer and deeper than the mere pleasures and happiness of the holiday season – family gatherings, special foods, giving and receiving gifts, lights and special songs. All these things can be good, but not everyone gets to enjoy these things. Yet Christmas is most certainly for everyone. Our Christian joy, then, is sparked by the deeper meaning of Christ’s coming:...

This year the Right to Life Rally will be available virtually for those who cannot attend due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Registration is free for the virtual event. Individuals and groups can register a...

Pete passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove. Funeral services for Homer G. “Pete” Stines, age 83, of Holstein are pending at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein.

RESERVATIONS to attend Masses of Christmas Eve and Day are REQUIRED due to limited seating due to Diocesan COVID protocols. DEADLINE TO REGISTER is Tuesday December 22, noon. A list of all attendees will be required. Only persons on the list will be admitted....

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, December 8, is a HOLY DAY [but not of obligation this year due to the current COVID-19 pandemic dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.] Masses will be celebrated December 8, 8:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception and 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

There is encouraging news about the development and distribution of vaccines against the coronavirus. Thanks be to God. Some people have concerns about the safety of the vaccine on account of the speed of its development and of FDA approval....

Change a Life, become a Knight today at kofc.org/joinus  Use code MCGIVNEY2020 to receive a free 1st year online membership, a $30 savings.  Offer good until 12/31/2020.

Died Thursday 26 November 2020. A private family funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception-Cherokee.

Died Monday 23 November 2020. Funeral arrangements pending and postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

Died Thursday 20 November 2020; Private family funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception-Cherokee

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS NORMA KOFMEHL, who died November 12. Funeral arrangements are pending and postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

As was noted in Fr. Mark's Saturday e-newsletter to all registered parishioners, the Diocesan COVID Task Force [CTF], which has consistently strongly encouraged everyone to wear proper face masks, to maintain 6’ physical [social] distance from those not living in their households, and to wash/sanitize their hands regularly, meet this past week to evaluate the current situation.  As a result, the CTF and Bishop Nickless has issued the following mandates effective 20 November 2020 affecting our parishes until further notice including all “in person” parish group meeting/events (regardless of size) must go to virtual gatherings including but is not limited to:  Religious Education Programs, Parish Board and Leadership Meetings, Meetings in General, KC Meetings at Parish Facilities, Women’s Guild, Bible Study, Adult Education, RCIA, Marriage Prep, Baptism Prep, and Youth Groups...

The Diocesan COVID Task Force [CTF], which has consistently strongly encouraged everyone to wear proper face masks, to maintain 6’ physical [social] distance from those not living in their households, and to wash/sanitize their hands regularly, meet this past week to evaluate the current situation.  As a result, the CTF and Bishop Nickless has issued the following mandates effective 20 November 2020 affecting our parishes until further notice: All “In person” parish group meeting/events...

is Wednesday November 11 and Thursday November 12, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. both days. Fr. Mark will be assisting as an on-air host all day Wednesday and Thursday, which can also be heard by visiting www.fhcradio.com and clicking on the “Listen Live” link at the top right corner which opens a popup box where you can join the mailing list or click ‘no thanks’ and then listen online. Many local guests will be interviewed and listeners will be encouraged to donate to keep Catholic Radio on the air in this part of the country. NO MASS THURSDAY 11/12, 8:00 A.M. at Cherokee.

The Ministry 2025 Team met this past week. Central to the discussion was the opposition to the proposed merger, alternative plans, and communication with parishioners. A letter to all parishioners asking for input is being prepared and will be sent out this month. Please stay tuned for this letter...

NOVEMBER: REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED DEAD - November is the month when we pay particular attention to our beloved dead. This year, we bear the added burden of a worldwide pandemic, of loved ones who died alone, of funerals postponed. Still limited by what is possible in person, we are called to think creatively about how to share our grief, recall our loved ones with gratitude, and look forward together in hope—in the virtual space, at our parishes, and in our homes. At each parish church we are not setting up the Book of Remembrance. However, the names of all parishioners who died the last twelve months have been placed in a basket near the Altar this year along with a vigil candle lit at every Mass for each of these persons. If you wish us to pray for any of your loved ones who have died, please submit their names in the collection basket or email their names to the parish office or call the parish office. These names will also be added to the basket and online list--CLICK THE TITLE ABOVE TO VISIT OUR BASKET OF REMEMBRANCE.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ--Next weekend, at all Masses for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 7-8, I ask you to support the special collection for the St. Joseph’s Education Society, using your regular collection envelope, the mailer you will have received, or an online donation ...