Construction continues on the chapel at Tapio

Now that spring seems to be here, work is progressing at the new expansion of the Calvary Cemetery. Several parishioners showed up on May 2nd and 3rd to plant the shrubs and distribute rock around them, which will in about 3-5 years, form a beautiful boundary on the north, east, and south sides of this new expansion. Toward the end of May to early June, the middle walkway will be build with a nice bench feature in the center. The personalized pavers people purchased will be in that walkway. If you have already donated toward the cemetery expansion and would like to, you can donate online or drop it in the collection basket or mail to our office. Thank you!

We thank all of our parishioners who were able to help us this year with stripping and waxing the floors at St. Cecelia.

Deacon Bill Black of Divine Mercy Parish was awarded Deacon of the Year by the Iowa Knights of Columbus on Friday, April 14. Deacon Black’s wife Mavis and his family were there to celebrate this honor with him as well as District Deputy, Steven Scott and Grand Knight, Bruce Pfeffer from Knights of Columbus Council #952 of Algona. Bishop William Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines presented Deacon Black with the award. Steven J. Vonnahme, State Deputy and Rev. Raymond J. Higgins, State Chaplain were also present at the presentation of the award. The event was held at the Marriott in Downtown Des Moines. Photos of Bishop Joensen, Deacon Black, State Deputy Vonnahme and State Chaplain Higgins are courtsey of John McGee, State of Iowa Knights of Columbus

They have had many activities throughout the parish. They had a mission over Palm Sunday and distributed the song books and Bibles.

Continued progress on the new ramp at Sts. Peter and Paul in West Bend.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made our 11th Annual Parish Families Against Hunger Packaging Event a success! See the full article for details on how many meals were packaged.

Seminarian Jacob Rosenmeyer was installed to the ministry of Lector on Thursday, March 23rd at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, which is the next step on his path to ordination to the Catholic priesthood.

There is a flu epidemic in our twin parish. On Wednesday, January 11, the mobile medical clinic was at the most remote Chapel, Matthew, and saw 138 patients. They could have seen more but they ran out of medicine. Thursday, January 19th, 77 patients were seen by the mobile medical clinic at Duclair chapel.

The director of the construction of the chapel observes as building materials are being delivered to the site. These materials transported by individuals to Tapio.

Twin Parish Update from the Haiti Team: The cooks are preparing food for the children. Before our twinning project, the meals were cooked on a campfire. Construction of the chapel at Tapio is proceeding slowly. Last Saturday, they had more than 150 people carrying stones on their heads for the construction of the chapel at Tapio. The stones are quarried near Chantal.

Thank you to all who made the Taize Prayer Service happen last evening at Sts. Peter and Paul in West Bend and to all who attended. Taize is a beautiful service of song, silence and contemplation. What a wonderful opportunity this was during our Advent Season!

Saints Peter and Paul Church had to wait a few weeks for the arrival of bricks and railings, but the installation continues.

The southwest window repairs made by Krause Konstruction should have dried adequately by now. The roped off area will be opened up because no further falling of plaster should be happening. Riehl Decorating can’t make it back to do their interior repairs until after the first of the year.

Sande Construction came back to work on putting the brick on the side railings leading up the east entrances of the church. The same will be happening on the sides of the ramp on the south side of the church when this company has time to do it.

The chance to purchase a remembrance paver in the walkway of the new Calvary Cemetery Expansion is getting limited. The new deadline is Sunday, November 27 for ordering a paver. You have three options to choose from on the order form. What a great way to keep the memory of loved ones in a lasting memorial.

The final pour of the front steps was completed on Thursday, August 25.