Given the Archbishops go ahead to reopen here is what I would like to communicate to you:
• We will proceed with our regular schedule for weekend and weekday Masses beginning May 30/31.
• Saturday Masses for the spring/summer are 4:00 at St. John’s and 5:30 at St. Patrick’s.
• Please remember to wear a mask. (For the safety of others)
• Remember you are still dispensed if you do not feel comfortable attending.
• Please offer the spiritual communion prayer, find a Mass on-line, and/or pray the scripture readings, and reflect on the homily found in the bulletin if you choose not to attend.  Resources can be found by visiting https://stjohnstpat.org/online-mass

Not quite ready to return to Mass yet and need to get your envelope turned in?  
Here are 3 options:

1. Mail it to the John Paul Cluster II office at 209 5^th St NE, Independence, IA 50644
2. Drop it off to the Cluster office at the address listed above
3. Sign up for ACH…
   1. St. John Parishioners can call the Cluster office at 319-334-7191
   2. St. Patrick Parishioners can contact your individual bank

Thank you for your continued support during this pandemic.  We truly do have the best church family!

We have had some inquiries into whether or not we would celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist this summer. After some consideration, speaking with some people directly involved, and looking at how celebrating the sacrament would look during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist until after school starts.
If we celebrated now, we would not be offering the cup, seating would be limited to one pew for each family, masks would still be expected to be worn, and there are no missals or singing, except by a distant cantor. We feel the “celebration” would be much more safe, inclusive, and celebratory if we wait until restrictions are lifted and COVID-19 is not so prevalent.
Please be assured that ample time for planning will be given! As soon as we know, you will be contacted! Once we have a schedule from the schools, we can start our planning!

Until further notice, the Rosary Society will not host or serve funeral dinners, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are monitoring the situation in our area.  We pray for all families who have lost someone, and who have to make other arrangements during this time.

Diane Williams, Rosary Society President

An estimated 43,430 northeast Iowans struggle with food insecurity. Many of these same individuals also struggle to provide personal care items for their families, and government food assistance programs such as SNAP do not provide assistance for purchasing personal care items. No access to personal care items leads to poor hygiene, health issues among both adults and children, and damage to a family’s well-being.

Providing funds for the local food bank to purchase these personal care items or providing the actual items goes a long way for these individuals.

Our cluster parishes are participating in a drive to help meet these needs. If you would like to help, you can purchase needed items yourself and bring them to church so we can deliver them, or deliver them yourself to our local food bank, or you may donate online at :

https://secure.givelively.org/…/northeast-iowa-food-bank-in…

Items needed include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine hygiene, toothbrushes, baby wipes, tissues, diapers, deodorant

We will be taking donations from now until August 9, 2020. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

Great news!  Our cluster parishes are providing your family with a free At Home VBS this summer. Your family can enjoy our Cat.Chat At Home VBS in the comfort and safety of your living room or maybe in the backyard with a few friends!  
Our fun 5-DAY AT HOME VBS begins on June 29, 2020. It is important to sign up early because it will take a couple of days for you to start receiving the VBS information! And then you can access it through August 28, 2020!
 Cat.Chat At Home VBS includes:

• A daily Cat.Chat Action Song Video for your children to watch, sing, and dance along to
• A Bible Verse Music Video to help kids memorize God's Word and plant seeds of faith
• 10 Cat.Chat VBS songs (2 songs daily) to stream from your device anywhere/anytime
• Printable faith and craft activities
• Snack and game activities
• A daily saint story and coloring page
• Prayers
• Connection questions to spark meaningful conversations
• Plus, an opportunity for kids to enter a SUMMER VBS coloring contest and win exciting prizes.

Make sure to select our VBS start date: June 29, 2020 when you sign up.
Then, look forward to receiving your At Home VBS email for 5 consecutive days.
Note: You will have access to this At Home VBS starting on your start date up until August 28th, 2020.

SIGN UP to receive your AT Home VBS: When entering your parish, please use John Paul II Cluster. Please go to this link to sign up!
https://mailchi.mp/catchat/paid-marvelous-mystery-at-home-vbs-email-for-parents
 
Thank you for being intentional about giving your kids the opportunity to grow in their faith!  This At Home VBS experience will bless your entire family. 
In Christ, 
Sharon Bainbridge