Baptism – We welcome God's children to the Church with the ceremony of Baptism. Contact Father Olsem at the Church office, (507) 831-3300, to set up a time that works best. Baptisms can take place following Mass on Saturday or Sunday, or another time that fits into your schedule. We do ask that one of the child's sponsors is a Catholic.

First Communion – our young people who are in the 2nd grade receive both the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. The First Communion Mass is held in the Spring. Please look at the Religious Education Calendar posted on this web site for the actual date that is scheduled.

Reconciliation – The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered before Mass on Sundays, from 7:30 to 7:45 am, at the Sacred Heart Church of Heron Lake. If you prefer, you may set up an appointment with Father Olsem to have Reconciliation at St. Francis Xavier. During the Lenten Season, a Reconciliation Service will be held at St. Francis Xavier. Please look for updates as they become available.

Marriage – Arrangements must be made with Father Olsem at least four (4) months prior to your intended date of marriage to begin the preparation process.

New Parishioners – we welcome you into God's family! If you are interested in learning more about our church, or would like to join, please stop in the Parish Office. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, please contact Father Olsem.

Anointing of the Sick – If you or a family member requires this Sacrament, please contact Father Olsem at the Parish Office.

You may refer to the "Bulletin" for the liturgical roles for the following weekend.

 

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Season of Lent - Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving: What will I/we do for Lent?

Prayer

1. Ash Wednesday – Faith Formation Classes Prayer Service at 5:30 pm. Mass at 6:30pm.
2. Following 5 Wednesdays:
   – Mass at 6:45 pm with student participation
   – Stations of the Cross following Mass with Confirmation students participating.
   
3. Adoration on Thursdays after weekday Mass and after the Holy Thursday Mass.
4. Ecumenical Services at the Presbyterian Church five Wednesdays at 12:00 noon. Father Olsem speaks and CCW serves the luncheon on February 27.
5. Sacrament of Reconciliation – Private and Reconciliation Service.
6. Faith Sharing: Read and discuss Scripture.
7. Private daily Stations: "My Daily Way of the Cross" cards will be provided.

8. Lenten Booklets, "Toward Glory," will be provided which has a reflection for each day of Lent.

9. Weekday Mass: schedule variable, check the weekly bulletin.
10. Visits in the church at any time. Study the weekend Mass Readings for the following weekend. Daily Readings are on http://www.dow.org.
11. Plan ahead to be present on Holy Thursday at 7:00 pm.
    – Good Friday at 1:00 pm
    – Easter Vigil at 7:00 pm at St. Francis Xavier
    – Easter Sunday at 10:00 am
12. Pray in the home which is the 'church in miniature'.
13. Worthington Deanery Retreats (March 1 & 2)

Fasting

1. Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and other days of your choice.
2. Abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and ALL Fridays of Lent.

Almsgiving

1. Special Collections

   a. Eastern Europe

   b. American Bishops' Overseas Appeal

   c. Holy Land Collection

   d. Rice Bowls

   e: Annual Diocesan Appeal

   f. Easter Flowers

   g. Food Shelf (MN Food Share during March)

   h. Easter Offering

   
   
2. Charities of one's choice.

The Church asks individuals to develop their own Lenten Program with the above made available to them. Gather your family and pray! Especially, PRAY FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD! Pray the Rosary individually or together daily.

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We've listed links to other web sites that we feel will be interesting to all Catholic worshippers. Please feel free to visit any or all of the following and enjoy what you find. If you have any suggestions for additional links posted to this page, please send them our way.

The Diocese of Winona - the name of this link speaks for itself, but the Diocese of Winona also maintains are rather large collection of links to Catholic web sites here.


•Web Sites for Catholic Families:

The following web sites are not meant to be all inclusive, but to act as a jumping off place for exploring cyberspace with your children (or by yourself!). Supervision is the key, as in all audio-visual experiences, and don't be afraid to check out sites together. The Internet is an excellent source of information about Church, and provides an opportunity to "see" the Church universal right in your own home.

Catholic News - The official news service of the U.S. Catholic Bishops.
Catholic Relief - Contains maps, newspaper articles, photos and more.
United States Bishops - The homepage of the United States Bishops. There are several departments that are of special interest to families on this site.
Affirming Life - This site may not be launched yet, but it is coming soon. Details prolife issues.
Catholic Forum - A 'full service' interactive web site.
Official Web Site of the Vatican - Beautiful art and photos, current stories about the Holy Father's travel... lots of history.
Catholic Greetings - Do you are your kids send 'e-cards'? This site has beautiful cards for all Holy Days and Feast Days.
Turn off the TV - An organization focused on 'turning off the TV' and doing things together as a family.
Bread for the World - Totally interactive site of Bread for the World. Deals with world hunger issues.
Irish Jesuits - The Irish Jesuits sponsor this site which features on-line prayer and meditation.
Catholic Teens - From the teen retreat team of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
American Catholic - The homepage of St. Anthony Messanger Press.
Mother Angelica's Eternal Word - Many, many wonderful things here.
Catholic Youth - A 'sister site' of St. Anthony Messenger Press that has Q&A from youth and the opportunity to ask questions.
EWTN - Eternal World Global Catholic Network - Homepage of Eternal Word Television Network, Global Catholic Network
The Catholic Encyclopedia Online - On-line version of the Catholic encyclopedia, under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus.