Blessing of Pets: October 7th

Wednesday is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. And as you know, St. Francis has a great love of all God’s creatures. To honor this, families and individuals are warmly invited to bring along their family pets for a special blessing on Saturday, October 7th at 10 AM in the green space adjacent to the parking lot. In case of rain, the blessing will take place in McCann Center. All parishioners are encouraged to bring pets – dogs should be on leashes and other pets should be in appropriate carriers. We look forward to seeing all creatures great and small

Thank You

Thank you to all who helped mow the church grounds this past summer: Dean Baker, Bob Kuhn, Chad Klein, Cody Muhs, Greg Lucas, Ron Gulling, Craig Trotter, Lee Mangrich, Tim Linahon, Steve Mullan, Wes Justus, Mark Pollastrini, Jeff Hoebelheinrich, Curt Tremel, Mike Mommsen, Dan Hanisch, Joe McMinamen, Jim Thorpe, Len Rebik, Nick Steinbach, Joe Coen, Terry Fehr, Ed Schmidt, Jim Nilles, & Adam Stadelmann. We are always looking for new people to help with this ministry. If you are interested contact Dean Baker at 641-521-2547

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I want to thank everyone who came to the Fall Festival last Sunday – a great job by great people! And thank you to everyone who supported our youth financially. It is greatly appreciated.

This coming Wednesday – October 4th – the worldwide Synod of Bishops will convene with the topic “synodality” and understanding what it means in terms of communion, participation and mission in the Church. Synod isn’t a word that we use very often. But it means “to walk together”. So, when the Church gathers for a synod, it means that we are gathering to walk together in faith, into the future.

You may remember that Pope Francis announced this in March of 2020 but then it was delayed because of COVID. Listening sessions were held throughout the Diocese and the world in 20222, and we were asked to reflect on two questions:

When you think about your experience of your parish, our diocese, and the global Catholic Church, what breaks your heart? And what fills your heart?

The answers were compiled and sent to the Diocese who in turn sent them to the USCCB who in turn formed a report and sent it to the Vatican. This is a time for us to come together and listen to one another – and being open to the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are open to that power, we discern what is God’s plan and will for us – as a Church and a local Parish.

I think this Synod is asking more questions than could be answered, and I think we’re not sure what’s going to come out of this 2-year process. But we must be open to the Holy Spirit. As Pope Francis said: “Celebrating a synod means walking on the same road, walking together. When meeting others, Jesus would encounter, listen and discern, and those verbs characterize the synod…The Gospels frequently show us Jesus on a journey; he walks alongside people and listens to the questions and concerns lurking in their hearts. He shows us that God is not found in neat and orderly places, distant from reality, but walks ever at our side. He meets us where we are, on the often rocky roads of life. Today, as we begin this synodal process, let us begin by asking ourselves — all of us, pope, bishops, priests, religious and laity — whether we, the Christian community, embody this style of God, who travels the paths of history and shares in the life of humanity. Are we prepared for the adventure of this journey? Or are we fearful of the unknown, preferring to take refuge in the usual excuses: It’s useless’ or We’ve always done it this way?”

Wishing you a great week and please know of my prayers for you!

#iwontbackdown #onlyyoucandoitbutnotalone #ping (Prayers in Gratitude)

Come to the Table

Since January 2023 the Social Action Commission has been partnering with the Salvation Army to provide a monthly meal for anyone in the community who is hungry. Salvation Army Captains Tim and Peggy North have graciously volunteered their site’s kitchen and hall for us to prepare and serve the meals. The location is familiar to many and serves as a central location in Newton. The average monthly attendance has been approximately 25. Any leftover food is delivered to hungry people who are unable to attend. As needed, non-perishable items or pre-made frozen meals are included with the delivery. Feeding the hungry represents one of the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, so this program fits perfectly with the goals of Social Action.

If you would like more information or want to volunteer, please contact Lori Ward, 641-521-2313

K-8 Faith Formation Substitute Teachers Wanted

If you have a desire to help teach the Catholic Faith to our young people but are unable to commit to a full year as a catechist, we invite you to consider being a substitute teacher! Many times, throughout the year, we are in need of a substitute teacher and our resources are not where we would like them to be. If you are willing to be on a list for substitute teachers for this upcoming Faith Formation year, please reach out to Luke Gregory at shlifelongff@gmail.com or 792-2050.

McCann Flea Market & Vendor Fair

It’s fall which means it’s time for our annual McCann Flea Market & Vendor Fair. It will be held Saturday, October 21 from 9 – 2. Crafters, vendors and makers are wanted! Table fee will be $30. Call 641-521-9907 for information. Save your rummage items (no clothing) for the always popular rummage room. Drop off times will be a day or two before the event and will be announced

Stewardship Coordinator Position Available

Sacred Heart Parish is seeking a stewardship coordinator. This person will serve as a resource person to the Parish to work with Parish leadership and the different areas of ministry. It is important to have proficiency with MS Office, strong attention to detail, the ability to multitask and a commitment to confidentiality. If interested, please send a resume and references to: Fr. Marty Goetz (goetzm@diodav.org or 641-792-2050). A job description is available on request. Other details will be assigned as necessary

Mother Teresa: No Greater Love – film showing at Capitol II Theater on January 22nd at 4:00 PM, presented by Knights of Columbus and Church Life Commission. During the last half of the 20th century, Mother Teresa captured the imagination of the world through her dedication to serving the poorest of the poor. Filmed on five continents and featuring unprecedented access to institutional archives, this movie is a soaring tribute to a spiritual icon, a powerful witness of authentic Christian charity, and a guidepost for all who seek hope in our turbulent times. Join us to watch this inspiring, feature-length film. Bring your family and friends and be inspired to put your faith into action. Tickets sales begin the weekend of January 7th & 8th following Mass.

Welcome to the website of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located in Newton, Iowa.

This is a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Davenport. The church is located at 1115 South 8th Avenue East, in the southeast quadrant of Newton.

Sacred Heart is a vibrant Catholic Community, living its Eucharistic faith in the risen Jesus, proclaimed in word and deed, celebrated in worship and sacrament, and shared in outreach to the parish community, to the diocesan and universal church,  and to the wider secular community.

Our social center, staff offices, and administrative offices are housed in the McCann Center, dedicated in 1969 to the memory of the Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McCann, who served as pastor here from 1910-1960.

The church was dedicated in 1976 and was renovated in 2005, when a courtyard was enclosed to create a gathering space at the entrance to the church. This project included a new sacristy, a day chapel, and the creation of handicapped accessible restrooms. The key element of this construction is the addition of a flowing water baptistry, which also serves as our holy water font.

Please spend some time browsing our website, but more importantly, come and visit us in person and join us in the celebration of the holy Eucharist. May God bless you this day and always.