EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 1, 2018

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1 EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 1, 2018 'Redeemed' by Vicki Shuck The artist was inspired by Colossians 1:16-17,"all things being reconciled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." After his death, it wasn't just that Christ was brought to life: he brought all of creation with him! 2926 Beaver Avenue Des Moines, IA Parish School

2 WEEKLY THOUGHTS A P R I L 1, 2018 Dear Friends, A warm welcome to our parishioners, their friends and relatives, and any visitors joining us for the celebration of Easter. As you pray with us, I hope you experience the joy that is within our community. We are believers in Jesus Christ as our Savior committed to the values of education, justice, hospitality, and service. If you are visiting for today, we wish you God s guidance on your journey. If you are searching for a church home, we would be honored to welcome you into our parish community. We will host a New Member Gathering next weekend after the 10:30 a.m. Mass in our Media Center where our Welcome Committee and myself can visit with you more. I am not certain the long days of winter are behind us. The weather forecast is calling for snow and rain. However, as a store cashier reassured me this past week that due to the snow and rain, everything will soon be green. In a short time, new life will burst forth all around us; the piles of snow will melt, and give way to tulips breaking forth from the once frozen ground. Easter is a season to celebrate the power of God that creates anew every day. These five weeks of Lent were a time to allow God into our hearts, to hear again of God calling us out of selfabsorption into other-centeredness. This season of Lent has transformed our hard heartedness into lives of compassion and action. The Easter season does not end the day after Easter Sunday. The holy season continues for fifty days; concluding with the celebration of the Pentecost on May 20th. For the next 50 days, our community will celebrate in different ways the new life given to us by our Jesus, the Risen One. Within the Easter Season, there are a number of celebrations that highlight the ongoing creativity of God. These celebrations give us new life. I would like to highlight two of those celebrations: Divine Mercy Sunday and the celebration of the Eucharist along with a Sacrament known as the Anointing of the Sick. In May 2000, Pope John Paul II established the second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This current day devotion is not a new message. It is a reminder of who God is and has been from the very beginning. The truth is that God s very nature is Love and Mercy. A diocesan-wide celebration will occur at Christ the King Church in Des Moines on Sunday, April 8th at Christ the King Catholic Church (5711 S.W. 9th Street-Des Moines, IA). The Sacrament of Reconciliation will begin at 2:00pm. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 3:00pm. Bishop Pates will conclude the day with Mass at 3:30pm. The second celebration of God s creative presence is the Healing Mass, which is here at Holy Trinity on Sunday, April 15th at 2:00pm. In our lives, there are times that we experience illness (physical, emotional, or spiritual). The church proclaims that illness does not define who we are, nor does it have the last word. We will celebrate that God s creative and restorative power works through the Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist. If you know of someone that needs a ride to this service, please contact Sandy in the parish office at ext In the upcoming fifty days of Easter, may you and your family experience new life through the creative power of God that endlessly offers us mercy and love. To learn more about our parish and school please visit our website either at or On the website, you will find information to assist you in becoming acquainted with our faith community. Blessings of Easter joy! Please remember the faithful departed Gary Kramer Father of Beth (Blake) Reding Parishioner Laura Timm Grandmother of Chad (Andrea) Timm Parishioner God grant them eternal rest.

3 PARISH & DIOCESAN NOTES HEALING MASS SAVE THE DATE: Vacation Bible School 2018! Join us for a Healing Mass on Sunday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. If you or a family member want to experience God s healing grace, come to the Healing Mass. Father Michael along with two other priests will offer the Sacrament of the Sick during this Sunday liturgy. Anyone experiencing pain or distress whether mental, physical, or spiritual, is a candidate for the Sacrament of the Sick, so please join us on April 15th. ALL parishioners are welcome to attend and offer community support to those in need of healing. Refreshments will follow Mass in the Social Room. NEW MEMBER GATHERING & BREAKFAST AFTER 10:30 MASS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH If you are new to our Parish in the last 9 months, please come join us at the New Member Gathering after 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 8th in the Media Center of our School. Father Michael, our Welcome Committee & Staff will be on hand to share a cup of coffee and breakfast as well as answer your questions about our Parish & the Beaverdale Community. Hope to see you there and...welcome! CTO Applications Due April 6th Holy Trinity and Dowling families who would like to apply for tuition assistance for the school year must complete their applications by Friday, April 6, You may apply online at (Holy Trinity s school code is 450 & password is cto450). Paper applications are also available in the school or parish office. Vacation Bible School has set sail, and it's destination is Holy Trinity! This year's theme is "Shipwrecked, Rescued by Jesus!" We will spend our week together learning more about God's unconditional love for each and everyone of us. As in past years, there will be singing, dancing, games, funny skits, new bible buddies, making new friends, reconnecting with old friends, and most importantly, the chance to be closer with God! Vacation Bible School will run Monday, July 9th through Friday, July 13th. We will gather each day from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. VBS participants need to be entering kindergarten through 5th grade in the fall of 2018! For the youth of our parish entering grades 6-12 or an Adult; WE NEED YOU TOO! We always need youth & adult volunteers. Our past success is because of the great youth and adult leadership here at Holy Trinity. Participant cost will be $40 per child with a $100 family maximum (Financial aid is available, Volunteers are FREE). CD"s with this years music will also be available for purchase at $5 each. Applications will be available online through the parish website as well as at all the entryways of the church starting the weekend of April 7th & 8th. If you have a friend that's not a member of Holy Trinity, invite them to join us! If you have any questions please fell free to John Mertes, Director of Faith Formation at johnm@holytrinitydm.org, or via telephone at (515) , ext Don't Miss Out on All the Fun! Come and be a Castaway with us for the week!

4 PARISH & DIOCESAN NOTES Holy Trinity Parish Mission with Jesse Manibusan Mark your Calendars! Holy Trinity is excited to announce that Jesse Manibusan will be coming to be with our parish on Sunday, September 9th - Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 from 7:00-8:30 pm each evening. Jesse is a well know Catholic singer, songwriter, guitarist and speaker. He brings a larger than life personality and a heart that longs to evangelize the Gospel. His message is one that is universally enjoyed and loved people by all ages. This will be an extraordinary opportunity for our parish to gather as one and to learn more about what it means to live out our baptismal call in each and every aspect of our daily lives! Bring your kids, family, neighbors, friends and members of other faith communities! You don't want to miss it! Please keep a close eye on the bulletin, Holy Trinity Minute and parish website for more details. If you have any questions please feel free to contact John Mertes, Director of Faith Formation at johnm@holytrinitydm.org, or via telephone at (515) extension 224. I'm excited to see you there! Catholic Peace Ministry s Bishop Dingman Peace Award Event Catholic Peace Ministry s 23rd Annual Bishop Maurice J. Dingman Peace Award will be Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 6 p.m. This year s honoree is the Cy and Joan Engler family. The event will feature speaker Paul Engler, co-author of This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt is Shaping the Twenty-First Century, and will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (2926 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines). Peace and justice books will be available for sale by Beaverdale Books. Palestinian olive oil and Plowshares pins will also be available for sale. Tickets are $40. To reserve tickets please contact Patti McKee at or catholicpeaceministry@gmail.com. Respect Life Corner This is a debate about our understanding of human dignity, what it means to be a member of the human family, even though tiny, powerless and unwanted Henry Hyde Catholic Youth Camp (CYC) Registration for Catholic Youth Camp 2018 is underway and spots are filling quickly! Catholic Youth Camp is a sleep away summer camp for students entering 3rd grade through high school graduation. Every summer, over 1,400 young people will come to CYC to pray, learn about the Catholic faith, and have fun in the outdoors! CYC has updated many camp activities along with constructing a high ropes course and a crate stacker. Both create challenges that campers must work through and are designed to build self-esteem and strengthen team skills. CYC is located just outside Panora, IA about an hour from Des Moines. Don't let your kids miss out on this awesome opportunity and register soon! Sponsorships are available. To find out more and to register, visit or call The St. Joseph Educational Center presents Keeping Your Own Cup Full: Self care for Caregivers on Saturday, April 14, 2018, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at St. Boniface Church in Waukee. All who are responsible for the care of another person are invited. Includes 2 keynote speakers, choice of 4 breakout sessions with a variety of self help tips, light refreshments and comedian. Limited seating is available. To register, visit and click on EVENTS. SCRIP SALES HELP NEEDED Help is needed to sell SCRIP gift cards after Mass. Volunteers are assigned on a rotating schedule and typically help with one half hour shift per month. If you're interested in volunteering, please mail pto.htschool@gmail.com or speak to someone at the SCRIP cart after mass. Holy Trinity Parish s Annual Diocesan Appeal goal is $104, We have received pledges and gifts of $46, Payments of $36, have been received, leaving a balance due of $68, to meet our assessment due to the Diocese. To date, 80 families have made an ADA pledge or given a one-time gift. If you have not yet made a pledge to the ADA, please prayerfully consider what you are able to give to help us reach our goal.

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6 SPIRITUALITY OF THE READINGS Reading I: Acts 10:34a, Responsorial Psalm: 118:1-2, 16-17, Reading II: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8 Gospel: John 20:1-9 or Matthew 28:1-10 or Luke 24:13-35 Soft Light Night s dark soul awakens. Tiny chirps of life tug at its ear. Just the smallest candlefull of light peeks through its shadows. Dawn tiptoes in. It is the balance-point of all time. Easter. Friday tempted us to guilt about his wounds, thinking that our sins caused them. About his arms, still marked with shrill hurts. And maybe that is why he can hold us, enfold us so well. Maybe the wounds know somehow the shape of our small selves. Mothering Christ. The cantor at Easter Vigil sings these words: O certe necessarium Adae peccatum quod Christi morte deletum est! O felix culpa, quae talem ac tantum meruit habere Redemptorem!* Oh truly necessary sin of Adam, blotted out by the death of Christ! O blessed fault, which has merited such a Redeemer, so great a Redeemer. Isn t the cantor singing in praise of the sin of Adam and Eve? O necessary fault? Christ s death has taken their sin away. Is it right to rejoice about sin being necessary? Original sin does not really seem like a good or blessed event. Nor our selfish penchant for misdeed. Yet it is true. Without such a sin, such a Savior would never have had reason to come. Now Christ s wounded arms can sweep us up, comfort and absolve and hold us. We are blessed beyond words. Sins always carry in their revolt the pledge of forgiveness. Night always carries in its midst the promise of light. O vere beata nox, in qua terrenis caelestia, humanis divina iunguntur! O truly blessed night, in whom earth is wedded to heaven, and humans to God! Several rows of the people have their candles lit. Over there, a lot more. Soon half the church awakens to Christ s gentle light. And, quickly, the rest. Morning has eased their faces into daylight, into the soft, humble glow. Jesus became the night. Jesus is the light. We can see him for who he has been all along. The Christ of God. The essence of love. The modest flame who softly lights the world. John Foley, S. J. of the Center for Liturgy * Latin text is from the Exultet, an ancient chant sung during the Easter Vigil. It is traditionally performed by the deacon after the Paschal candle has been lit and the clergy have processed to the altar. Image: The Resurrection, Mattias Grunewald, ca FAITH QUESTIONS Question for Children: What sacrifices do you make for those whom you love? Question for Youth: Even the disciples had a hard time understanding Jesus Resurrection it is that surprising. What does Resurrection mean to you? What does Easter mean to you? Question for Adults: In what ways has God called you to die in Christ? How is this expressed in your own life?

7 SAINT OF THE WEEK Bernadette, Virgin, The oldest child of a family living in extreme poverty in Lourdes, France, Bernadette was born in January, Never healthy in her lifetime, she suffered asthma and other maladies during her childhood that stunted her growth and kept her from attending school. The result, and Bernadette s inability to read, meant that she could not receive her First Communion until she was about fourteen. It was at about this time that Bernadette experienced her visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On February 11, 1858, Bernadette, a sister, Toinette Marie, and a friend went out to gather firewood a routine chore in the cold winter. When they reached a stream which fed the river Gave, the other girls decided to take off their shoes and stockings and cross the stream in their search. Bernadette, with her poor health, understood that her mother would be upset if she went into the chilly water and so stayed behind. But, after some time, Bernadette grew impatient when her companions didn t return. She also crossed the stream to the grotto on the other side. As she approached the grotto, Bernadette felt a strong wind. As she looked up, she saw a beautiful lady in a long white dress with a blue sash and a white veil. The lady was holding a rosary. Smiling at Bernadette, the lady beckoned to her. Though she was somewhat frightened, Bernadette pulled out her rosary and prayed with the lady who, when they were through, vanished. This was Bernadette s first vision. Over the next seven months, she was to have many more. Bernadette told the other girls of her vision as they returned home, but bound them to secrecy. As might be expected from young children, they could not keep this to themselves. Her mother forbade her to go back to the grotto, but, a few days later, Bernadette felt an irresistible calling to return where, once again, she recited the rosary before the lady. On her third visit, the lady spoke to Bernadette directly for the first time and asked her to return each day for the next two weeks. As word of Bernadette s visions spread throughout the region, more and more people came to witness the apparitions. While none of the spectators could see or hear the lady, she gave Bernadette some instructions. Bernadette was to do penance for sinners, she was to ask the priests to come in procession and to build a chapel on the site, and she was to drink of the water from the spring in the grotto. The lady also told her that she would not attain happiness in this world, but would in the next. Bernadette had to dig to reach water that trickled from a spring in the grotto, but was flowing steadily by the time Bernadette returned. Many were skeptical of Bernadette s visions, with some of the local officials threatening to put her into prison for fabricating her story. But, Bernadette s parish priest, also skeptical at first, asked her to find out the lady s name and, as a sign, to make the rose bush where Bernadette saw the lady come into bloom out of season. The first miracle at the grotto followed the twelfth vision on March 1, That night, a girl with a misshapen arm who was a friend of Bernadette from Lourdes plunged her arm into the waters of the spring. She immediately regained full use of her arm. A crowd of eight thousand came to the grotto for what would be the fifteenth vision on March 4, Many were expecting a miracle, but no sign was given and Bernadette still had not learned the lady s name. For a few weeks following this visit, Bernadette felt no compulsion to visit the grotto, but, when she returned on March 25, she asked the lady, Please tell me your name. The lady responded, I am the Immaculate Conception. The words meant nothing to Bernadette, but she ran back to the village repeating the words so that she would not forget them. Just four years earlier, in 1850, Pope Pius IX had declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette did not know this and her parish priest, aware of that, now began to believe that the girl was seeing the Blessed Mother. Bernadette was to have two more visions: in April and July of In the first, she was holding a burning candle. The flame licked at her hand, but she was not burned. This was witnessed by a doctor. In the last and final vision, the eighteenth, Bernadette s access to the grotto was blocked by a barrier and she was unable to cross the stream. Nevertheless, she felt that she was standing exactly where she had stood through all of the previous visions. Within weeks of Bernadette s final vision, her local bishop began an inquiry into the authenticity of these apparitions. After a four-year study, he submitted his opinion that these were of supernatural origin. A few years later, Bernadette was placed in the care of the Sisters of Charity in Nevers and, at the age of twenty-two became a member of that order, taking her vows in October, Having suffered pulmonary problems throughout her life, Bernadette died of tuberculosis on April 16, St. Bernadette was canonized by Pope Pius XI in December, She is the patron of Lourdes as well as of those suffering bodily ills, and of those who are ridiculed for their poverty. She is honored on April 18 in France. Bernadette's message today: All of us have been given gifts by God, even those who are suffering. We are meant to use these gifts for the benefit of those around us. How are you using those gifts that you have been given by God?

8 PARISH AND SCHOOL CALENDAR SUNDAY 04/01 MONDAY 04/02 TUESDAY 04/03 WEDNESDAY 04/04 THURSDAY 04/05 FRIDAY 04/06 SATURDAY 04/07 HT School NO SCHOOL KC Closed Chess Club 7:15 am MC All School Mass hosted by 5th grade 8:30 am Battle of the Books 7:30 am MC $1 Jeans Day hosted by 6th grade Faith Formation RE Faith Formation/ Edge Adult Faith Formation Misc. Easter Sunday Parish & School Offices Closed RCIA Adoration 2:00-10:00 pm Knights of Columbus meeting 7:00 pm Mass and Liturgy Schedule and Intentions Sunday, April 1st 8:30 am Mass Lynette Donner 10:30 am Mass Sawyer Bjornsen Monday, April 2nd 8:00 am Mass Communion Service Tuesday, April 3rd 8:00 am Mass Mary Grochala Wednesday, April 4th 8:30 am Mass For the Parish Thursday, April 5th 8:00 am Mass Margaret Pommer Friday, April 6th 8:00 am Mass Elizabeth Brien Saturday, April 7th 4:30 pm Mass Peg Kotz Sunday, April 8th 8:30 am Mass For the Parish 10:30 am Mass Olive Boggus Give the spiritual gift of a Mass. Offer it for the soul of a loved one or someone special in your life. Contact the Parish Office at to schedule a mass intention Financial Blessings Ending Week of March 18, 2018 Yearly goal (July 17-June 18) $1,019,700 Weekly offertory collected $7,637 Year to date offering $750,430 Liturgical Ministers and Altar Servers Saturday, April 7th at 8:00 pm Altar Server St. Catherine Team Lectors Aaron Zenti Lauren Zenti EMHC Team 1 Cantor Jean Severson Organist/Pianist Janice Weast Sunday, April 8th at 8:30 am Altar Server St. Thomas Team Lectors John Goode Tammy Keiter EMHC Team 1 Children s Liturgy Team C Cantor John TeKippe Organist/Pianist Janice Weast Sunday, April 8th at 10:30 am Altar Server St. Scholastica Team Lectors Mary Ellen Winston Billy Howe EMHC Team 2 Children s Liturgy Team 6 Musical Coordinator Jim Shutt CH - Church 6N, 6H, 7R, 7P, 8B, 8Bro Classrooms DC - Day Chapel Gym - Gymnasium K - Kitchen MC - Media Center PO - Parish Office Conference Room SR - Social Room SL - Staff Lounge

9 PARISH CONTACTS HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH Rev. Michael A. Amadeo, Pastor 2926 Beaver Ave Des Moines, Iowa PARISH OFFICE Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (515) ext. 128 SCHOOL OFFICE Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (515) ext. 116 Fax: (515) RELIGIOUS FAITH FORMATION OFFICE (515) ext. 224 For a Staff Directory, Calendar, or a List of Ministries and Groups, please go to PARISH REGISTRATION Registration forms are available in the pews, at the Parish Office or call ext SCHOOL REGISTRATION Contact Melissa Heller at mheller@htschool.org MASS TIMES Weekend Saturday: 4:30 pm Sunday: 8:30 am & 10:30 am Weekdays Monday: 8:00 am Communion Service Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 8:00 am Wednesday: 8:30 am All School Mass Adoration Thursday: 2:00 pm 10:00 pm Reconciliation Saturday: 3:00 pm ext. 115 or SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Baptism: Class is held once a month on a Monday at 7:00 pm. Contact the Parish Office to register. Matrimony: Contact the Parish Office at least 6 months prior to the wedding date. RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process adults go through to come into full communion with the Catholic Church., contact Jim Wilwerding at or jimw@holytrinitydm.org PASTORAL CARE Anointing of the Sick: Contact the Parish Office at ext Communion to the Sick: If you are aware of someone who is homebound or in the hospital or nursing home and would like to receive communion, contact Sandy at ext Prayer Chain: In the event of a crisis or serious illness of a family member or friend, your party will be included (with their permission) through a phone tree of parishioners who offer prayers daily. BULLETIN ARTICLES Submit no later than noon, Friday (10 days before date of Sunday bulletin). parishoffice@holytrinitydm.org Articles will be subject to edit and available space. Advertisers of the Week: To advertise your business, please contact Andy Negrete in the Parish Office ext. 129 or andyn@holytrinitydm.org FACILITIES SCHEDULING & RENTAL Parishioners may call Andy Negrete at ext. 129 for more information.

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