27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

04 October 2020

Immaculate Conception Parish

Fairbank, Iowa 50629

Today’s Readings Isaiah 5: 1-7

Psalm 80: 9-20

Philippians 4:6-9

Matthew 21: 33-43

Welcome to the "The Deacon's Door" 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

All of my possessions are on loan from My Heavenly Landowner, God!

The parable in the Gospel this week is not a parable of forgiveness and

love but of testing us to stand up for our faith. God calls all of us to

invest our time here on earth in the kingdom of God or the kingdom will

be taken from us, just like the tenants of the vineyard. If we do not do

our part, as called to do as Children of God, we risk never knowing the

splendor of heaven. So, we might ask ourselves, just what are we called

to do? Our mission is to serve others, recognizing that all we have in our

life is a gift from God. How are we investing those gifts?

We have all been there, thinking we do not have to do all that extra for

others. We don’t have to care for those we know are in need or to

forgive those who have wronged us. We might even have thought that

this life carries enough challenges and if we don’t take care of number

one, no one else will.

This can lead us quickly away from God. Sometimes we need a reminder

of what happens when we are not vigilant in the calling we have from

God at our Baptism. The parable today, in the Gospel, is one of those

reminders.

Think about this for a few moments - What do you have that you treasure most? Is it your home, your car, your farm, or property? How about your savings and the many special treasures you keep at home? Do you treasure the talents and skills you have developed and have been blessed with? How about your health and your family? Is it possible that it could also be your FAITH in God and your relationship with Him as your Lord and Savior? In the vineyard that Jesus describes, the Landowner planted it with care

and developed it to produce a plentiful crop. He then leased it out to

YOU. All those treasures you have in your life are gifts from God and

are on loan to allow you to better serve Him in this life and then in the

next. All of those gifts are entrusted to your care to deliver the bountiful

harvest when God, the Landowner, calls for them.

Sometimes it costs us dearly to give up the more precious produce of our

lives. When children grow up their parents must let them go. Workers

reach retirement age and must give up their life-long occupation and

their salary. In old age many must give up their independence and

sometimes their familiar surroundings as they move to nursing

homes. Death may take from us our nearest and dearest. It is no wonder

that we resist when we are asked to give up the produce of our lives.

The reality is that people do give up what they treasure when they put

their faith in God first. A person who can invest their treasures of time,

energy, money and talent in others, is doing just that. A person who can

invest love and caring in the raising of their children who will follow in

their footsteps as faith filled disciples of Christ themselves, has invested

a gift from God that is a huge treasure. When people accept the loss of

their youth and maybe their health, they often are faced to accept the loss

of their independence and the life they have treasured for so many years.

The real key is to ask if they can do that with the faith that God is calling

them to accept these challenges and face these sacrifices for the Glory of

God and the goal of eternity with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the Book of Job from the Bible, Job lost everything, but he remembered

that he was a tenant and not the owner of all that God had entrusted to him,

so he could peacefully pray: Job 1:21 “Naked I came forth from my

mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back there. The LORD gave and

the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!”

Pax et bonum” (Peace and Goodness) Deacon Jim Patera 319-509-1210 deacon.jim.patera@gmail.com

Ma

Waverly, IA 5

Lord, We Lift Up to You in Prayer…. Charlie Corey, Marci Willey,

Doreen Bixeman, Ron Babinat, Lindsey Ernst,

Scott McMahon (Jill Heinz brother), Michael McDonough,

Leo Wickman, Mary Ellen Youngblut Sherry Duffy,

Don Reiter (Angie Auel’s father) Jim Kaufman Sr.,

Don Brandt, Mary Ann Ryan, Melvin Sadler,

Dianna Snyder victims of hatred, racism, violence, natural

disaster; terrorism, and all in our parish, our community, and

our hearts who are suffering and in need of Christ’s healing

touch May they know His loving Presence in the eyes, hands

and hearts of those who give them care. May our prayers for help and healing rise like incense

to our God of hope, love and mercy.

Communion To Our Sick Or Homebound Ministry: contact Michelle Weepie 319-635-2428 or Bob Byersdorfer 319-635-2330

I C Parish Prayer Chain Hotline: Please contact Dorothy E. Duffy (Mrs. Jack) at 319-929-4788

Sacrament Of The Sick ~ Anointing for the seriously ill or dyng, call the Sacred Heart Parish Center 319-283-3743, or if having surgery speak with Father Atwood in the Sacristy before or after Mass

Baptism Class For Parents: All parents who wish to have their child baptized at Immaculate Conception

parish are required to attend a baptism class prior to scheduling the baptism. Please contact Deacon Jim at 319-509-1210 for scheduling details.

I C Cemetery – contact the parish office Funeral Dinners: Group #2 May, June, July, August We provide desserts & serve a catered meal

I C STAFF ~ Fr. Ray Atwood, Pastor ~

IC Parish Office Wednesday Mornings after 8AM Mass Office at Sacred Heart Parish Center 319-283-3743

Sacred Heart Rectory 319-283-9577 email: dbq151@dbqarch.org

~ Deacon Jim Patera ~ Office at Sacred Heart Parish Center 319-283-3743

Cell phone 319-509-1210

~Glenda Kleitsch IC Secretary/Bookkeeper~

I C Parish Office PH: 319-635-2211 located at 405 Fairbank St I C Parish Office hours:

Mon-Thurs 8AM – 3PM Closed Friday Mailing address: P O BOX 505 Fairbank IA 50629

email: icfairbank@gmail.com website: http://icfairbank.weebly.com/

Archdiocesan website: www.dbqarch.org

~Dan & Lynda Cutsforth, DRE & Youth Ministry~ DRE Office PH :319-635-2211

located in the Parish Center at 405 Faribank St Mailing address: P O Box 505, Fairbank IA 50629

Dan email: dcutsforth@dunkerton.k12.ia.us Lynda email: cutsforthlynda@yahoo.com

Jean Sauerbrei, Facility Rental Coordinator PH: 319-635-9151/ cell 319-296-8459

or email jmsauerbrei@yahoo.com

mailto:deacon.jim.patera@gmail.comhttp://icfairbank.weebly.com/http://www.dbqarch.org/mailto:cutsforthlynda@yahoo.com

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR SUNDAY CCD CLASS TIME Class time is now 9:20- 10:30AM. If Mass has not let out yet, do NOT drop your children off. Wait for Mass to dismiss. Thanks for your help!!!!

to Cody Kleitsch and Jessica Zmoos who were joined together in Holy Matrimony here at Immaculate

Conception October 3rd. May Christ always be at the head of your table, and the heart of your family. God’s Blessings.

October 2020 October 4-8 Father Atwood - retreat

Please call the parish office at 319-635-2211 if you need a priest

Thurs Oct 8 KC Meeting 7PM Sun Oct 11 Confirmation Mass 8:30AM (No CCD) Please enjoy Mass at a different time so the young people can celebrate confirmation with their parents and families members. Oct 11-15 Father Atwood – vacation Wed Oct 28 Pastoral/Finance Mtg 5:30 PM

November 2020 Sun. Nov 1 Peanut Butter Sunday Mon Nov 2 All Souls Mass 8:30 AM SH Sun Nov 8 All Souls observed 8:30AM IC Thurs Nov 12 KC Meeting 7PM

Wed Nov 25 Thanksgiving Mass 7PM SH No food drive

Bebe

September has been a busy month at Helping Hands Clothing Closet with 238 client visits. Thank you to all who have made monetary donations that will help with our ongoing utility expenses and purchasing underwear and socks for our clients. Also thank you for the donations of new school clothes and gently used clothing. As always a huge thank you to volunteers who gave more than 50 hours of their time in September during our regular open hours and to switch over to winter clothing. If you would like to volunteer at the Clothing Closet; please let us know. Anyone in need of clothing assistance is welcome to come to Helping Hands Clothing

Closet. All are welcome! ands

Sun Oct 4 8:30 AM IC John Loretta Nauholz Sun Oct 4 10:30 AM SH For the People Mon Oct 5 8:30 AM SH No Mass/Father on Retreat Wed Oct 7 8:00 AM IC No Mass/Father on Retreat Thurs Oct 8 8:30 AM SH No Mass/Father on Retreat Fri Oct 9 8:30 AM SH Shirley Keniston Sat Oct 10 4:30PM SH Leo & Mary Napoli Sun Oct 11 8:30 AM IC For the People Sun Oct 11 10:30 AM SH Gene Heitz Daily Mass being offered on SH Facebook Page - 8:30AM MHC: Deacon Jim Organist: Roxanne

Ask Father:

Answer:

The Stations or Way of the Cross are a traditional Lenten practice in which the faithful walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Stations will be offered after Wednesday Mass in Fairbank (ca. 8:20AM) and after 5:30PM Mass in Oelwein on Fridays (ca. 5:50PM). Please note that this is an extra daily Mass for Lent in Oelwein.

October Congratulatory Celebrations Celebrating 80+Birthdays!! Howard Meaney on the 4th Lorraine Corcoran on the 14th John Buzynski on the 23rd

Celebrating 50+ Anniversary!! Craig & Dianne LaRue on the 21st

Parish Financial $upport Sept 27-Oct 1 Budget $1257 Fall Dinner Donations Youth $2 $6840

Offertory $67 AWESOME!!! Assumption of Mary $30 Building Fund $45 Pledge Installment $200

Sept. Capital Campaign Donation $160 Pledge Inst $1981

September 2020 Online Giving

Budget $1640 Building Fund $20 Pledge Install $185

Total $1745

We offer our sympathy and prayers to ….. The Family and Friends of Pat Miller (Lynn)

and Melanie Menuey (Sandy Tagtow’s sister-in-law)

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on. Cherished memories never fade because one loved is gone.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,

for as long as there’s a memory they live on in our hearts.

Prayer Before Our Election: Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city, state, and country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender. We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Matthew 21: 33-43 Today's Gospel follows directly after last Sunday's Gospel in which Jesus was questioned by Jewish

religious leaders about the source of his teaching authority. After refusing to answer their questions, Jesus

tells the parable of the two sons and then criticizes the priests and elders for their lack of belief in John the

Baptist.

In today's Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to the priests and elders with a parable. In this parable, the

landowner leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the

tenants owe to him. Several times the servants are sent to collect payment, and each time they are beaten and

killed by the tenants. Finally, the landowner sends his son to collect his rent. The tenants, believing that they

will inherit the vineyard if the landowner dies without an heir, plot together and kill the landowner's son.

After telling the parable, Jesus questions the chief priests and elders about what the landowner will do to the

wicked tenants. They all agree that the landowner will kill the wicked tenants and give the land to new

tenants who will pay the rent.

In telling the parable, Jesus is clearly drawing upon Isaiah 5:1-7, which is today's first reading and one that

the priests and elders would have known well. Jesus doesn't, therefore, have to explain the symbolism of the

parable; the Pharisees would have understood that the vineyard represented Israel, the landowner represented

God, the servants represented the prophets, and the bad tenants represented the religious leaders. Yet Jesus

nonetheless explains the meaning of the parable for his audience: the Kingdom of God will be taken from the

unbelieving and given to the faithful. The chief priests and elders have condemned themselves with their

answer to Jesus' question.

Today's Gospel has a parallel in Mark 12:1-12. There are some notable differences, however. In Matthew's

version, the religious leaders condemn themselves; in Mark's Gospel, Jesus answers his own question.

Matthew names the religious leaders as Pharisees and chief priests. Clearly this Gospel shows the tension

that was mounting between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders who thought that his message was

dangerous. Matthew's Gospel was written about 70 years after Jesus' death and reflects the conflicts and

tensions found in the Christian community for whom Matthew was writing. Many biblical scholars believe

that the tension between Matthew's community and their Jewish neighbors can also be heard in today's

reading.

This Gospel reminds us of the importance of listening to God's word. God speaks to us in many ways—

through Scripture, through our Church tradition, in our Church's teaching, and through modern-day prophets.

Are we attentive and receptive to God's word to us through these messengers?

Taken from Loyola Press Sunday Connection

Homily Notes: What did I hear that I would like to remember or think about later???

Honor our Military men and women of the parish It’s not always easy to be away from home, family, and friends especially at Christmas time. Please contact Jean Bellis 319-240-4857 or the office if you have a loved one serving in the military. We don’t want to miss anyone!

Can and Bottle redemption NCYC thanks each of you who have contributed to their group by donating can and bottles. It is asked that you could separate the cans and plastic bottles for easy sorting and less handling.

All are Welcomed!! Sunday, October 18 – Columbus Club, 2102 S Frederick, Oelwein. Pancake Breakfast to Go. 8AM to noon Menu: Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs. Free will offering.. Sunday, October 18 – Carry outs only, Turkey Dinner, homemade with all the fixings (no drinks), IC Church, Masonville, 11:00 – 2:00 PM $13.00 Sunday, October 25 – Fall Dinner – Zion Lutheran Church, Readlyn, 11AM-1PM Free Will Offering, Menu: Ham, Cheesy Hash Browns, Corn, Salad, Pie and Dinner Roll. Drive-thru or Carry-out; Raffle for Quilt.

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connectionhttp://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/mark/mark12.htm

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