My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Easter Season is a time of great joy. We had a wonderful celebration this year. It is always a joy to see the new members who make their commitment to Christ and His Church during the Vigil Mass. We continue now the celebration of this great Solemnity. May it be a time of many graces for all of us.
Bishop Joensen was here 18 April to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. This, too, was a wonderful event. Please remember to pray for our young people who received this special Sacrament that their faith and commitment to the Lord will grow ever stronger.
Our children will be making their First Holy Communion at the beginning of this month as well. We pray that their appreciation of this great gift of the Lord will grow ever stronger in their lives.
We still need more pledges for our ADA 2023. I ask that all of you make some sort of pledge to help the parish reach its assessment. Working together we can easily make our goal through a little sacrifice on the part of everyone. Our assessment this year was $157,000.00. It will have to come out of the operating budget if we do not receive sufficient pledges toward this goal.
Also, we have our Ignite Campaign going on. Please do what you can to help.
May the upcoming holy Easter Season be one of many graces and blessings for all of you. I keep you in my daily prayers.
Devotedly yours in the Lord,
(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols
Pastor
The Ignite! Campaign raises up the dignity and image of God of everyone in our Diocese. As one body of Christ, it gives each of us the opportunity to invest in our priests, women religious, deacons, mothers, fathers, teachers, catechists, and children, who are the foundation upon which the Church and greater community are built. Click HERE to learn more.
Your gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) ensures the Church's mission of serving the people of God in southwest Iowa can continue. The ADA allows us to prepare disciples for the domestic church, invite and welcome people into communion, cultivate a culture of servant leadership and draw young people into a deeper communion. To give or pledge go here: https://www.dmdiocese.org/giving/annual-diocesan-appeal
***Be sure to select Des Moines, Basilica of St. John ADA in the parish drop down to ensure your money goes towards The Basilica's goal.