My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

My prayers are with all of you as we begin the New Year of 2021. I pray that the graces of the coming year may inspire you throughout this New Year that is upon us to grow in your faith and in holiness.

There was a good response to my Christmas Appeal this year. I thank you all for your sacrifices and generosity. We have caught up with our projected budget goal for the first part of the fiscal year. Please keep in mind the financial needs of the parish throughout the next six months.

The MASK MANDATE asked for by the Bishop for all parishes in the Des Moines diocese is still in effect. Everyone is asked to wear a mask while in the Basilica and the vestibule for Mass and any other function in the Basilica. I realize that there are different opinions regarding this, but I ask that you please obey the wishes of the Bishop out of a spirit of obedience. We are all subject to his authority. We did well for all of the Christmas Masses and there is no report of the virus spreading here. His Excellency has allowed an exception to be made for physical or psychological reasons. All social functions are still on hold for the moment.

Please be cautious and stay well. Take seriously the restrictions that have been placed upon us for our good and the good of others, such as frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizer, using masks and social distancing, and STAYING HOME IF YOU FEEL ILL IN ANY WAY OR MIGHT BE MORE VULNERABLE. Let us continue to pray for the day when we will be able to once again gather normally around the altar of the Lord and return to normal parish life.

I will be away for a while this month for my annual retreat at St. Joseph’s Abbey. All of the Masses will be covered by visiting priests. I will remember you in my prayers during my retreat days.

Let us go forward, trusting Divine Providence in all things. May all the Lord’s blessings for a New Year of grace be yours!

Devotedly yours in the Lord,

(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols

Pastor