Holy Spirit at work in the Archdiocese

For the evenings of Sun. Oct. 1-Tues. Oct. 3, from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. there is a parish “mission” at St. Edward’s in Waterloo called “Holy Spirit: God’s Healing Fire.”

In the past year or so a group of six or so priests from our very own Archdiocese attended a retreat where they were prayed over and had an incredible experience of healing in the Holy Spirit. They were so moved by this powerful experience that they want to bring that to others and so have organized their own parish mission right here in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. This now the third one of these that they will be doing – first one was in March in Bellevue, Ia., and the second one was in June in Tama, Ia.

Each night of the mission includes prayer, through much singing of praise and worship as well as Eucharistic Adoration. There are two talks by different priests throughout the evenings, on different aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit, including receiving Healing in the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each evening ends with the opportunity, if one wishes, for people to come forward, to be prayed over, asking for God’s Holy Spirit to heal, and to pour out gifts in a new way.

I am humbled and honored to have been asked to help out with this mission and be a part of it, as it seems to be a real movement of the Holy Spirit, which I think will bear much fruit right here in our own Archdiocese! I will be there each of the evenings, helping with various things including confession – which are available throughout the evenings as well. I have been asked to give a talk on Tuesday evening, Oct. 3, of the parish mission.

Sometimes watching the news can be discouraging. Even Church news can sometimes be discouraging. And sometimes it seems that the encouraging things we hear about in the Church are far away in other parts of the country.

But for me, this Holy Spirit mission is exciting and encouraging news AND it’s happening right here in our own Archdiocese of Dubuque! That God’s Holy Spirit is really alive and moving, and doing incredible things right here in our own little Archdiocese, in little ol’ Iowa!

I would invite you to consider attending one of the evenings (or two or all three of the evenings of the parish mission), if you’re able, to see and experience it for yourself. No need to register or anything, you can just show up!

And regardless if you’re able to go, I ask for your prayers for this parish mission, that it may bear fruit throughout the Archdiocese.

In other news: I, Fr. Kevin, will be gone to a silent retreat this week. I will be leaving this Sunday afternoon Sept. 24, and returning on evening of Fri. Sept. 29. Fr. Jangill will take good care of you all while I’m gone! Daily Mass schedule will be as usual.

In other news: Also, I know many of you have heard of the unexpected passing of one of the priests of the Archdiocese, Fr. Rick Dagi. Some remember him as he used to serve as pastor in St. Mary’s Ackley many years ago. His funeral will be on Wed. Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s in William, Ia. Please pray for the happy repose of his soul. Please pray for his parishioners who facing the unexpected loss of their beloved pastor. Please also pray for his family and friends as well.

Peace,

– Fr. Kevin