This weekend we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord when Jesus was taken up into heaven. As Jesus went up, he sent his disciples out to preach and teach. He gave them the commandment to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." From that moment, the Church has been working at this task. It is fitting that as we celebrate this missionary aspect of the Church this weekend, we also welcome Fr. Steven Adu representing the Diocese of Ilorin, Nigeria. This is part of our annual participation in the Missionary Coop for the Diocese of Sioux City. Father Adu will be with us at our weekend Masses to share how we can assist the Diocese of Ilorin in their call to spread the Gospel. We will also take a second collection for their missionary needs that will be forwarded on to the diocese and then given to the Diocese of Ilorin. Thank you for your generosity. 

You may recall seeing an article in the newspaper this winter about a group of artists from Mexico who would be returning to Storm Lake to share their skills making mosaics. Through a serious of discussions, an opportunity presented itself to St. Mary's to be the recipient of a generous donation of a mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. The artists are in town this week completing their work. On Sunday at the end of our Mass in Spanish (around noon) we will bless the new mosaic which will be installed in the Guadalupe chapel in the church. Afterward there will be a reception with food in the parish center to greet the artists and benefactor and thank them for this generous gift. You are welcome to join us. I also want to offer a special word of thanks to Delores Cullen for helping make these connections that enabled us to receive such a unique opportunity and gift!

We have wrapped up our school year here at St. Mary's this week. Both my freshman and junior classes survived their final exams with me. Congratulations to our graduates and those that will graduate from Storm Lake public on Sunday and to the other graduates from the area schools in our parish. The end of the school year also means that I am tired and ready for a bit of rest. I usually spend time around Memorial Day with my family. Since I didn't get to spend any time with my mom on Mother's Day I am due for a bit of family time. I'll be heading out on Wednesday, May 24th and be gone through June 2nd. Father Schrad will be back for Masses on May 27th and 28th. No daily Masses during this time as we do not have priests available. 

As we enter into our "summer season" in the parish, please always make Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning a priority no matter where you are! 

Father Lingle