Ss John and Paul Altoona, IA

03/19/2026

Find all the opportunities for prayer, study, giving, and community fellowship! Finish out Lent strong by participating in parish life!
https://conta.cc/4dlv1KZ

03/18/2026

Join us in praying for Bob Biegger and his family as they prepare to lift him up to the Lord. May he rest in peace.

Find Bob's funeral arrangements here.
https://conta.cc/3NG4JZDs

Email from Ss. John and Paul Pray for the repose of the soul of Bob Biegger YOUR PRAYERS NEEDED Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears be attentive to the prayer of this place. ~2 Chronicle

03/17/2026

You might be surprised to learn that the term for the liturgical season we're in is not Greek, Latin, nor Italian. What does the old English term "Lent" mean?

03/17/2026

Happy feast of St. Patrick! 🍀🍀 In addition to being the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick is also the patron saint of engineers and migrants. In Ireland, it is tradition to pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick on his feast day and on Trinity Sunday. Tradition says he wrote the prayer to protect himself and his monks from an ambush while traveling. You can find the whole prayer here ➡️ https://www.iampatrick.com/breastplate/ 🔗⁣
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📸:I am Patrick, a docudrama following the life of St. Patrick, learn more at https://www.iampatrick.com/

03/16/2026

Two of our OCIA candidates (Bill Steucker and Joel Morrow) and three catechumens (James Anderson, Jr., Miranda Avery, and Stephanie Nipp) celebrated the Rite of Sending on Sunday, February 15 and then joined 47 other parishes on February 22 for the Rite of Election with Bishop Joensen. See more photos from the two rites, and pray for them as their journey continues!
Rite of Sending: https://conta.cc/3NCOc8K
Rite of Election: https://conta.cc/4beodNX

03/16/2026

Chevy and Maria Freiberger, of our own Ss. John and Paul Parish, support the Annual Diocesan Appeal because they know it helps the Bishop in his work throughout the Diocese.⁣
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More about the ADA will be shared soon!
Make a gift at dmdiocese.org/ada

03/14/2026

In Sunday's Gospel, the Pharisees refused to see what was in front of them. Their blindness was stronger than that of the man born without sight, because it was a blindness they chose for themselves. So what will it be for us? Do we choose blindness, or do we choose sight?

To better prepare for Mass, look at the readings ahead of time and use these questions for reflection or conversation in your household. https://conta.cc/2PgrXr0

03/13/2026

While adults and teens enjoyed an enthralling presentation by Katie Patrizio at our parish mission, the younger kids also enjoyed bible-filled adventures! Check out photos of the kiddos' adventures here: https://conta.cc/4lt8DBD

03/12/2026

Check out everything that is happening at the parish in the coming week! Join us for Adoration and Rosary, Mass, soup suppers, the Knights fish fry and more! There are ways to enhance your prayer life, opportunities for almsgiving, community activities: something for everyone!
https://conta.cc/3NaaO0f

03/11/2026

Bishop Joensen shared a statement regarding recent developments in Iran. "We are struck and sobered by the initiative and scale of United States military operations in recent days in Iran...May the God who stands over all nations convict us, convert us, and draw us together as sisters and brothers united on the path leading to the peace only Jesus Christ can give. " Bishop Joensen asks that we offer one additional day of fasting for peace. Read his complete statement here:
https://conta.cc/4bCvQxN

03/11/2026

We're a day late again, but here's the Trivia question...⁣
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Why does the priest sometimes wear rose vestments on the Fourth Sunday of Lent? ⁣
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If you don't know the answer offhand, you may find it in Fr. Mark's bulletin article this coming weekend. ;)

03/11/2026

Ss. John and Paul Parish was honored at Catholic Charities' Shamrocks & Shenanigans fundraiser last Saturday because of the almost 800 hours of service given to Catholic Charities Food Pantry last year by SSJP parishioners. Super-volunteers Leon and Becky Stidfole, and Al and Diane Zadow were on hand to accept the recognition for the parish. A big thanks to them and all the other volunteers to selflessly give of their time to lift up and show dignity to our brothers and sisters in need! ☘️❤️

Ss John and Paul Altoona, IA