St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church

06/01/2026

05/30/2026

May 30 - Today is the Memorial of SAINT JOAN OF ARC (1412 - 1431): virgin, visionary, soldier / warrior, and martyr.

In our pilgrimage to France, our first stop was Rouen, where we visited the Basilica of Notre Dame of Rouen and the Church of St. Joan of Arc. Outside the Church of St. Joan of Arc (where we had Mass), we saw the exact location where Joan was burned at the stake in 1431.

Joan of Arc was born in the village of Domrémy in northeastern France 🇫🇷 in 1412. From a young age, she was deeply devoted to God and reported receiving heavenly visions and messages from Saints Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria and Margaret of Antioch. These voices instructed her to help liberate France during the latter stages of the Hundred Years' War and to support the rightful heir, the future King Charles VII.

At only seventeen years old, Joan persuaded military and royal leaders to allow her to accompany the French army. Clad in armor and carrying her banner, she inspired French troops and played a decisive role in lifting the Siege of Orléans in 1429. Her courage and faith helped pave the way for the coronation of Charles VIl at Reims, a turning point in French history.

In 1430, Joan was captured by enemy forces and handed over to the English. After a politically motivated trial, she was condemned and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19. Twenty-five (25) years later, the Church declared the trial unjust and null. Joan was beatified on April 18, 1909 and canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920.

Today, Saint Joan of Arc is honored as the patron saint of France, soldiers, and those who courageously follow God's will despite great opposition.

The final photo is of the St. Joan of Arc stained glass window in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Saint Joan of Arc,
pray for us!

05/29/2026

Here are some photos from last night's Mass celebrated to commemorate Fr. Aaron's 10th anniversary as a priest.

Thanks to Naomi Lynn Photography (Naomi Rizzio) for providing the photos!

05/28/2026

Adding to today’s celebration of Fr. Aaron’s 10th anniversary as a priest of Jesus Christ, here are a couple of special photos from our recent pilgrimage to France.

It was a special blessing for Fr. Aaron (and for us) to celebrate Mass in the Basilica of the Curé of Ars (St. John Vianney), who is the patron saint of parish priests. The incorrupt body of St. John Vianney is located in this basilica - not too far from where we had Mass! (First photo)

We were also blessed to celebrate Mass in the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy, France, where the relics of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances de Chantal are located. Fr. Aaron has a special devotion to St. Francis de Sales. (Second photo)

05/28/2026

Today is the 10th Anniversary of Fr. Aaron's ordination to the Priesthood. We will hold a Mass this evening 6:30PM at Immaculate Conception with reception to follow in Scotus hall.
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05/25/2026

Here are more photos from yesterday's Ordination Mass at the cathedral in Dubuque.

Congratulations to our four new priests: Fr. Peter Binder, Fr. Joshua Krischel, Fr. Jacob Francois, and Fr. Thiet Hoang!

05/23/2026

Deacon Joshua Krischel is now Fr. Joshua Krischel!

Congratulations Fr. Joshua!

Here are a few photos from this morning.

05/22/2026

Deacon Joshua's priestly ordination and first Mass are this weekend. He will be ordained on May 23rd at 10AM at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque, with his Mass of Thanksgiving (first Mass) taking place on Sunday, May 24th at 5PM at St. Francis of Assisi Parish (St. Henry Church) in Marshalltown, Iowa.
The 8:30am Saturday Mass and the 5:30PM Sunday Mass times this weekend here at Immaculate Conception are cancelled to allow people to attend the Ordination and then-Father Joshua's first Mass.

05/18/2026

There is NO confessions, Mass, or Adoration on Tuesday May 19th, 2026.
This is due to a funeral being held at St. Wenceslaus beginning at 10:30am.
Thank you for your understanding.

05/18/2026

You are Invited to join us in celebrating Fr. Aaron Junge's 10th Anniversary of the Priesthood.