Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

09/08/2026

09/07/2026

Fr. Sean's Homily This Weekend

This weekend, Fr. Sean preached his homily on the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans (13:8-10). The key verse in this reading is verse 8: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

Fr. Sean explained that there is a difference between following the law and fulfilling the law. He used driving the speed limit as an example. What is the purpose of this law? To promote safety, to keep everyone safe. So, if you are driving 55 mph (or below) on a highway where the speed limit is 55 mph, you are following the speed limit law. But what if, while driving the speed limit, you are talking on your cell phone, fiddling with the radio, and swerving in your lane? You may be following the law, but are you fulfilling the law? Are you promoting safety? Are you looking out for your neighbors (driving in the other lanes)? No.

Fr. Sean said that we are not called to simply follow the law and observe the commandments. We are called to fulfill the law, and that requires loving one another.

“ . . . for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (13:8)

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Fr. Aaron is back in school! Here’s his “first day of school” picture and post:

Didn't think I'd be posting another "first day of school" photo in my life, but here it is! Classes start tonight for my Masters in Evangelization and Culture!!!

It's not the front steps of my rectory, but instead of the little reading nook in my office where I'll likely be doing most of my studying!

St. Joseph Cupertino, pray for us!

And on the "feast day" of "the Professor" (JRR Tolkien) himself!!!

09/03/2026

NEW ADULT FAITH FORMATION STUDY

Join us this October for our first pastorate-wide adult faith formation study: Conversion: Following the Call of Christ!

In this eight-week study, Bishop Robert Barron illuminates biblical stories of conversion (Bartimaeus, the Rich Young Man, Matthew, Jonah, etc.), demonstrating how ordinary people, just like you and me, were met by Jesus where they were and called to a better life through Him. Bishop Barron explains how conversion is not so much a one-time event, but a life-long process.

This study will be offered at all four churches in our pastorate on different days. The flyer for the study (with locations, dates, schedule, etc.) is available at pastorate churches, and it is also included in this post. The fee for the study is $25.00.

To register for the study, you can scan the QR code on the back side of the flyer, or click the link below.

https://giving.myparishsoft.io/App/Form/2f6f8d75-26e7-44cb-abfe-16e741008f94

The registration deadline is September 28.

09/02/2026

There’s a Senior Luncheon EVERY week in the Cedar Rapids Central Pastorate! 🍽️

Winner winner chicken...LUNCH 🍽

Join us each Thursday of every month for one of the dining/social opportunities going on in the four churches of the Cedar Rapids Area Central Pastorate.

09/01/2026

Join us for the next Coffee and Catholicism on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 PM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church - Chihak Hall.

Fr. Sean Smith will present, "St. Paul: Conversion and Mission."

08/29/2026

FrTom, FrSean, and FrAaron, the priests of the Central Pastorate, plus bonus priest Fr. Emeka Okoro, the Priest Chaplain at Mercy Medical Center, all representing at Friday Night Lights as the Xavier Saints opened the football season with a big victory over the North Scott Lancers.