St. Joseph O'Brien County Faith Formation

06/01/2026

This week, we will witness God's overflowing goodness through the laughter of children, the dedication of volunteers, and the many blessings shared at Hartley Community Vacation Bible School.
We would like to invite you and your family to join us for our VBS Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 4th, from 7:30–8:00 PM at Grace Fellowship.

During this special time, our students will share what they have learned throughout the week as we celebrate God's faithfulness and the friendships formed along the way. It is sure to be a joyful evening filled with smiles, songs, and gratitude for all that God has done.

All are welcome! We hope you will join us as we celebrate a wonderful week of growing in faith together

06/01/2026

Happy first day of June! Take a moment today to soak in God's glorious rays and give thanks for the many blessings He has placed in your life.

The June Mass Schedule is now available. Thank you to everyone serving at Mass this month! Your willingness to share your gifts helps our Eucharistic Celebrations run smoothly and beautifully. You are a vital part of our Parish, and we are deeply grateful for your service.

06/01/2026

This week's Mass Intentions:
Monday, June 1 - NO MASS

Tuesday, June 2
8:00 AM Hartley St. Joseph - Bud Myers

Wednesday, June 3
7:30 AM Spencer Sacred Heart - Evyonne Reinbold
3:30 PM Riverview (Spencer) - Doug Rustan

Thursday, June 4
8:00 AM Primghar St. Anthony - Kathryn Walstrom

Friday, June 5
7:30 AM Spencer Sacred Heart - Jan Hazen
1:30 PM SPARC (Spencer) - Charles & Edna Finken Family

Saturday, June 6
4:30 PM Spencer Sacred Heart - Thomas Grote

Sunday, June 7
8:00 AM Primghar St. Anthony - The People of the Parish
9:30 AM Hartley St. Joseph - Ron Thole
11:00 AM Spencer Sacred Heart - Jay Wagner

06/01/2026

Please keep the students, volunteers, and leaders participating in Vacation Bible School this week in your prayers. We welcomed over 120 children on our first night and are excited to continue sharing the love of Christ with them throughout the week!

05/31/2026

Today, on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Bishop John E. Keehner promulgated his first pastoral letter, Sic Deus Dilexit Mundum: God So Loved the World, a pastoral reflection on the meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for Our World Today.

The letter was authored ahead of the June 11, 2026 consecration of the nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

https://www.scdiocese.org/letter?fbclid=IwY2xjawSJfWVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6azVQZlk3dXBCd1BCOXRNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqW_0IOcYcwBQwc52Y0IXwNoZOSaj0AtftZJuIjyJwWx_0Zrm0dPXsW9THjk_aem_FY86iVYJZBncC5trq5TtiQ

05/31/2026

Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love. Go now and celebrate The Most Holy Trinity!

Join Father Richter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer Iowa...

05/31/2026

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has registered to volunteer for Hartley Community Vacation Bible School! We are in for a fun and faith-filled week, and we are so grateful for your willingness to serve our community's children. 💚

📍 Volunteers: Please plan to attend our volunteer meeting on Sunday, May 31st, at 5:00 PM at Grace Fellowship. We'll review volunteer roles and share important information to help prepare for a successful week.

🗓 VBS runs May 31st–June 4th, 5:30–8:00 PM at Grace Fellowship.

🍽 Supper will be provided each evening.

👟 Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing for an active, exciting week!

Thank you for sharing your time, talents, and faith with this ministry. We truly could not do it without you!

Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be rooted in relations...

05/31/2026

The fun is about to begin! Don't forget to register for Hartley Community VBS!

All children ages four years old through 6th grade are welcome to join us at Grace Fellowship, May 31st–June 4th, from 5:30–8:00 PM. Supper is included each evening!

Volunteers are still needed! This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours, gain leadership experience, and boost your résumé while making a difference in the lives of local children.

Students and volunteers can register here:
https://vbspro.events/p/events/hartley2026

We can't wait to grow in faith and have fun together!

Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be rooted in relations...

05/29/2026

I am sorry to share that our friend, Fr. Anthony Pick, passed away on May 24th. Many of you may remember Father Pick from his time serving as pastor in Sutherland and Primghar.

Please keep Father Pick and his loved ones in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Father Anthony Peter Pick, retired priest of the diocese, died May 24. He was born Nov. 29, 1941 and was ordained a priest June 3, 1967. His funeral will be June 2 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Slayton, Minnesota at 10:30 a.m. Please keep Father Pick and his family in your prayers.

05/29/2026

If you find yourself in Spencer, be sure to stop for a sweet treat!

This weekend, after Saturday and Sunday Mass, please stop by and support our Bake Sale Fundraiser!

Our High School Youth Group is raising funds to attend the Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference. We’ll have a variety of both homemade and store-bought baked goods available.

Thank you for supporting our youth and helping make this faith-filled experience possible!