St Mary Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Iowa

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

The first officially recorded casualty of 9/11 was a Catholic priest.

Father Mychal Judge was designated Victim 0001 because his body was the first recovered and certified by the medical examiner. But the number recorded beside his name is not what made his final moments so extraordinary.

As people fled the devastation, Father Judge stayed close to those who were suffering. He prayed over victims in the streets, then entered the North Tower, where he continued offering comfort and prayer to rescuers, the injured, and the dying.

He remained beside them until falling debris from the collapse of the South Tower took his life.

Father Judge spent his final moments doing exactly what he had devoted his life to doing: bringing the presence of Christ to people in their darkest hour.

Today, we remember him. We remember every innocent person who left home that morning and never returned. We remember those who died in the towers, at the Pentagon, and aboard the four flights. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel, and ordinary people who ran toward danger to save someone they had never met.

We also remember the families who were forced to carry an unimaginable absence for the rest of their lives.

✝️ May God welcome every soul lost on September 11, comfort every person who still grieves, and protect those who continue to suffer from the lasting effects of that day.

May we never forget their names, their lives, or the love that survived even the worst of human hatred.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. 🕊️

09/11/2026

Join thousands as we celebrate Mass, enjoy time with Jesus in Adoration, hear world-class speakers and fill our spirits with music & prayer!

09/10/2026

09/08/2026

On this World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, we join people of faith around the world in praying for our planet and all who call it home.

Recent disasters have brought heartbreak to communities across the globe, reminding us that environmental challenges often fall hardest on those with the fewest resources.

As Catholics, we are called to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who are suffering and to care for creation as a sacred gift entrusted to us by God.

May our prayers lead to action, compassion and a renewed commitment to protecting both people and our planet.

09/08/2026

💙 Today, we celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

On September 8, the Church rejoices in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary— the birth of the woman God chose to become the Mother of our Savior.

Before Bethlehem, before the manger, before the angels proclaimed the birth of Christ… there was Mary.

Her birth was a quiet beginning to something that would change the world. One day, this little girl would say “yes” to God, and through that yes, Jesus Christ would enter human history.

Today, take a moment to honor our Blessed Mother. Pray a Rosary. Bring her flowers. Attend Mass. And most importantly, ask her to lead you closer to her Son.

🙏 Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother!
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us and lead us always to Jesus.💙
Light a free prayer candle in honor of Mary's Birthday, at www.prayercandles.org

If you love our Blessed Mother, leave a 💙 or “Hail Mary” in the comments.

09/08/2026

Join us this Saturday morning at May Street Cafe in the hospital for a delicious stack of pancakes while supporting the CMH Foundation! 🥓🍳🥞

📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ 7:30–10:30 a.m.
📍 May Street Cafe
💙 Free-will donation

Bring your appetite and help us make a difference in the communities we serve! We hope to see you there! 🥞

09/08/2026

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Hugh O'Meara.

View Hugh O'Meara's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/08/2026

There is no daily Mass on Friday, September 11. Please consider attending the Hugh O'Meara funeral at 10:00 am