The Newhall American Legion Auxiliary will host a pancake breakfast, Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the Newhall Legion Hall. Serving from 9:00 am—1:00 pm. Free will donation.

You are invited to a worship experience that will take you inside the famous da Vinci painting, The Last Supper. This drama and musical presentation is performed by a group of men from across Dubuque County reenacting that moment in history when Jesus tells his disciples that, “one of you will betray me.” The 2010 Lenten season is the eleventh year for this ecumenical ministry.  It will be Saturday, March 13 at 7:15 at St Joseph Parish in Marion.

The 14th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference will be held Saturday, March 27, at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids. The keynote speaker is Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. The conference includes various break out sessions Eucharistic Adoration, and Reconciliation. The day concludes with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Jerome Hanus. Registration is $35 by March 13 or $45 at the door and includes lunch. For more information, contact Blaine Miller at (319) 654-0050 or log on to the Catholic Men’s Fellowship web site at www.catholicmenonline.org.

Program is designed for Parish Leaders
Friday, April 30
St. Mary, Waverly
(More information to come)
Co-sponsored by:
Family Life Office
Catechetical Services
Office of Young Adults
1-800-876-3546

C.R.O.P. totals are in. $2447 was collected by all who walked at the Benton Community track from the Methodist Church in Van Horne. Many youth and adults participated. A check for $611 was presented to the Benton County Food Bank in Belle Plaine. The food bank thanks all participants!

The Norway American Legion will hold their annual fish fry, Friday, March 12. Serving from 5-8 pm at the Community Building.

St Patrick Spring Card Party will be held Palm Sunday afternoon, March 28, at St Patrick’s basement hall, Watkins at 1:30 pm. Derald and Janet Kimm will be the Chair of this annual event. Committee members: Ray Hinkle, Virginia Kuester, John & Julie Kuester, Robert & Dolores LaGrange, Donna Lohrer, Brenda McGurk, Dan Frese, Mary Meyer, Dan & Jean Nolte, Lloyd & Joyce Nolte, Mike Nolte. Anyone wishing to donate prizes may contact Derald or Janet Kimm, 319-227-7914.

St Paul’s Ham Dinner is Sunday, March 14, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Ham, party potatoes, corn, green beans, salad bar, rolls, desserts and beverages will be served. Cost is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6-12, free for children five and under. Carry outs will be available, call 223-5577. Come enjoy good food and fellowship.

The Knights of Columbus 5677 is holding a fish fry every Friday during Lent. Baked or fried fish, baked or french fried potatoes, grilled cheese, coleslaw, corn bread, pie and coffee. Serving 5:30-8:00 pm. Located corner of Mt Vernon Rd and Highway 13.

If you or someone you know has children with no health and dental coverage, encourage them to consider enrolling in hawk-i or Medicaid.  There two programs are offered by the State of Iowa.

There are as many as 27,000 children in Iowa without health and dental coverage.  There are many families who are eligible for these programs but they are either unaware of the programs or assume they earn too much money to qualify.  However, a family of three earning  $54,000 or more may be eligible.  Many families are cutting back expenses in these challenging economic times.  Health and dental coverage for children is too important.  No family will pay more than $40 per month for coverage in hawk-i. 

Signing your children up for health and dental coverage in Iowa for as low as $20 to $40 per month and some families pay nothing at all!  Our goal is to help the children get the health and dental coverage they need. For complete eligibility requirements, application, and answers to your questions, visit www.hawk-i.org or call 1-800-257-8563.

Often, major problems can be avoided by early intervention, by finding new ways of dealing with daily problems before they become a crisis. Through counseling, individuals, couples and families learn to work out their problems and have a better chance of staying emotionally healthy. Counseling services are provided, regardless of religion, race or financial status. Individual counseling is available, as well as marriage and family counseling.

For further information or for an appointment, contact one of the following sites:

Ames, 515-296-2759

Dubuque, 563-588-0558, 556-2580

Cedar Rapids, 319-364-7121

Mason City, 541-424-9683

Decorah, 800-772-2758

Waterloo, 319-272-2080

Also check their website: www.charitiesdbq.com

A rosary meditation for the homebound, sick, and dying is now available. Titled "Sit with Me", it is a beautiful recitation of the Rosary that includes all 20 mysteries. Pray the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries and experience meditative and scriptural reflections focused on bringing comfort and grace. It is led by Archbishop Hanus. Comments have included "This rosary has such meaning for each decade and keeps you attentive throughout" and "Especially good for the elderly. It is so clear and easy to understand." Contact the Queen of Saints office to order 319-228-8131.

Do you need to go to a doctor or go for medical tests? Benton County Volunteer Program has volunteers available to assist you with Medical Transportation. Grant money is available to help defray the cost of your trip. Please call our office for more information: Belle Plaine-319-434-6078 or Vinton 319-472-2830.