Message from Father Ignatius
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October 2011
Dear St. Raphael parishioners and friends,
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy…” – Philippians 1:3-4
Recently, I spent a warm autumn morning at a favorite outdoor spot, reading, musing and praying under the expanse of an enormous, venerable white oak. I was thinking about and praying for many of you and as I was doing so, I was admiring this behemoth of a tree I was under. It surely must be at least a few hundred years-old. Its largest branches stretched out probably 60 feet in every direction from the massive trunk, and even the thickness of these branches eclipsed the thickness of most other tree trunks I have seen. In short, I felt safe and protected with this stout trunk at my back and the huge tangle of branches spreading out over my head.
In this tree, I saw a picture of how God protects and shelters us- and how He provides for us as well. This tree surely has provided plentiful shade, a formidable windbreak and abundant food for countless animals over the years. God provides for the animals and He provides for us. St. James, the brother of the Lord writes that “every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights….” As we are reminded that God is our good Provider, let us return the favor and give generously for the support of St. Raphael Church during 2012. Everything we have is His, isn’t it?
In Christ,
Fr. Ignatius
Message from Parish Council
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Your contributions (your prayers, service, and gifts) enable the St. Raphael parish to provide meaningful worship and outreach in Iowa City. Giving also allows each of us to grow spiritually by putting our relationship with God ahead of our own desires. This year, the Parish Council asks that we all consider making a regular gift toward our mortgage expenses, in addition to the general church budget. With everyone’s support, we will achieve the goal of meeting all our financial obligations.
Your servant in Christ,
Todd Wiblin, Parish Council Chair
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