New Here? Welcome!

- "New to Mass" info below.
- Whether you are new to Iowa City or are looking for a Catholic community, we are glad you're here!
- Hello and welcome to St. Mary's!
  As the pastor of St. Mary's, I believe we have one of the most unique and promising locations in our diocese. Since the first Mass was celebrated here at the corner of Jefferson and Linn Streets in 1843, we have been right in the heart of our community.
  
  Over the years, our neighborhood, Iowa City, and the world have seen countless changes. But we remain steadfast, continuing to offer our presence where it has always been needed. Our church’s cross, standing tall atop the building, is a testament to that enduring presence. As I walk or drive through the city, I often find myself looking up to see if I can spot the cross amidst the growing downtown skyline. It has stood the test of time and reminds us of our reason for being here. There’s an old saying: “The Cross stands while the world turns.”
  
  Every day, there is much activity outside our doors—people coming and going, busy with their lives. If, even for a moment, they look up, they might see our cross and all that it represents. If I had to summarize what this cross—and our mission as a community—means, it would be this:
  
  God’s love is real: For all eternity, the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God has desired one thing: to know and love you. This is the core of our relationship with God… not that we have loved him, but that he has loved us and has gone to great lengths to pursue us. This led to the clearest manifestation in the person of Jesus. God is not just some mysterious, unknowable force, he’s a person we can come to know and love.
  This love is intended for all people: Jesus came to gather all into a life with him. Our doors are open to all on their journey of faith. As we grow in relationship with Jesus, we start to see ourselves and our world differently—through his eyes… and this changes everything. We aren’t on this path alone… we journey together with Jesus as our leader.
  A true encounter with Christ is still possible today: Through his community, the Church, and through our prayer and the Sacraments, especially our celebration of the Eucharist, the power of Jesus—powerfully at work in the Gospels—becomes real in our lives! We don’t have to remain passive spectators.
  We are a community with a mission: The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, the Spirit that sent those First Christians out on mission is still active in us. Led by the Holy Spirit, St. Mary’s exists, as a part of the wider Church, as a means of bringing the light and life of the Gospel to those around us.
  
  Right here at the corner of Jefferson and Linn, we are a glimpse of the worldwide Catholic Church. As the Church has always been, we are very literally, at the intersection of the Gospel and the World. What a privilege it is to be in such a place!
  
  God bless,
  
  Fr. Andrew
- New to Mass?
  
  Mass is the main way we worship as Catholics. While celebrated every day, Sunday Mass, in particular, is how we keep the "Lord's Day" holy.
  Mass is a time to worship God. This means we gather primarily to put before our minds the greatness and goodness of God. We thank Him, praise Him, ask of Him, and seek His mercy. This is done in two concrete ways at each Mass: by listening to God speak to us in the Scriptures and through participating in the Eucharist, the memorial of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross through the gift of his Body and Blood received under the signs of bread and wine.
  
  If you are new to our community or are just visiting, you can follow along with all the readings, prayers and responses found at the beginning of the blue hymnal in each pew. Readings for Mass can also be found here. More information on how we worship at Mass can be found here.
  
  "If I am not Catholic or am not receiving Communion, what should I do?"
  
  Communion is an act of unity with the rest of the community-- meaning it is an expression of our common beliefs as members of the Catholic Church. More information about our Catholic understanding and belief in the Eucharist can be found here.While all are welcome at Mass, those who have not professed our Catholic faith are invited to receive a blessing at the time of Communion. To indicate this, simply cross your arms over your chest as you approach the front of the church during Communion. If you are interested in becoming Catholic, click here.