Meals from the Heartland

We periodically schedule opportunities for teens and adults to pack meals that will be distributed to the hungry throughout Iowa and the world. This event is a great way for teens to be able to get involved with service and have a lot of fun while doing it! 

We usually all meet at the Meals for the Heartland location, with teens and/or parents providing their own transportation. 

Permission form are required for all teens participating in these events. Forms are available on this page when a specific event is scheduled. You can send the permission form with your teen to the event and the forms will be collected there.

Find details here when an event has been scheduled.

Find out more about Meals from the Heartland here or under the Links heading.

Central Iowa and Shelter Meal Dates:

Nov. 3rd, 5:00 - 8:00 - Central Iowa Shelter and Services Meal - Juniorhigh Youth Ministry
Jan. 12th, 5:00 - 8:00 - Central Iowa Shelter and Services Meal - Teen Group
Mar. 25th, 5:00 - 8:00 - Central Iowa Shelter and Services Meal - Confirmation candidates and sponsors
Find more information about volunteering for CISS meals: Central Iowa Shelter & Services

Liturgical Ministries: 

Liturgical Ministers: Become a Liturgical Minister for weekend liturgies. To train for Lectors, Commentators, Ushers, Greeters, Servers or Eucharistic Ministers, click here for names of Coordinators and their contact information.

Nursing Home and Homebound Ministry: If you are interested in bringing Communion to one of the Altoona Care Centers, contact Laurie Delvaux in the parish office, 967-3796. If you would like to help with Homebound Ministry, contact Parish Nurse, Linda Gries, 515-263-0268. Must be in high school and accompanied by (and trained with) a parent or guardian to participate in this ministry.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place Sundays at the 8:30 and 10:30 am Masses for children in grades K – 4. Children leave to hear the readings at their age level, have a discussion or activity, and return to the assembly after the intercessory prayers. To volunteer contact Jenni Lihs. Teens can participate in this ministry if they are accompanied by (and trained with) a parent or guardian.
 

Other Opportunities:

Fish Fries The Knights of Columbus hosts fish fries every Friday during Lent. Youth Ministry provides dessserts for a free will offering to benefit their programs. Bake and donate desserts (pies and fancy cakes sell best!), work the dessert table during the Fish Fries, and/or help with bussing tables, set-up and clean-up. Contact C hris Smith for more information.

Kitchen Help for Faith Formation Candidates (with a parent) can volunteer to help with prep the night you attend Parish Faith Formation, or you can help with prep, serving, and/or clean-up the night you are NOT scheduled to attend. Contact Julie Sparks to volunteer.

Childcare for Faith Formation always needs a little extra help! Come on the Sunday or Wednesday night that you are not attending and help take care of little ones. To volunteer contact Jenni Lihs.