St. Joseph the Worker

Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

How did it get to be the middle of November already?  This year is winding down quickly.  Soon---Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas will be coming our way.

This Monday, November 13^th, we celebrate the Obligatory Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first US citizen to be canonized a Saint---1946.  She was an immigrant from Italy, being the youngest of thirteen children.  She was the foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.  For over 28 years, St. Frances Xavier worked in the US and in South America, dying in  Chicago in 1917.

During her years of ministry, she established many schools, hospitals, and orphanages.  She was a true servant of God.  She helped people of any age to learn, be healed, and have an extended family who loved them.  Her example of the Corporal Works of Mercy was so apparent. 

If we look at her life, coming to America as an immigrant, what courage she had.  She left her own surroundings in Lombardy and sailed off to a foreign land.  She trusted that the Lord would guide her and be with her.  And He definitely was.  That trust enabled her to do the incredible things she did and to begin such loving places of His care and love.

As we celebrate her life and legacy, we should reflect on our own life.   We should ask ourselves:

• How do I accept people from another country? Do I treat them as equals or differently?
• Am I a source of outreach to those who are ailing? Do I ever visit someone in the hospital who could use a visit?
• Do I continue to learn about the Catholic faith daily? Do I ever take an Adult Education class to further my growth in my faith life?
• Will I work with my family to grown closer each day, and then extending hospitality to someone who has no family?

May the good work of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini continue to shine forth in the world through us.  May we commit ourselves to being a parish of outreach, welcome, compassion, and growth. Let us make our first canonized United States citizen proud!

Your Pastor, Father Joe