St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of SJW:

This coming Saturday, October 28^th, is the day that our diocese has been waiting for—our Eucharistic Congress!  During this Year of the Eucharist, the Catholic Church has tried to invigorate all Catholics to the deep meaning of the Lord’s Presence in the Most Holy Body and Blood received at Mass.  With extra times for Adoration, Prayer Services, Adult Education sessions, and many other ways, the Catholic faithful have been exposed to the great gift of Communion and its value in their daily lives.

The event this Saturday at the BOS Center in downtown Springfield is an opportunity for Catholics of all sorts to gather as the Body of Christ, to celebrate the Body of Christ, so that we all can be dismissed from this day to share the Body of Christ with the waiting world. 

How will this affect our Springfield in Illinois diocese?  That remains to be seen.  It depends on how the speakers move hearts and minds of those attending.  It depends on the feeling of community that will be present during the day, especially at the culminating event at 4:00pm—the Sacrifice of Holy Mass.  That is the reason we gather—to continue to celebrate what Jesus commanded at the Last Supper.  That would be to do “this,” which He meant the Eucharist, in remembrance of Him.  And so, we do—at the BOS Center as a diocesan Church, and the following weeks, month, and years at our individual parishes as that local Church. 

Have you grown in your appreciation of the Eucharist over the past year?  Have you taken advantage of the extra spiritual opportunities made available?  Did you attend one of the Holy Hours on the 3^rd Monday of each month?  Did you come to Adoration on a First Friday to adore the Lord on your way to work or after Mass?  Did you attend the 5-week course I offered on the Eucharist?  Did you come to a daily Mass during the year at all?  Did you pray about the Eucharist and its power in your life?  Did you give praise to the Lord for nourishing you through Holy Communion?  What type of thanksgiving prayer did you offer to Him for the gift of the Eucharist in our Catholic Church?

May we all be awakened to the power that this special Sacrament offers us.  May we never take it for granted or choose not to come to it.  May our hearts be moved to recommit ourselves to celebrating each weekend the Suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior.  May we respond to the continuation of what Jesus wanted us to do—the Eucharist in His memory.  AMEN!

Your Presiding Pastor, Father Joe