St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

As we continue our journey through this month of October, our Respect Life month, let us resolve to be followers of Jesus Christ who holds all life dear and sacred.

The month of October is also the month of MARY, the Mother of Jesus Christ.  As Catholics, we are called to give special attention to this most wonderful woman of faith, sacrifice, humility, gentleness, obedience, and much more.  These days enable us to ask for her intercession for any need we may have, asking her to take our petitions and cares to her Son, the Savior of the world. 

What will we do with each day of this month?  What effect will this month of Mary have on our spiritual lives?

We can all have a greater devotion to our Blessed Virgin by praying the Rosary each day.  On your way to work and home again is a wonderful way to pray this most sacred prayer.  Try three decades on the way to work and the remaining two on the way home.  Try praying a Rosary, minus the beads, as you get ready in the morning or in the shower.  Try a Rosary when you work out or take a walk or sit on the patio. 

How about praying various Marian prayers—Hail, Holy Queen; Memorare; Hail Mary.  These beautiful words will draw you closer to the Blessed Virgin.  These words will give you strength and hope.

Another way is to meditate on the life of Mary.  Put yourself at the Annunciation when Mary said yes to be the Mother of the Savior.  Put yourself in the home of Elizabeth when Mary came to visit.  Put yourself at the foot of the Cross with Mary.  Let her speak words of faith and encouragement to you, drawing you closer to her Son.

Let us never doubt the importance of the Blessed Virgin in our Catholic faith.  She is the one who cares for us like a mother cares for her children.  She will always point us, not to herself, but to her Son.

Your Pastor, Father Joe