January 31, 2010

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker Church,

My name is Sister Rose Marie Riley.  I currently serve as the Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois.  One of the blessings of my ministry is to visit our sisters wherever they are missioned.  On January 28 I came to St. Joseph’s to meet with Sister Judith Pfile and see her ministerial surroundings.  I want to take this opportunity to share with you my impressions of your Parish community.

I arrived at the Church several minutes before the 8:30 AM Mass.  Father Nolan greeted me as I stood in the back of the church admiring its beauty.  I was warmly welcomed and immediately felt at home.  We were soon joined by Sister Judith and made our way to the Chapel.  It just happened to be the feast of the great Dominican and Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas.  I was so pleased to celebrate Eucharist and Morning Prayer with a representative group of your parishioners on this special feast. 

In the course of the morning I toured the complete facility, met members of the staff, and enjoyed conversation with Father Nolan and Sister Judith.  Now I look forward to the day when I will come to a Sunday Mass and experience the music and faith community that they both love.  I believe yours is a “Vibrant and Active” parish!

Even though I only met a few of you, the sense of welcoming and community was pervasive throughout my visit.  I can hardly wait to return.  Father Nolan and Sister Judith will hold me to my promise to do so!

God bless all of you!

Sincerely,

Sister Rose Marie Riley, OP