St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

This Sunday, February 5, is the World Day for Consecrated Religious.  That day is one to celebrate, remember, and appreciate.

CELEBRATE—The Catholic Church is so honored to have women throughout its history who have answered the call to religious life.  They have come from other continents with hardly anything to start hospitals, schools, shelters, and many other facilities which have helped people in their daily lives.  The sisters have braved tremendous odds at times for their communities.  They have sacrificed for the good of the people of the Church.  We celebrate their determination!

REMEMBER—If you went to a Catholic School or if you grew up in a parish that had a sister on staff, what one sister do you remember the most, and why?  I know I remember several from my school days.  I grew up with Ursuline Sisters, having them for 13 years of my education.  When I was in 3^rd grade, I remember Sr. Agnes---why?  Two reasons.  One, she always smiled.  Two, she never gave homework all year long!!  Another Ursuline was Sr. Elisa, my math teacher during high school at Marquette High School in Alton.  She was young and was the best teacher I have ever had to this very day.  She inspired me in countless ways.  And finally, Sr. Marianne Nolan, a Dominican Sister I have known for 35 years.  She is the consummate sister, in my book.  Her faith, joy, dedication, holiness, and many, many other qualities have touched my heart and soul.  She is a dear, dear friend, and I was privileged to work with her for over 25 years.  How good it is to remember!

APPRECIATE—We can never fully or adequately express our gratitude to all the consecrated religious sisters who have graced our Church, our diocese, our parishes, our world, our individual lives.  They have made their mark, left an example for us to follow, given up very much, and been models of holy and sacrificing women.  May we have hearts overflowing with appreciation for their presence and effect in the world.  Through them, we have been graced by the Lord!

For us here at SJW, we celebrate, remember, and appreciate our current consecrated religious sister—Sister Judith Pfile, O.P.  We celebrate her vocation.  We remember all she has done and continues to do for our parish.  We appreciate her dedication to Jesus and the mission of St. Dominic.  Thank you, Sister!

May we pray for more vocations to the religious life—from our parish, in our diocese, for the universal Church.

Your Pastor,

Fr. Joe