St. Joseph the Worker

Dear SJW Parishioners:

Welcome to the 1^st full week of Lent!  What a wonderful time in our liturgical year.  These days of reform and renewal lead us closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is the One who suffered, died, and rose so that our sins would be forgiven and the opportunity for eternal life would be ours.  This time challenges us to see where the hallmarks of Lent are able to be seen and shared. 

PRAYER:  How about praying the Rosary daily over the next weeks?  Get your Bible and open it to the Passion of Jesus, found towards the end of each Gospel, and immerse yourself in the Way of the Cross.  Come to daily Mass at least once a week to deepen your relationship with the Lord and our faith community.

FASTING:  How about giving up cursing, swearing, cut-downs, and negative attitudes?  Do you really need that extra helping at supper or the largest piece of dessert?  Let’s try avoiding apathy, cynicism, and hypocrisy.

ALMSGIVING:  When is the last time you increased your giving to the parish or to a charitable organization?  How much time do you give to your family or friends, or to someone you don’t know at a nursing home or shelter or food pantry?  You have talents – do you ever use them for the greater honor and glory of God?

Let us use this coming week to pray, to fast, and to give.  If we do, then Lent flows from us just as the Lord and the Church desire.

Your fellow Lenten traveler,

Father Joe

P.S.  This Sunday, March 6^th, is the 10^th anniversary of my dad’s death.  I ask that you keep him in prayer, praying that he continues to rest forever in the loving arms of our Lord.  Thank you.