St. Joseph the Worker

Parishioners of SJW:

This weekend is a very special one for us and for all the diocese.  Why?  On Saturday, May 28^th, is the Priestly Ordination of two of our Transitional Deacons.  Bishop Paprocki will ordain Zachary Samples and Paul Lesaputi priests for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.  What a wonderful day for all of us and for the universal Church.

These men have been studying for this day, preparing their hearts and souls to say “yes” to the Lord.  These men will enter that special fraternity of the priesthood whereby they will be able to preside at Eucharist, anoint the sick, and confer God’s mercy through Reconciliation, as well as other sacraments except Ordination.  These men will preach God’s Word and be present in a priestly way to those they serve.  These men will follow in the footsteps of countless other priests in our diocese who have been a guiding and pastoral presence of Jesus for His faithful people.

As a parish, we say “CONGRATULATIONS” to Fr. Zach and Fr. Paul!  We pledge our prayers for them and for their ministry in our diocese.  We also pray that more men in our diocese and especially in our own parish will answer God’s call to the priesthood. 

On a side note, this May 28^th will be the 39^th Anniversary of my priestly ordination.  I know that May 28, 1983, was the most special day in my life to date.  Priesthood has been such a wonderful journey.  My 39 years have brought me to see the Lord’s presence in countless peoples and situations.  I have been overly blessed with support, prayers, and, at times, challenges.  But, through it all, the Lord has been there to get me through.  And the Lord has graciously blessed my priesthood by giving me that special privilege of being pastor of SJW!

On this May 28^th, I offer my gratitude to two special people who were instrumental in my vocation—my parents. Their faith and example drew me to consider being a priest for our Lord.  Throughout my ordination ceremony, I thought of them being forever an intricate part of my call to serve Jesus Christ as one of His priests.

Your grateful priest pastor,

Father Joe

P.S. I was unaware that one of our high school graduates was from Rochester High School.  In my bulletin article last weekend, I mentioned SHG & CGHS, not knowing that Caleb Turnstall went to Rochester HS.  Sorry for the omission, Caleb.