St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of SJW:

Welcome to another week of summer!  These nice days of sunshine and relaxation are moving way too quickly!  Only several more weeks and school will be back in session.  Do I hear a collective GROAN from our young people, but a HOORAY from our parents??  JUST KIDDING!

It is time once again to reflect on the Lives of our Saints in the Church’s liturgical calendar.  This week, we have several Memorials of Saints that have impacted our Catholic Church.  For example, this Monday on July 11^th we celebrate the Memorial of St. Benedict, Abbot.  He lived mostly in the 6^th century, having died in 547.  He founded the Benedictine Order which bears his name, having a Rule by which to live.  He established a dozen monasteries, most especially Monte Cassino.   The Order numbers about 7,500.  Benedict is referred to as the Patriarch of Western Monasticism. 

On Thursday of this week we celebrate the Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin.  She died in Quebec at 24 years of age in 1680.  She lived a life of austerity and love, even though she was often ridiculed and abused.  She earned the title of “Lily of the Mohawk.”  And she was the first Native American to be a “Blessed” in 1980, being canonized in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI.

July 15^th, this Friday, is the Memorial of St. Bonaventure.  He is a Bishop and Doctor of the Church.  He lived in the 13^th century, dying in 1274.  He was a Franciscan and Minister General for over 17 years.  And he was the Bishop of Albano.  Bonaventure wrote various commentaries on the Bible, as well as on spiritual and theological topics. 

These three Saints are such wonderful examples of people living their Catholic faith each day.  Whether it was founding an Order, being a Bishop and leader of a Community, or a woman of faith witnessing among Native Americans in Canada, the call of Christ was answered.  May we hear the Lord’s call for us this day and be sure to live it out. 

Your Pastor,

Father Joe