St. Joseph the Worker

Parishioners of SJW:

This Monday, August 15^th, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.  This is one of the five Holy Days that the Catholic Church in the Unites States celebrates.  The other four are:  Jan. 1^st, Mary, Mother of God; Nov. 1^st, All Saints; Dec. 8^th, Immaculate Conception; and Dec. 25^th, Christmas. 

This year Aug. 15^th is on a Monday.  The US Bishops decided years ago that because of the number of Masses priests have on the weekend, due to the shortage of priests in many areas of the nation, if a Holy Day occurs on a Saturday or Monday, the obligation to attend is lifted, EXCEPT for Dec. 8^th and Dec. 25^th.  The 8^th because our nation (and our diocese) is consecrated to the Immaculate Conception, and because Christmas is always celebrated no matter what.  The other three---Jan. 1^st, Aug. 15^th, and Nov. 1^st, if they fall on a Saturday or Monday, Mass is still celebrated for that Solemnity, but Catholics are not obliged to be at Mass.

So - this Monday is an example of that.  The Assumption will not have the obligation attached to it this year.  However, Mass will be celebrated as usual at 8:30am.  If you are able, please come to this Mass which commemorates Mary’s being assumed body and soul into heaven.  Why not also pray a Rosary that day to further give honor to our Blessed Lady?

The Assumption is an example of dogma that must be believed by Catholics.  In 1950, Pope Pius XII spoke “ex cathedra” and declared Mary’s Assumption to be a dogma of the Church.  This means that it must be believed, and since it was given “ex cathedra,” it was spoken infallibly, without error. 

May we give glory to God for Mary’s Assumption, that great privilege given to her that at the moment of her death no decay would come to the body that bore the Savior of the world, but her body and soul would be taken up into heaven to be with her Son forever.

Your Pastor,

Father Joe