St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

This Sunday, September 11^th, is the 21^st anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on our country.  On that fateful day, America was attacked in three different places---the Twin Towers in NYC, the fields of PA, and the Pentagon in DC.  Thousands of men and women gave their lives, helped those in need, prayed and helped rebuild.  Because that is what Americans do.

Our country was forever changed that day.  People bonded together after that horrific attack.  We saw ourselves as AMERICANS—period.  We were challenged to not hold this carnage against all Muslims.  We were called to dig deep with compassion and mercy.  We were led to be thankful for the many blessings given to us daily, and never to take anyone or anything for granted.

If only we could recapture some of those reactions today in our country.

Where has the bonding gone among peoples?  Look at the hatred present in the hearts of way too many.

To some people, being called an “American” is an insult.  How did we get there?

Where has compassion and mercy gone in dealing with differences or situations?  They are replaced with crime, killing, vitriol. 

How many times do we thank our God for freedom, our homes, and food, and our faith?  Or do we focus on what we do not have---the extra car, the bigger house, more money in the bank?

May 9/11 move us to pray for those who lost their lives that day; for those who ran into the path of danger to help; for those who live this day harmed mentally or physically from the event.  And to pray for our country this day and into the future, that our land may recover from Sept. 11^th, 21 years ago, and remember to learn from history so that the evil perpetrated on our country in those three areas in the Northeast may NEVER happen again.  And any compassion or loving outreach or acts of sacrifice shown that day and after, may be REPEATED and REPEATED.

Your Pastor,

Father Joe

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY to all in our parish who are grandpas and grandmas! 

What a beautiful ministry you fulfill in the lives of your grandchildren.  May the Lord bless you in abundance for the faith, love, and care you give them.  Thank you for touching their lives with the presence of Jesus, who had the children come to Him.