St. Joseph the Worker

Dear SJW Parishioners:

Merry Christmas to each of you from the bottom of my heart!  What a privilege it is to celebrate at St. Joseph the Worker parish this most special season.  You all have helped me to see the Incarnation of Christ through your smiles, kind words, hugs, help, and so much more.  I pray I am able to have Christmas Masses here for many more years.

I am very grateful for your continued prayers for my mom in Decatur.  It warms my heart when you ask how she is doing.  She is the joy and love of my life, and has been for over 66 years!  I often tell her how many parishioners are praying for her and lighting candles for her well-being.  At times she will smile.  That is her way of saying THANK YOU. 

I wish each of you a holy and faith-filled Christmas season.  May the love of the Word made Flesh enter our hearts and souls more and more each day.  May the Holy Family, whose Feast we celebrate this coming Friday, Dec. 30, inspire us to be a parish family and a community of faith. 

Thanks to all who have made the Advent season and this coming Christmas season so memorable---ministers of décor and music; those who have ministered liturgically; members who have coordinated, and those who have donated, to various charities/causes; Advent village etc. participants; and all others who have given of themselves.  What great examples of STEWARDSHIP in action!

Know of my special prayers for all of you during the morning Mass on Christmas.  Each of you and your intentions will be with me at the altar. 

THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US.  For this, we thank you, God!

Your Christmas Cleric,

Father Joe