St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

 Welcome to the 2^nd Week of the Easter season!  We have been singing “Alleluias” all week long to celebrate the miracle of Jesus rising from the dead.  This Sunday, April 27^th, is the last day of the Easter Octave, those special days when we continue to remember the Resurrection of Jesus.

To our parish this weekend, we welcome Fr. Rick Weltin who will preside at all the Masses.  He is my classmate and best friend.  We have known each other for over 46 years.  I am so fortunate to have his friendship.  I am sure you will help him feel right at home.  He really does enjoy coming to SJW.

Why is Fr. Rick here?  Because your pastor will be away this weekend in St. Louis at the Midwest Miniature Bottle Club Show, an annual event.  This is where Fr. Joe gets to go shopping for more miniature liquor bottles—just what he needs more of.  Ha!  And this year, I will become the new president of the Club.  Oh boy! 

This 2^nd Sunday of Easter should find all of us journeying in the hope, peace, faith, and joy of the Risen Lord.  Our world desperately needs us to be those living examples of Jesus, who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation.  People are hungering for direction in their lives, and what better way to direct them than to belief in the Resurrection.  We are to live out the Easter event each day.  If we do, others will hopefully come closer to Jesus Christ and feel His Presence in their hearts and souls. 

So—what will we do this Easter week to further the message of that empty tomb?  How will we encourage others to actively live out the commitment made at their baptism?  Where will the Lord be shared with those around us due to our sharing His hope, peace, faith, and joy?

It is up to each one of us to do our part to proclaim the Risen Lord. 

It is up to each one of us to immerse ourselves more and more into the waters of baptism and live out what that water signifies.

It is up to us to journey closer to the Risen One each Easter season day, and beyond.

Your “Alleluia” Pastor, Father Joe