St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker Parish:

 Where has August gone?  Summer is about over.  With school back in session and the daylight growing shorter, that means fall is just around the corner.

This week in our liturgical calendar we have THREE important Saints to celebrate.  These three disciples of Jesus Christ influenced our Church in profound ways.  We can say that this week we hit the “trifecta” with them.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27^TH OBLIGATORY MEMORIAL OF ST. MONICA

 St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, was born in Algeria in the 4^th century.  For several decades she prayed for the conversion of her husband and her son.  Her prayers were granted.  She died in 387.

Are we patient with God when we pray?

 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28^TH OBLIGATORY MEMORIAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE, BISHOP & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

 St. Augustine was the bishop of Hippo in Algeria, the son of St. Monica.  He wrote extensively, combatting various heresies of his time.  He is the founder of Western monastic life.  He founded the Order of St. Augustine, the Augustinians, who number about 2,500 today.  One of the four great doctors in the Latin Church.  He died in the year 430.

How do we defend the Catholic faith in our lives?

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29^TH OBLIGATORY MEMORIAL OF THE PASSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

 St. John the Baptist was the special forerunner of Jesus Christ.  He prepared people for the Lord’s coming onto the scene of His public ministry.  St. John was fearless in standing up for Him and for the truths that Christ preached.  He also confronted Herod when the king wanted to enter into an unlawful marriage.  John was jailed and eventually paid the price for his witness to the truth.  He was beheaded in prison, with his disciples burying him after his death.

Do the truths of our faith guide us in our daily decisions, no matter what the cost?

 Have a good week of living out your baptismal faith!

Your Pastor, Father Joe