St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners:

This Monday, January 15^th, is Martin Luther King Day in our country.  He was a civil rights leader who fought and worked and prayed for an end to racial prejudice and discrimination.  People of color found in him a source of hope and dignity.  For all Dr. King did and said and witnessed to, he paid the ultimate price of martyrdom.  He gave his life fighting for the lives of others.

I wonder what he would say if he could come back and see the condition in our country today as to racial equality and acceptance, on all sides.  I bet he would shake his head in disbelief at the division and hatred among people of all colors, religions, beliefs, social class, etc.  What he championed has been forgotten in many ways. 

May all of us, as followers of Jesus Christ and citizens of our great country, challenge ourselves to be tolerant, accepting, forgiving, compassionate, and non-judgmental.  For if we do, we will be doing what the Lord wants us to do and has called us to do.  Let us keep the spirit of Martin Luther King alive and well in 2024---and beyond.

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This coming Tuesday evening is the Restored Order Mass at the Cathedral at 7 p.m.  Bishop Paprocki will confirm and give 1^st Communion to our young people, most of whom are 3^rd-graders.  They have been preparing for many months for this special evening.  How proud we are of them!

Special thanks to Mrs. Anna Barham, our Sacramental Coordinator, for her guidance and leadership in helping these children to be ready.  Also, thanks to their Faith Formation teachers up to this point, as well as their Sponsors and Parents.  So many people have been there for them, and all of us at SJW parish pledge our prayers and support to them now and into the future.

                          Loving God, we are so grateful for our Restored Order students and their

                         celebration of Confirmation and Holy Communion this Tuesday.  May they always

                         know of your love and guidance.  May they grow closer to you each day of their

                         lives.  May the Holy Spirit inspire them to be courageous in living the faith you have

                         placed in their hearts.  May Jesus, the Bread of Life, nourish these young people

                        with His Body and Blood.  AMEN.

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Have a good week of prayer for the intentions of our parish, our youth, and our country.

Your Pastor,  Father Joe