St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

Welcome to the last week of January!  Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day a week ago?  As usual, these months pass by in a flash.

We end this month with a very special week---CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK!  Throughout our country, Catholic schools are celebrating who they are.  One of the great accomplishments by the Catholics in America has been the establishment of the school system to teach, promote, and provide growth in the Faith.  For several centuries, our Church has shaped minds, souls, and hearts in the ways of Jesus Christ.  And we owe much to those who have labored, sacrificed, built, endowed, donated, and many other things so that millions and millions of our youth would have the opportunity of Catholic education.

As one who went to Catholic schools throughout my education, I can attest to the excellence provided by my teachers, priests, and school personnel.  For many years I was taught by the Ursuline Sisters, to whom I owe much.  And the lay teachers also enhanced my educational growth.

At our parish, we are so fortunate to have our Pre-School program.  We provide many 3 and 4 years olds the opportunity to learn and grow in many areas, the most important being that of faith.  They learn that Jesus loves them, created them, celebrates them.  They learn how to respect their classmates and teachers.  They learn the basics that will help them to excel when they move on to kindergarten.  How blessed we are to have Mrs. Viste, Mrs. Clark, and Mrs. Moomey as our educational leaders.  Also, we are blessed to have the Pre-School Board who are very committed to ensuring the present and future of our program.  Finally, we thank the parents, volunteers, benefactors, and parishioners for all they do behind the scenes. 

The theme of this year’s CSW centers around our unity in faith and community.  How appropriate for us at SJW.  Our faith unites as a community of believers.  As pastor, I pray that our PS students feel united to our parish faith community.

Please pray for all Catholic schools in a special way this week.  May Jesus, THE teacher who loved children so deeply, inspire all associated in Catholic education.  May our Catholic faith continue to enrich our youth in the ways of Christ!

Your “Catholic School Educated” Pastor,

Father Joe