St. Joseph the Worker

 Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

Can you believe we are in the last week of January?  This first month of 2025 has gone by quickly.  I wonder if that will be a sign for the remaining months?   If so, hold on!!

This week we enter Catholic Schools Week, that special time when we celebrate and highlight Catholic Schools in our nation, dioceses, and parishes.  One of the hallmarks of the Catholic Church in America has been the founding of the Catholic education system, from pre-school to college.   Countless young people have been educated in the ways of the Catholic faith and have become excellent models of disciples for Jesus Christ. 

We salute those teachers and administrators who have given much to their students.  They have sacrificed their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that Catholic values could be shared and incorporated into classes, no matter the subject. 

We salute the parents who have sacrificed so that their children could attend a Catholic school, which in these days, is an expense many times —BUT, a worthwhile expense.

We salute all the volunteers and benefactors who give many hours and $$ so that the doors of our Catholic schools remain open.

We salute the Boards in each school who work diligently throughout the year to ensure the best for the students and faculties.

We salute the pastors who work diligently so that the parish may support their school.  Much time is spent by them in planning, fundraising, etc.

How blessed we are here at SJW parish to have our Pre-School program.  What a great week for us to celebrate who we are and what we have for the education and formation of our 3 & 4 year olds.  With Mrs. Viste, Mrs. Clark, and Mrs. Gartland as our educators, the students learn so much and are in the best hands possible each morning.  These three women work tirelessly to teach, form, mold, celebrate, and encourage each and every student.  BRAVO to these women for all they do!

The theme of this year’s CSW is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”  These words truly describe our Catholic schools.  They exist because of the faith handed down in them and the faith needed to continue to provide such education.  Also, the community, especially the parish community, supports and contributes for the schools to continue to be a viable part of the parish. 

I thank you as parishioners and those beyond the confines of SJW parish who do so much for the existence of SJW Pre-School.  The highlight of my day is to visit our classroom and see those smiling faces.  Our little ones show me how Jesus is working in His children.  And I see the dedication of our teachers.  How fortunate we are.

May all of us dedicate ourselves to supporting our Pre-School, whether financially, through prayer, by volunteering. 

Your Catholic educated Pastor, Father Joe