St. Joseph the Worker

Dear St. Joseph the Worker Parishioners:

Can you believe we are in the last days of June?  As usual, the summer is passing way too quickly.  Why does that happen every year?  Summer seems like three weeks long and then it is gone.  I will have to have a conversation with our Lord about that!

This weekend is a special Solemnity, that of SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles.  These two men helped to form the early Church.  They spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Jews and to the Gentiles.  They witnessed to the world the love and joy of the Risen Lord.  And for that, they gave their very lives.  Their martyrdom gave others the strength they needed to live their newfound faith with vigor and determination.  How blessed the Church is to have such excellent, powerful, and faith-filled examples of discipleship. 

How do we, in 2025, continue their witness?

How do we, in 2025, proclaim the Good News that they did?

How do we, in 2025, keep their memory alive as we live our faith?

How do we, in 2025, honor them by extolling their virtuous lives?

How do we, in 2025, pledge to be saints as they were?

On a personal note, this Solemnity has special meaning for me.  Why?  Well, 17 years ago on June 29^th, I had a celebration at Holy Family Church in Decatur for my 25^th Anniversary of Ordination.  I chose this date, even though my real 25^th anniversary was May 28^th, because of the powerful witness of these two special saints.   Sixteen priests joined me for the Mass, along with my parents and many parishioners.  The party that followed continued the celebration.

I will never forget that day.  Another reason it is etched in my memory is that it was the last time my dad was able to attend HF.  It was on that day that his Alzheimer’s showed itself and changed his life, and that of my mom and me, forever.  When he died, I commended him to St. Joseph, his patron saint, but also to SS. Peter and Paul.  I asked that these three loving and compassionate men look after my wonderful dad who gave me life.  I envisioned them greeting my dad as he entered eternal life.

May SS. Peter and Paul intercede for us.  May they inspire our parish to have their spirit of evangelism and faith, so that the Church that they nurtured in the 1^st century may grow and prosper in the 21^st century.

Your Pastor, Father Joe