St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

This Sunday is the Ides of March.  We are halfway through this month already.  We are beginning the 4^th week of our Lenten season.  These are precious days to be reforming ourselves, getting rid of any sin that impedes us from being the best disciples of Jesus that we are called to be.  How are we doing?  Are we closer to the Lord this day than we were when Lent began?  Jesus sure hopes so!

This coming Thursday is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus.  This is one of the great Solemnities celebrated during Lent; the other one is the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25^th.  During these Lenten days of sacrifice, reform, and renewal, we pause on these two days to give honor to St. Joseph and to remember that great call of Mary to be the Mother of God.  Let’s look at these two Solemnities:

1. JOSEPH, MARCH 19

• How do we continue to live the faith that our patron saint had?
• When we are called by God, as was St. Joseph, do we respond favorably as he did?
• Where do we need to open our hearts more to be obedient followers of God, as was St. Joseph?

THE ANNUNCIATION, MARCH 25

• Mary said “yes” to God always. Do we?
• Mary had total trust in God. Do we?
• Mary never wavered in her faith. Same for us?

May we live this next week of Lent as St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary would. 

Your Lenten Pastor,

Father Joe