St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of SJW Parish:

Good 4^th week of Lent!  We celebrate LAETARE Sunday on March 30^th, meaning that we REJOICE that we are over halfway through our season of reform and renewal.  This is a time to reflect on how we are doing along our Lenten journey.  Have we kept our Lenten resolutions?  Are we better disciples of Christ this very day than we were on Ash Wednesday?

Speaking of REJOICING, we have another reason to rejoice as a parish.  This coming Tuesday evening, April 1^st, is a Restored Order celebration at the Cathedral in Springfield for our 3^rd graders and others needing full initiation.  At this Mass, they will be confirmed and receive First Holy Communion.  In doing so, they will be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. 

These young people have been preparing for over a year for this evening.  What an exciting time for them.  They can approach the altar during Communion and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus.  They can assemble at Mass now filled in a renewed way with the Holy Spirit.

I congratulate them on behalf of all of us at SJW parish.  It is truly a parish celebration for us.  We REJOICE that they are now full members of the Catholic Church.  And next Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on April 6^th, they will be acknowledged by our parish as they gather for a parish celebration.

Special thanks to Anna Barham, our Restored Order Coordinator, and to the Faith Formation teachers who, last year and this year, have prepared them.  Also, to their parents and sponsors who have journeyed with them.

This event for our young people should cause each of us to reflect on our faith.  What type of example are we for these young people?  Are they able to look at us and see how they should act as Catholics in today’s world?  Are they accepted by us as those full members?

Also, how much do we open our lives to the Holy Spirit?  Do we live Spirit-filled lives? 

Finally, is the Eucharist a vital part of our daily lives?  How do we nourish others with the Jesus we receive each time we come to Communion?

May our Restored Order students know of our prayers during this week. 

Your Pastor, Father Joe