St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

 Once again, we come to this special week in our country.  This Thursday is that national holiday treasured by many---THANKSGIVING!  People will be coming home to visit.  College students may be arriving for the first time since they began another year.  Highways and airports will be crowded with travelers.  Grocery stores will be stocking extra food for those preparing their feasts.

Thanksgiving Day is a time to give thanks.  A day to pray for all those we love.  A day to welcome family and friends and even strangers to our table.  A day to gather at the 8:30 a.m. Mass here to lift up our hearts in gratitude to our generous and gracious God.

The Eucharist is our ritual of thanksgiving in our Catholic Church.  It is the source and summit of our faith.  We are able to get as close to the Lord as possible this side of heaven when we receive His Body and His Blood.  For that alone, our hearts should be overflowing in appreciation.  Let us never take this special gift for granted.  Let us reflect on the Supper of the Lord, our ritual of thanksgiving:

E  is for the EVERLASTING benefits of the Lord’s Supper.

U  is for the UNITY we experience as Catholics at Mass.

C  is for the CALL by Jesus to be at Mass regularly.

H  is for the HUNGER we have to receive Jesus Christ.

A  is for the AWE we feel in praising God.

R  is for the REVERENCE called for when we come to Mass.

I    is for the INSPIRATION we receive from God’ Word.

S  is for the faith SUSTENANCE that Communion gives us.

T  is for the TOTAL love given to us by Christ daily.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and weekend.  I THANK YOU for your support, prayers, love, and faith shown to me since I have arrived here.  During Mass this Thursday morning, please be assured that you and your intentions will be right there with me on the altar.

Your GRATEFUL Pastor, Father Joe