St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

 October is a month dedicated to LIFE in the Catholic Church.  Many dioceses and cities have special events in which they promote life in all forms.  Right to Life groups rally Catholics and others to be visible in their standing up for the respect and preservation of the life given to us by God, our Creator.

I bet, at times, life is something we may not think about a lot.  We take life, our existence, for granted.  We expect it to be there always.  But, when it is in danger, or when it is challenged, or when it may be taken away, suddenly we become very aware of every breath we take. 

When is the last time we thanked God for His gift of life to us?  Each day when we wake up, do we  say “thank you, Lord, for another day to praise You?” 

When have we stopped to think about each breath we take?

When have we reflected on the best way to show our appreciation for the gift of life?

When do we pray for the life of someone dear to us?

When have we used our life in the service of someone else?

May this month give us pause to relish and savor each moment we have here on earth, and may we always live our life worthily here so that we can experience the fullness of life in heaven.

Let us now take time to say—

THANK YOU, God, that my parents chose to deliver me and not have an abortion.

THANK YOU, God, that Illinois is not a death penalty state.

THANK YOU, God, that mercy killing, euthanasia, is seen by the Catholic Church as a violation of the sanctity of life.

THANK YOU, God, that our country is not at war.

THANK YOU, God, that we strive to protect and respect our environment, Your creation.

THANK YOU, God, that the Catholic Church has programs and facilities to aid the poor, homeless, and hungry.

Let us all, during this Respect Life month, do just that—RESPECT LIFE in all forms.  And may we never forget to respect our OWN life.

Your Pastor, Father Joe