St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

 How did it get to be the middle of September already?  The fall season will be upon us very soon.

This Sunday, September 15^th, is Catechetical Sunday in the Catholic Church.  This day is to celebrate all those people in parishes who are catechists, teachers of the ways of our Church.  How blessed we are to have these willing parishioners to share God’s Word with our youth and adults.

Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher ever to walk the earth.  He cared deeply for all His disciples, wanting them to grow in the knowledge and love of God.  Through His sermons, miracles, parables, and example He taught His followers how to live their lives.

Our American Catholic Church has been in the forefront for centuries in providing Catholic education.  Countless young people, especially, have been given the opportunity to learn the Faith and to grow in the ways of the Lord.  Countless benefactors have contributed their hard-earned resources to ensure that schools on every level would continue to flourish and stay open. 

For 33 years of my priesthood, I was the pastor of a parish that had a grade school.  I witnessed the value of providing wonderful young people with growth in faith, academics, sportsmanship, the arts, and much more. 

How blessed we are here to have our Preschool program.  Each day our 3-5 year olds experience joy, faith, learning, and fun.  Thanks to all who enable us to have our doors open for these young ones.

How blessed we are to have our Faith Formation program, our pre-baptismal classes, our Restored Order sessions, our Adult Education offerings, Pre-Cana program, the Youth activities, and other opportunities which provide Catholics of all ages to grow in the Catholic faith.

I thank all our catechists/teachers who give of their talent and time to educate and form present and future disciples for our parish, diocese, and universal Church.  May you all know of my heartfelt gratitude for the time and effort you give to continue the teaching work of Jesus.

Let us pray:  Jesus, Teacher of God’s ways, please fill the hearts and souls of our catechists, so that they will be inspired to share their love of You with those they teach.  Bless them and their students.  Bless all who follow You with the desire to learn and grow daily in the faith You instilled in their hearts from the moment of Baptism.

Your Pastor, Father Joe