AUGUST 17, 2008
Dear Parishioners,
Every year parishes within the archdiocese are asked to report on the spiritual and financial welfare of the parish. I also would like to report to you how St. Joseph fulfilled its ministry this past year. This week I would like to share with you what has occurred sacramentally in our parish and in the next few weeks on our financial activities.
To begin with St. Joseph parish is blessed with members who care for each other and strive for holiness in their lives. This is evident in how you speak about each other and your concern for each other’s welfare.
Daily the Eucharist is celebrated here at St. Joseph. Between 20-35 people attend our 6:30 and 8:00 AM liturgies and between 80-150 our Noon liturgy. Also Eucharistic devotion occurs daily in our church. Likewise the rosary is recited daily and Marian devotions occur every Tuesday.
This year our community was blessed and enriched through the following sacraments: Baptism: 38 children and 1 adult entered into our faith community through the words spoken and the sacramental symbol of water; also 3 new members entered our Church through reception at the Easter Vigil.
Communion: 43 children received the Eucharist for the first time this past year Confirmation: 13 eighth grade students and 4 adults entered into full communion through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Matrimony: 39 couples exchanged their vows with each other and received God’s blessing as they celebrated their love and commitment to each other. The fidelity of a married couple is a wonderful reminder of God’s loving relationship with us.
The sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are available daily. Confession is heard daily before the Noon Liturgy and on Saturday before the 5 PM liturgy. Anointing of the sick takes place at special services and when requested.
Our parish was also honored to have celebrated the Funeral Liturgies for 17 members of our community.
Our parish school of religion also provided religious education for 200 students from our parish and surrounding parishes. We likewise have an active children’s liturgy of the word during our 11 AM liturgy. Our parish also sponsored numerous adult education programs.
As you can see our parish is blessed with many gifts and a vibrant faith. Let us continue to be good stewards of our Time, Talent and Treasure as we support each other on our faith journey. Anyone interested in being a minister here at St. Joseph should contact the parish office. We have much to thank the Lord and each other for; let us continue to pray for one another
We welcome Fr. Charles Bisgrove, SCJ to St. Joseph. Father will be staying with us until February. Please be sure to introduce yourself when you have the opportunity.
Blessings!
Monsignor John Shamleffer
AUGUST 10, 2008
Dear Parishioners,
It is that time of year again when our children are preparing to return to school. For our college students, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here at St. Joseph. This time in your life is a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning. May your faith also grow with you over the coming years. For our high school students you are at an exciting time in your lives, new schools, new friends, new subjects bring great energy and excitement to your lives. This period of growth and new horizons help to bring about a greater maturity of faith and allow you the opportunity to give witness to your faith in your words and actions. For our elementary school students these are wondrous years, each one bringing new friends, knowledge and activities to your lives.
Our parish is blessed with a wonderful Parish School of Religion. I encourage all parents to make use of this school for your children. I also encourage you to attend Mass with them at our 11:00 a.m. family Mass. We have no greater gift to give, than to share with our children, our faith. If you have not already done so, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Mrs. Terri Venneman at 727-9059, and she will help you to register your child.
May this school year be a blessed one for our educators, parents and especially our children, as we all grow in faith.
Blessings!
Monsignor John Shamleffer
