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With the advent of this virus last spring we have been doing ministry in new ways.  As we have a discussion with the Parish Council trustees and staff we are asking what ministry will look like in the future and how we might address that in our activity.

Since COVID has struck the world, the nation, and our own state, it has been inspiring to see parents and children working together on various faith projects.

You continue to impress me with your faith and your actions.  Other then the bitter cold freezing people out, your attendance at weekend Masses remains strong and many more have chosen to attend one of the weekday Masses.  

It is amazing to me how you continue to extend your hand in welcome in so many ways.

As the readings reflect from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus was all about physical connection.  Despite the virus as it runs around our state and takes it toll on people, I cannot express how glad I am to see you coming to church and attending to neighbors that you have been.

As you may have noticed we have had a bunch of funerals lately.  It continues to amaze me how many of you come to those funerals, even though you do not know the people.

Let me extend to all of you a very heartfelt response to your very warm greetings on the 40th anniversary of my ordination.  I have received notes from everywhere I have served.  The outpouring from parishioners at St. Joe’s has been particularly strong and it is all appreciated.

Some home remodelers or business’s who do remodeling have told me that many folks are doing something in their house.  There is painting, moving walls, changing where appliances were.  We’ve been doing that also.

We have ended the calendar year and I want to thank you for your constant faithfulness to St. Joseph.

Many years ago we had a guest speaker come to the parish who’s tag line was: “God is good.  All the time.  All the time.  God is good.”  

Many years ago we had a guest speaker come to the parish who’s tag line was...

It would be easy to imaging that making a commitment to parish life would entail doing something in church.  But a parish is more about the people and events of our life outside of church.  

When you become a member of St. Joseph the Worker we promise you that we will provide a safe worshipping environment.

We just completed “Give to the Max Day” and now “giving Tuesday”.  These are days when charities are all asking for our money.  Being a part of a community means supporting those things that can do a lot more with people coming together than they could alone.

We are now entering the season of giving.  We give to many charities because of their need and it is the season of giving.

This is the week of Thanksgiving when families traditionally gather to celebrate families.  At this point as a church we think we are going to be open, but with the rising numbers of infections we cannot promise that.

Fr. Don is so good about welcoming and recognizing the people who are sitting in their cars on a weekend and are praying with us.  He has them honking their horns several times each Mass.  I think about doing that, and then when I am saying something else forget to welcome them.  It might be age.

Your backpack contains items to encourage continued faith formation and sharing right in your home. It is intended for all SJTW households, regardless of the number of family members or your ages.

So what about you? There are many stories of parishioners who have taken on the additional responsibility of checking on their neighbors, bringing communion to those who are shut in, and making contact with people they know to see how everyone is doing during this pandemic.

Save your used books and puzzles. The Knights of Columbus Auxiliary is sponsoring a used adult and children's  book sale including puzzles. Proceeds will be donated to the CROSS Food Shelf.