Parish Life at St. Joseph the Worker

 
Fr. Mike

Brothers and sisters in Christ,
In June of 2000 the parish needed to do a special second collection to take in enough money to pay salaries for the rest of that month.  In 2001 we began planning for the construction of our new church and conducted a capitol campaign in which we had 1.7M in pledges.  In 2003 we dedicated the new worship space.  At that time our mortgage was just over $36,000 per month.  With better interest rates and converting capitol campaigns to Commitment to Parish Life we eliminated second collections and campaigns.  Now we owe just about $2.1M on our mortgage and our monthly payments are just over $25,000 per month.  That means that every weekend we need $6,000 for mortgage payments.  Given how many employees we have we need over $50,000 per month for employees’ salaries and benefits. Commitment to Parish Life is integral to the life of this parish because it combines the time of many parishioners making the ministries successful with the dollars necessary to keep the doors open.  Do you give of your time?  Do you give so that others may be served?  
Fr. Mike

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Brothers and sisters in Christ,
In one of my recent homilies I gave examples of people getting married from different continents.  That was beyond my imagination when I was growing up in northwestern Minnesota.  It is a fascinating experience we have at St. Joe’s.  What does a wedding ceremony look like in your culture?  Is there something you and your family regularly practice that we could incorporate into that ceremony at this parish?  I find the challenge to be creative in these situations enriching to my own spiritual growth.  I pray you do also.  I believe it is the mixing of our many cultures that makes the environment here at St. Joseph the Worker so unique.  The staff is highly proficient at their jobs.  They look for opportunities to share their Catholic Faith in all of the multiple ministries we offer.  If you are reading this then you obviously do also.  So how can you enrich the parish with your specific talents?  How can you give of yourself so not only do you grow, but you also give others the opportunity to grow be being stretched to see things in a different way?  Commitment to Parish Life is the avenue our parish has chosen to embrace to make your talents and gifts to us a reality.  Thank you for giving so generously of yourself that enables others to grow.  If you have a talent you would like to share, please contact the office or go on our web page and see what we already offer.  If your talents in not yet there, please call us with your idea.  We would love to stretch and make your dreams come true.  
Fr. Mike

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Growing up in a small town it was an expectation that everyone would get involved.  From cleaning the church for fall and spring to helping with the annual dinner or in the school or at Mass, everyone took ownership of the parish because they could see the investment of their time bring about results of a closer community.  From these close communities people rallied around each other whenever there was a need.  It is so gratifying to see the huge number of parishioners at St. Joseph invest their time into the many ministries found within our parish.  From morning to night our parking lot has many cars parked in it that have brought people to some activity.  Your continued involvement in the parish makes us unique in the diversity of people and diversity of activities.  If you know of something we can do to improve our ministries we are always willing to try and see if others might have part of your dream.  Dreams of a vibrant community here foretell the dreams of the Kingdom of God still to come.  Your commitment of time turns into your financial commitment to the parish.  This commitment is what Commitment to Parish Live (CPL) is all about.  Thank you for so warmly embracing this understanding of living your faith.  
Fr. Mike
 

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Sisters and brothers in Christ,
It seems that every weekend we have visitors from around Minnesota, around the country, and many times from elsewhere in the world.  They are eager to stop and talk to Fr. Don or I, or sometimes the hospitality ministers about how alive the parish is.  They praise you for the enthusiasm they witness at our liturgies.  They comment on your warmth and enthusiasm.  They complement you on your singing and your vibrant way of praying.  They are delighted to see so many children and young families in the congregation.  Since YOU are the Body of Christ it is a great affirmation for you about how alive you are as a living body.  They delight in seeing babies baptized and your welcome extended to the child and parents.  When our parish began CPL several years ago we stressed that we wanted folks to bring their love for Jesus and desire to invest in active ministry on a daily bases into our Sunday worship.  You do so regularly.  Everyone comments on that faith in practice.  You deserve a pat on the back for living your faith.  Of course to support all of the things we do at Mass and in our other ministries requires your financial support.  Thank you for providing that support in the midst of our struggles as a church denomination.  

Fr. Mike

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People are always amazed by how many opportunities there are in our parish to give back to this faith community, the larger community, and to specific groups well beyond our normal area.  There are dozens of people who bring food and others who come and help serve at funerals.  Well over 200 helped with Families Moving Forward when they were here in August.  With nearly 700 students in Faith Formation we need nearly 200 adults to help in the multiplicity of jobs that need to be done.  Even helping at Sunday Masses requires hundreds more who are willing to proclaim, sing, serve, work the overhead, and help distribute communion.  Everyone pitching in means a little work for many.  These programs work because of your willingness to step forward and give of your time and talent.  The more you invest of yourself the more ownership you take for the success of our parish.  Always the ability to have these many services requires a financial commitment as well.  Early this summer you were doing great.  Since the diocese has announced a financial settlement things have gone downhill.  NONE of your money goes towards this settlement.  Remember that if you want these ministries to continue, you financial support is essential.

Fr. Mike

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Dear People,

It is with extremely heavy heart that I have been reading for the past two weeks of the expose’ of the sexual abuse that had gone on in Pennsylvania for the past 80 years, the removal of Cardinal McCarrick from his honorary office, and the allegations of former Nuncio to the US, Archbishop Vigano. None of this makes me proud to be a Catholic and all of this rips my heart out as a priest. I want to say first of all that I love you. I am so sorry that priests and bishops have conspired to engage in abuse and then to cover it up. It brings shame upon us as a church and Fr. Don and I as priests.

I do want to say that as a parish we are not sitting back and doing nothing. A little over 4 years ago we hosted a listening session in the chapel so SNAP survivors could tell their story. There were over a 100 people there. The speakers expressed gratitude that a parish would invite them in. As a result of that we were given the opportunity to engage with the Restorative Justice Initiative that works in conjunction with the University of Minnesota. This past Lent we had two Sunday sessions on sexual abuse in the church which was followed up with Judge Janine Geske, a retired Supreme Court Judge from Wisconsin, who works extensively with Restorative Justice.

I invite you to read the letter she sent to the Pope she sent this past week:
https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2018/08/24/dear-pope-francis-catholics-cry-out-justice-and-accountability/1067775002/

In our continuing response I would like to tell you that this Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 7 PM, we will host a listening session for anyone who would like to come and voice their thoughts. Victims, family members, anyone who feels violated by they have heard these past couple of weeks is welcome.

In addition to that, our parish is doing training for Restorative Justice Circle facilitators on Sept. 25. These leaders of circles will be available to facilitate discussions seeking ways to help all victims find some sort of justice after the training. On October 23 we will host another large group in the evening for those who may have missed the earlier session this past April. After this large group we hope to enable smaller circles for those who want to participate.

Our activity as a parish has not gone unnoticed. Recently the Archdiocese sent to the bankruptcy judge flyers of our spring presentations to show that some parishes are acting on their own initiative to address the problem as abuse in the church and the cover-ups by higher authority. Again I want to express my deep sorrow for what priests and bishops have done. Fr. Don and I are walking with you on this sad journey. We can do this together because my faith is not in any priest. Not in any bishop. And not in any pope. My faith is in Jesus Christ, for he is the head of this church. No one else.
Dear People of God,

We are once again bombarded with the tragedy of sexual abuse of children by clergy.   We saw the reports from Pennsylvania, the removal of McCarrick and the allegations against the Holy Father.  It is hard to hear the stories and hard to discern what is true.  It is a tragedy that should never have happened and one we as a parish and as individuals must work to prevent from every happening again.  I do want to remind you that YOU are the church.  You do the ministry on a one-to-one basis.  Catholic Charities is the world’s largest private provider of assistance to the poor.  Our social justice organizations are the biggest promoter of fair housing, fair salaries and fair treatment for the victims everywhere.  We are the largest private provider for education in the US.  As a parish we are known as a champion for the underdog in the northwest suburbs.  Giving of your time to the parish enables us to continue so many of these programs.  It is hard to figure out how to respond as a priest and particularly as a lay person.  Who wants to be affiliated with such an organization?  Then I am reminded that priests, bishops and even popes are not the reason I am Catholic.  It is Jesus Christ.  “Lord, to whom would we go?” Peter said just a week ago.  Besides Jesus who else speaks the truth so boldly?  Who else offers us His Body and Blood so completely?  Who else loves us into salvation?  

If you do want to do something I encourage you to bombard the chancery office in St. Paul with letters to the Archbishop.  You can write to the Papal Nuncio in Washington, DC.  You can even write to the Pope himself.  That is where responsibility lies.  But to your parish I encourage you to continue to be involved so that we can raise up a new generation of those who seek Gospel peace, Gospel justice.  

Fr. Mike

Listen to Fr. Mike's statements to then Archbishop Nienstedt on MPR in July 2014.
Listen now

 

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Our Outdoor Mass is Next Weekend!
On September 9th we hold our annual outdoor Mass.  Everyone is invited to join us for a fun experience of our Eucharistic celebration and then a picnic.  It is a wonderful time to meet old friends and to make new friends.  In conjunction with this annual celebration we are holding our Haiti Fun Run again.  Everyone is invited to walk, run, ride your bike as we circle the playfields in our effort to raise money to help fund the needs of our sister parish, St. Catherine’s.  Fr. Claude will be here to join us.  Under Fr. Claude’s guidance the number of children who now attend the parish school has grown significantly.  The number of healthy meals we give to children each day continues to grow.  The demand for clean water has been embraced by more people as they recognize healthy children leads to better education.  All of this occurs because of your Commitment to Parish Life, our CPL program.  You give of your time and talent to us at a parish and then respond with great appreciation to the needs of sisters and brothers in Haiti.  Thank you for being the hands, the feet, the Body of Christ to one another and to so many other people.
Fr. Mike

 

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Commitment to Parish Life (CPL) in Action

Commitment to Parish Life is shown through your prayer (our prayer together) and through your volunteer work here in the parish and in our community.   Commitment to Parish Life is also shown through your financial gifts, whether by envelope use, automatic contributions (ACH), gifts of stock, and gifts-in-kind.   It takes all three (commitment of time/prayer, talent/volunteering, and treasure/financial gifts) to make St. Joseph the Worker the great parish community that it is.

Parish member Jim Cornwell exemplifies this spirit of generosity with his commitment to parish life.  Jim offers his expertise regularly as a professional painter keeping our gathering and meeting spaces looking nice.  Recently, Jim volunteered his professional skills by taking 3+ days to paint/stripe our parking lot.  Thanks for your example, Jim!   What's more, Jim's son Ryan Cornwell has also taken on his father's spirit of giving.  Ryan spends time at our parish a few days a week assisting with garbage and recycling duties and conducting some cleaning.   Way to go Ryan.  Thanks for your commitment to parish life.

 

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Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We hear again of the tragedy of sexual abuse primarily of children in the Church once again.  This sin is a taint of a church that is supposed to care for the “little one:” with particular love.  I understand the anger, hurt and rage.  It was bad enough that this happened with alarming regularity but it is even more damning that it was covered up for decades.  Our parish has done more to face this head on.  We had a listening session that was led by S.N.A.P.  There were over 100 people in the chapel.    During this past Lent we had two adult education sessions on abuse within our own Archdiocese.  After Easter we had a two hour “restorative justice” circle meeting where many victims came and shared their story.  On September 25th we are conducting a training session for future small group sessions.  Shortly after that we will host another large group session where concerned people are encouraged to come and share their own stories.  If you are able and willing to be a circle facilitator I ask you to please contact me so we can put you on the list of attendees.  We will be extending the invitation to neighboring parishes.  I have not been silent about this abuse issue and I ask you to not be silent either.  But I do ask you to realize that your dollars in our collection allow for this sort of training and facilitation.  If you stop giving to St. Joseph the Worker then we can no longer pay for these sorts of sessions.  “More than ever we need your financial contributions to provide assistance, education and support for all sexual abuse victims as we seek to form Restorative Justice Circles.  
Fr. Mike 



Outdoor Mass
On September 9th we hold our annual outdoor Mass.  Everyone is invited to join us for a fun experience of our Eucharistic celebration and then a picnic.  It is a wonderful time to meet old friends and to make new friends.  In conjunction with this annual celebration we are holding our Haiti Fun Run again.  Everyone is invited to walk, run, ride your bike as we circle the playfields in our effort to raise money to help fund the needs of our sister parish, St. Catherine’s.  Fr. Claude will be here to join us.  Under Fr. Claude’s guidance the number of children who now attend the parish school has grown significantly.  The number of healthy meals we give to children each day continues to grow.  The demand for clean water has been embraced by more people as they recognize healthy children leads to better education.  All of this occurs because of your Commitment to Parish Life, our CPL program.  You give of your time and talent to us at a parish and then respond with great appreciation to the needs of sisters and brothers in Haiti.  Thank you for being the hands, the feet, the Body of Christ to one another and to so many other people.

Fr. Mike

 

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Thank you.  Thank you.  
There are so many people from our parish who have stepped forward this summer in so many different areas that it is impossible to thank each one of you individually.  We had lots of folks who helped with ChristPower, Summer Stretch, Habitat for Humanity, the garden ministry, and to help with funerals.  This sort of commitment and investment of your time is what make this parish of St. Joseph the Worker so unique, but also so welcoming.  My experience is that the more we give of our time and talent to the parish the more we experience an inner gratification of serving God by serving others.  This parish is known for the way we take care of the needs of those from our parish and those around us.  When we look at all of this time spent in ministry one can see with the eyes of faith, Jesus Christ walking in our midst.  Many people think they are just doing what anyone else would do.  But doing so in the name of Jesus makes Christ visible.  Our youth see this as do visitors.  Thank you again for being the eyes, ears, hands and feet of Christ.  God is alive in your living and being disciples.
Fr. Mike 
 

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Solidarity with Victims
Brothers and sisters;  You have probably heard that the Archdiocese has agreed upon a settlement in the bankruptcy case that involves those abused by church people in years past.  Various parishes and priests have agreed to although we were not guilty of doing those things, we do owe the victims a sign of solidarity with them.  These parishes and priests have pledged over $2 million dollars that will go directly to the victims.  
NONE of the money will go to any lawyer or to court costs.  
I am asking you if you would like to contribute to this fund.  I have pledged to give $1000 to these victims and invite you to donate as well.  The money needs to be to the court shortly after August 15, so if you would like to give to this fund, please do so before then.  You can donate electronically or drop a check or money into the collection basket.  The gift should be marked as Solidarity with Victims.  You can find that heading on our web page under Donation or write it in the memo line of your check.  This has been part of the tragic side of the church for decades.  Once we work on the church’s response, then as a society we can turn to anywhere else we see this sin against children and the vulnerable to begin our work in those fields.  Your gift is greatly appreciated.

Fr. Mike
 

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THANK YOU!

With the push you gave during the month of June we were able to finish the financial year in the black.  With this trend continuing into the next fiscal year we can begin to rebuild the savings account we used to have.  That is good because two of our old air conditioning units have died.  Both were original.  So getting 40+ years out of them is great.  So we spent $35,000 on a new unit for the kitchen, bathrooms, and sacristy.  We will not be spending $45,000 on a new unit for Fellowship hall.  As you can see, that is a large chunk of money that is not in our yearly operating budget.  We need everyone to continue to support the parish to the best of your ability in light of God first being generous to us as His children.  Just like your own home, things need to be tended to on an on-going basis.  As you continue to participate in so many of our ministries and make that an identifying aspect of our community, we need your continued support financially for the demands of fix and repair.  Thank you again for your support of St. Joseph the Worker through your support of CPL.  

Fr. Mike


 

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God is generous.

This past weekend the scriptures all speak about the generosity of God.  It starts with the gift of life and continues every day when we get to use our senses to see, taste, touch, hear and smell the wonders of creation.  Then what God challenges us to do is share the insights of the many gifts we have received with others so they may also see the goodness of God.  Our parish use of Commitment to Parish Life (CPL) helps us give back to the faith community by using the talents God has first given to us.  When we realize how much we gain by giving and using these talents for the faith community, we also see the blessings we reap in return.  Money is one of those gifts we have received, which, when we give back to the church, enables the church to do so much more.  The whole faith community benefits from our generosity of time, of us using our talents, and from the financial resources God has bestowed upon us.  How have you shared your blessing from God with the St. Joseph the Worker community? 

 

Fr. Mike

 

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Even more... did you know?

Did you know that we have nearly 750 youth in our Faith Formation program?  We had 130+ students and 60+ volunteers work on Vacation Bible School?  Did you know we have 9th graders hosting our Sunday night OneWith Mass? We have sophomores proclaim scripture and our juniors distributing Communion at that same Mass.  Our Faith Formation costs are among the least in the area with the best results.  Do you participate?  This great achievement is visible in every program St. Joseph the Worker offers.  You are a huge part of the success of all of these programs because you give of your time.  We also need to give of your dollars because every program requires people and materials.  Our parish needs to average almost $35,000 per weekend to make each program successful.  How much time and money are you contributing to those things that make St. Joseph the Worker so successful?  Are you doing your part?  
Fr. Mike
 

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More... did you know?

Did you know that we have nearly 750 youth in our Faith Formation program?  We had 130+ students and 60+ volunteers work on Vacation Bible School?  Did you know we have 9th graders hosting our Sunday night OneWith Mass? We have sophomores proclaim scripture and our juniors distributing Communion at that same Mass.  Our Faith Formation costs are among the least in the area with the best results.  Do you participate?  This great achievement is visible in every program St. Joseph the Worker offers.  You are a huge part of the success of all of these programs because you give of your time.  We also need to give of your dollars because every program requires people and materials.  Our parish needs to average almost $35,000 per weekend to make each program successful.  How much time and money are you contributing to those things that make St. Joseph the Worker so successful?  Are you doing your part?  

Fr. Mike
 

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Did you know?

Are you aware that we spend over $69,000 a year on our utilities? Did you know we spend nearly
$270,000 on our Faith Formation program? Were you aware that we send about $75,000 a year to
our sister parish in Haiti to help with teachers, clean water, medical care, and expenses for the priest, since his diocese gives him nothing to live on? That is what CPL does for the parish. Your giving of time and abilities to the parish helps our youth realize the value of belonging to a parish. Our reaching out beyond our parish to Haiti and other places gives us a more open heart so see that all people are out brothers and sisters. Your financial gift, each week, to the parish enables us to do all of the things we do, precisely because we have the funds to achieve all of our goals. If you are involved in any ministry here it is because it touches your heart. Your financial gift to the parish funds that ministry. I ask you to see the connection between the ministry you do and the financial support you give to the parish.
Fr. Mike
 

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Transitioning to electronic giving.

In today’s technology age more and more people are turning to electronic giving.  We have about 300 families who make their gift to St. Joseph the Worker regularly using this method.  Have you thought about using electronic giving as your method to give to the parish?  You determine when how much, and even how – bank or credit card.  When you give to the parish of your time and talent you enable us to do the many ministries we provide at this parish.  Thank you for your attention to these opportunities.  You may not realize that in our worship space people across the way can see what you do, and what you do not do.  That is why I always get out of my chair to come down and place my gift in the collection basket.  At the name tag tables we have laminated cards, usually green, about the size of a credit card.  When you give electronically next time, take a card with you and put it in the basket as it passes by.  You will be giving witness to your support of the parish.  It is a powerful sign to others, and your children, that giving a gift back to God is important.  

Fr. Mike

 

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Passing on our faith through encouragement and support.

Monday, May 14, our parish had many of our youth celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Basilica with Archbishop Hebda.  They made our parish proud.  They responded loudly and forcefully when asked if they were willing to embark on this road of Christianity.  They did this because of YOU!  You have given witness to them about the value of belonging to a faith community.  It was particularly fun to realize that many of these young adults were babies after I arrive here, so I baptized many of them.  What an inspiration to see them on this faith journey.  If we want our youth to embrace our Catholic faith then we need to continue to show them the value of investing time and effort into our many ministries.  Have you told any of our youth lately that they could/would/should think about being Eucharistic Ministers or proclaim scripture at Sunday Mass.  They all know what this is about because they have come to our Sunday night OneWith Masses.  Many have already done some of these ministries.  What they also need to understand is that these ministries and all the others at the parish work only because individuals provide financial support.  Have you ever had that conversation with your children?  If not, now would be a good time to tell them how much you give each week and why you support St. Joseph the Worker. 

Fr. Mike

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It requires a shared commitment!

St. Joseph the Worker just celebrated our 15th anniversary in our new building on May 1. That was our dedication day with Archbishop Harry Flynn.   We began as a parish by holding Mass in a house and then quickly moved to Cedar Island School.  Construction began on of first building almost immediately and we celebrated the first Mass on Thanksgiving Day, 1975.  We grew from about 50 families to 250 within the first year.  Imagine the sacrifices those early families had to make to pay for a new building?  Construction on our current worship space and remodeling of the former church cost just over 6 million dollars 15 years ago.  We still owe just over 2 million.  I mention this because for the past 3 years we have had virtually no increase in contributions from the 2100 households in the parish today.  Costs for almost everything have gone up.  We have been using our reserves but those are nearing exhaustion.  With electronic giving it is easy to set an amount and never revisit our level of giving.  Has your giving remained the same for 3 years?  Will it remain the same next year?  If so, we will need to make changes to our programing.  Just as you depend upon us to provide certain services so we depend upon you to provide the financial resources so we can continue our many ministries.  We need a serious commitment from everyone so we remain a vibrant parish.
Fr. Mike
 

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No time like the present!

There is at least one good thing that took place the weekend in early April of our biggest blizzard ever in April.  There were no mosquitoes spotted over those two days!  Which brings me to a parallel point.  Are you giving by check in your weekly envelopes?  When there is a blizzard, or a vacation, or a wedding or funeral, those who give by check frequently fail to realize they missed a weekend at St. Joseph the Worker.  So their weekly giving is missing.  Think about going to electronic giving.  Once electronic giving is set up, it automatically happens.  You can set it up yourself online at www.sjtw.net or call the parish office for staff assistance. No need to sit down and write a check or even remember to bring it.  Electronic giving is a gift that is always at work for you, even when you are not here.  We miss your presence on the weekends and want you here.  But by giving electronically you can focus on celebrating the goodness of God at each Mass.  
Fr. Mike
 

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What’s your Vision?

Two sides of being church is gathering together to gain strength from a shared vision of Christ alive in our midst, and bringing the Good News to others by our serving one another.  When the parish adopted Commitment to Parish Life several years ago we consciously chose to recognize our many ministries.  The reason our church was built the way it is was to recognize our call to see Christ in one another.  Having been fed by the Body and Blood of Jesus, and having heard the voice of Jesus come alive in the scriptures, we are strengthened to go spread the Gospel.  For us to provide the resources we need to spread the Gospel requires the financial backing to enable those resources be available to all of our parishioners.  Your weekly contributions ensure a consistent flow of money so maintaining our establishment and training people to minister.  You are involved already.  Most people are involved in at least one ministry.  Does your giving to the church reflect how much you want to Gospel proclaimed?  Does it speak about your desire to help those in need?  Or is your giving more reflective of the tip we give to our table server when we eat at a restaurant?  Is God worth only a tip?  Or do I make a conscious gift in gratitude?

Fr. Mike

Each of us doing our part and doing what we can.

 

There are about 2100 families on the roster of St. Joseph the Worker.  About 25% attend on any given weekend.  About 1100 give to the church each year.  To reach our financial needs the parish needs each contributing family to average $35 per weekend.  Some can give more but others cannot afford to give that much.  That is why I give $100 each weekend.  At this stage of my life I can afford that.  Many people now give electronically so each week, twice a month or monthly, the amount they want to contribute is automatically taken out of their accounts.  Some give with a credit card so they get benefits back from the card company.  How about you?  What is your pattern of giving?  Is the amount you give reflective of how grateful you are to God for the many gifts you have received?  If we all do our part this is an easy target to reach.  If we expect someone else to take care of our obligations then nothing will be accomplished.  We are well behind our needed contributions this year.  We need you to respond generously to the needs of the parish so that the ministries we currently offer can continue. 

Fr. Mike

 

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Alleluia, He is risen!  
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate sign of God’s unconditional and great love for us.  As we turn our sins over to Christ in our own surrender, Jesus transforms us into living signs of God’s continued activity in our world.  On behalf of Fr. Don, deacons Kevin O’Connor and John Wallin, their wives, and the entire staff, we want to extend our deep felt gratitude for you as you bring to life the joy of loving and serving Christ in this faith community.  Your love for God, for one another, and your joyfulness at our Easter celebrations inspire us all to constantly strive to grow and do better.  May God watch over you and bless your family during the most joyful season.
Fr. Mike



A lesson in learning and giving.
The past two weeks I have addressed a bit my own journey into stewardship.  About 10 years ago the parish of St. Joseph the Worker embraced Commitment to Parish life, or CPL.  CPL gave us as a parish the opportunity to call people to get involved in the parish and the larger community by focusing on the ways we serve others.  In my own in journey, in my 20’s, a local priest asked me to read at Mass because he knew I worked at the radio station.  He felt me using my voice would be a natural fit.  Later he discovered I coached little league baseball and football.  He felt that if I were to distribute communion the kids would notice and see my faith life along with fun activities.  After he saw how well I worked with kids he asked me to teach in Faith Formation.  He eventually asked me to become a priest because he had seen how much I grew from giving to others.  You have already learned this in giving to your spouse, your children and grandchildren, and even to friends and co-workers.  But I also realized for all of these things to work in a church setting, the church needed money.  With an orientation to investing in people it was a simple step to invest money in the things that worked.  As a parish we/I need you to step into the financial giving in our church.  We are running almost $2000 a week behind last year.  Don’t wait.  Invest in St. Joe’s today.  
Fr. Mike 

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Is it time to refocus?
Last week I talked a bit about my own conversion to stewardship and to our Commitment to Parish Life approach at St. Joseph the Worker.  Today I want to expand a bit.  When I was in high school the parish used to publish a list of all the people who gave to the parish and list how much they gave.  A friend of mine used to give a fair amount for a teenager.   I decided to give as much and more than he gave.  It made me happy to see that I passed him up, and many of the adults in town.  I gave to be noticed.  Over the following years I stopped giving because I was going to college and trying to get started.  But a friend of mine talked about the value he found in giving to God first.  After that he began to see how things had taken control of his values and had distorted his focus upon things instead of people.  After reflecting I began giving again and soon realized that things get old, new styles come out, new inventions push us to keep up.  Things can easily take control of our lives, replacing people and the thanks we can/need to give to God.  Everything I have is a gift.  Only the friendships I have can I take with me into eternal life.  What are your values?   

Fr. Mike
 

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What we learn from giving.
When I first became a priest I gave a little money each week to the parish collection.  I felt that since I had given my life as a priest my time made up for the little dollar amount I gave.  In talking with parishioners over the years I realized where I spent my money was an indication of what I saw as important in my life.  The amount I give to the parish has grown in subsequent years.  Now I give $100 each week which amounts to $5200 per year.  There are extra things like Christmas, Easter, Haiti, CROSS, and other special collections.  This past year my financial donation to the parish was $7200.  What I am amazed at is how little I miss the money but how much I appreciate the parish, the work that we do, and the love I feel from each of you.  I found great benefit to me to give generously to the Lord because I have realized how generous God has been towards me.  Has God been generous to you?  Does it reflect in how much you give back to God?  You time and your dollars are critically important to the parish for us to do our ministry.  Please pray about your contribution.  
Fr. Mike
 

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Are you keeping up?
In the 1960’s our parish used to publish a list of the people who gave to the church every year, including how much each person gave.  Every year I would see how much one of my friends gave and my goal was to always give more than he did.  So in 1965 and 66 I gave $500 the first year and had to pump that up to $600 the second year so I gave more than he did.  Giving more than my neighbor is never a good reason to give to the church.  But it did begin the process for me to discover the value of giving back to God in gratitude for what God has first given to me.  St. Joseph the Worker has used CPL (Commitment to Parish Life) for several years now.  Each year my giving has gone up because being with you has been a growing gift from God.  I pray that your participating in our parish has been a growing experience for you.   Has your gift giving to the parish reflected your increased awareness of God’s blessing in your life?

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Your time, talent and treasure are needed and appreciated.
Eight years ago the parish of St. Joseph the Worker embarked on a program called Commitment to Parish Life.  This program seeks to intimately link the ministerial programs offered by the parish to the commitment of time from parishioners so that funding for the ministries are seen as part of a whole.   Social Justice opportunities, Faith Formation commitment to passing on our faith to our youth, Pastoral Ministry to parishioners and families who need an ear or time, and providing a vibrant worship experience, are all dependent upon people stepping forward to do these ministries and for people to provide the financial resources so that these ministries happen.  We are glad you are a part of the parish of St. Joseph the Worker.  What have you made a commitment to in the parish?  How can your gift of talent, expertise, energy and finances help make this parish the vibrant place you want it to be?

Fr. Mike
 

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What can you share?
When people seek to join the parish of St. Joseph the Worker they are amazed by the variety and quantity of different ministries our parish engages in.  There is literally something for everyone.  There are things that happen once.  Other things that happen weekly.  Some require training to serve others, and some are self-help things.  Some you do at home while some are done at church and yet others are done by our parishioners at another location.  To provide all of these ministries requires lots of people giving what they can in time, desire and talent.  Of course to see that all of these things take place also requires a good size staff.  That staff requires money.  So if you value any of the ministries at St. Joseph I ask you to look to see what you can do.  Can you give more time?  Can you use your expertise in leading or simply making it better?  And if you value a particular ministry, can you provide the financial resources for one of our staff to coordinate or lead this ministry?
 

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You make CPL successful! 
All eight kids of the Sullivan family have artistic gifts.  But none of us do what any of the other kids do to reveal our artistic talents.  At St. Joseph the Worker we have thousands of people who give of their talents so that all of our ministries can take place and do well.  Our jobs that we have to make money to support us, are frequently not the sort of work we like to do with our shared ministry.  What hidden talents do you have that you could share and would enrich our community?  Do you have a listening ear?  Do you play a musical instrument?  Can you relate to kids?  Are you good at organizing?  Do you know efficient ways of doing things?  We can certainly use your gifts and talents, whatever they might be, to serve and assist the community of St. Joseph’s.  Everyone giving a little means no one needs to give a lot.  You help make Commitment to Parish Life the success it has been over the years. 

Fr. Mike
 

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Are you keeping up with the times?
 
In the early 1970’s my parents moved to a small town in northwestern Minnesota.  The house cost $15,000.  In 1997 they moved from that small house to one in town.  They added a single stall garage for $15000.  How the cost of things has changed.  Ten or so years ago St. Joseph the Worker embarked on a program to sustain our ministries with Commitment to Parish Life.  This program seeks people to help with all of the multiple kinds of ministries we engage in.  We have folks helping with the MegaPack that happens the end of February.  There are folks in Faith Formation is many aspects.  We have people who participate by bringing food or helping to prepare, serve and clean-up at funerals.  You are generous with your time and talent.  Has the amount of your financial contributions kept up with the increased costs of things over the past 20 years?  CPL asks folks to give in all ways to support the parish and our ministries.  Are you keeping up with the times?  Fr. Mike

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Thank you for the gifts you share.
Our collections for the 2017-18 year are running a little ahead of last fiscal year.  Let me thank you for that increase.  Last year we ran a deficit of over $150,000.  The increase we have experienced so far this year helps, but it does not cover the loss from last year or fulfill the amount needed for the current fiscal year.  Did you know that Catholics generally give 1-1.5 percent of their income to the church?  Most Lutherans give 5%, most Evangelicals give 10% of their gross income.  Can you imagine what would happen to our income if we gave even 3% to the Church?  Our debt would be paid off in just a couple of years.  The assistance we give to Haiti might well educate all of their children and provide clean water to the entire village.  The education we provide to our youth would be the best of every church in the area.  You can make a difference.  Does the amount you give to the church really reflect how thankful you are to God for the gifts God has first given to you?  You can show God your attitude of gratitude by your response to the church’s needs.  Will you hear the voice of God?  Will you make a difference?

Fr. Mike
 

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Your Support is a Blessing

In 1945 the Church of St. Joseph from North Minneapolis celebrated their 75th anniversary as a parish.  In their booklet they list the various organizations that existed to foster community in this primarily German community.  On one page it lists that their annual income was $36,000.  Nearly 75 years later our parish needs $36,000 per weekend to have a balanced budget.  Everything in today’s society costs a lot more than it did 75 years ago.  Then we had a school with over 400 kids in grades 1-8.  Today we have over 2000 families who bring their nearly 600 kids to our faith formation programs.  We have more employees today than they did in the parish in 1945.  We also have a mortgage on our property over $25,000 per month.  Nearly 10 years ago our parish embarked upon a program to encourage people to give of their money, but, more importantly, to give of their time and talent to support the ministries we engage in.  While you may have seen large amounts in the giving over Christmas, we know from history that those are exceptional collections.  Are you doing your part, week after week, to support the parish in your financial giving?  Are you participating in one of our ministries?  The rewards are your blessings.  We are grateful for what you do to further the parish.

 

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We are all called to serve.

John the Baptist points away from himself by directing others to follow Jesus.  While it is always nice to get a pat on the back, the goal for a Christian today is to live the Gospel message in such a way that it gives other people hope and maybe a bit of faith in humanity, in God.  As a parish St. Joseph the Worker strives to serve the needs of many people is as diverse way as possible.  Everyone is different.  Everyone has needs.  So we have hundreds of ways that people consciously serve one another in the parish, and probably an equal or even greater number of ways you serve people who have no connection to the parish.  Thank you for living the Gospel message so powerfully, so faithfully.  And thank you for your regular financial contributions that make the parish strong financially.

It brings wonderful feelings and memories to see all of the gifts under the tree at Christmas time.  Each present is chosen specifically for one person by someone to express their love for that individual.  Hearing the excited squeals from children as they open each present: “It is just what I wanted!”  As you reflect upon your life this Christmas ask yourself how God chose the specific people and events in your life to help shape you into being the person you are.  A gift may reveal a talent you have that you were not aware of.  A wound may become a strength as you minister to someone who has a similar wound.  A need to be ministered to may give someone else the opportunity to receive a blessing because of you.  Each of these things is a gift from God because you are special in His sight.  You are the apple of His eye.  Does your gift back to God reflect your gratitude for each gift?  Your investment in time and money to the parish’s Commitment to Parish Life is a return of gratitude.  I thank you for your many gifts. 

Fr. Mike

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Are you living the Gospel message?

The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent tell us to “prepare the way of the Lord!”  They just don’t tell us how to do that in the world today.  The good news is that God always loves us.  Nothing we do ever changes God’s choice to love us unconditionally.  The world is hungry to hear the good news of Jesus.  So the parish of St. Joseph the Worker attempts to spread the good news by ministering to people in a myriad of ways.  I believe that is the only way to bring people back to God, back to church.  You do the ministry every day to your family, your friends, co-workers and fellow students.  The parish may facilitate this with training and guidance, but you do the work of the Lord every day.  To provide the training and resources requires a full investment of your time, your gifts, and your financial contribution.  CPL is what brings all of this together.  What is your commitment in terms of ministry, and talent and even financial contribution?  Do you give with a grateful heart so that others my benefit?  That is living the Gospel message.
 

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Your Commitment creates a great Parish Life
There is a Gospel story Jesus tells about how foolish it would be for a person to start building a home and not have enough money to finish the project.  It takes planning and wise financing to reach the goal.  St. Joseph the Worker embarked on the program of Commitment to Parish Life several years ago to take a total picture of what we do as a parish.  We realized that many people are involved in one of our many ministries.  People keep approaching us with new ideas of how to minister to children, to young adults, to millennials, to middle age and to senior people.  Many of these ministries cost little or nothing in dollars but they do cost in terms of time.  It is the parishioners who give of their time while the office manages space.  Eventually each ministry costs the dollars of staff time to oversee, train, and to maintain the ministry.  Your dollars make sure the whole parish benefits from these ministries.  Thank you for giving so generously of your talents, new ideas and the dollars necessary to make things work smoothly.

Fr. Mike

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Commitment to Parish Life is different for everyone.
Looking around church you will notice that we have a lot of families with lots of young children. What brings them to St. Joe’s? It is the way you welcome people into our worship services. Have you noticed the small children dancing in the aisles? Do you thank them for bringing the children to Mass? The fact that families with little ones are welcomed encourages them to come back. Many young families are trying to get established in their homes, paying for college loans, and trying to raise children. As has historically been the case, older families who have already raised their children, carry a larger portion of the giving because their costs of living is more established. Young families do give of their time, generously, because they want to work on the social ills in society. Older folks tend to give more of their income. So when we speak about a Commitment to Parish Life, it is that everyone contributes in the way that best suits their family. I encourage you to look into what you give to the parish to help us work more smoothly, caring for one another and the large community.
Fr. Mike
 

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Ever wondered what OneWith is?
At our Visioning session a couple of weeks ago, people asked what is our OneWith program that we offer Sunday nights?  Recognizing that many of our young people do not attend Mass on a regular basis, we have developed a program where learning and Mass are intertwined.  High school participants begin to arrive about 5:30.  Each class is given a task to work on during the Mass celebration.  Mass itself begins at 6.  After the homily (sermon) the small groups gather to talk about what the scriptures say to them and how this applies to their life.  While the young people are doing this, the families and other adults who have come to participate, also engage in discussions.  Everyone gathers back together again at 7:00 p.m. and Mass continues through Communion.  Everything is completed by 7:30 p.m. and folks go on their way.  We have found that this is a dynamic way for young people, families, and visitors to engaged in a Mass that now becomes much more relevant to the day to day lived experience of Christ in the world.  If you would like to try this experience I encourage you to come and participate.  I can promise you that this new experience will be like nothing you have ever done at Mass before.  But it is one more way the  parish is attempting to give back to  young people in response to their commitment to 
Commitment to Parish Life.  
Fr. Mike

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Where does it go?
I want to share more about how the parish invests its money back into the wellbeing of the parish.  One place to start today is to tell you about some of the expenses for our liturgies.  We spend about $130,000 on all of the things that go into hiring staff plus several others who are paid for special things that they do around liturgy.  Special things would include playing for funerals, weddings and special occasions, as well as leading choirs and playing some instruments during the year.  Other major costs would include benefits.  This is really a good deal as the people we have doing this are dynamic people.  We also spend about $10,000 for candles, bread and wine.  Another $13,000 go towards other supplies that augment the environment or décor around the church.  Of course we also heat and cool the space and we generate garbage from the area.  We have to clean and maintain the wooden floors and pews.  So we invest a good amount in our liturgy in order to get good quality.  The results are found in your enthusiastic participation in our liturgies.  Thank you for your generous support.
Fr. Mike

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Your generosity makes SJTW unique!
Nearly seven years ago St. Joseph the Worker began our Commitment to Parish Life.  This is a rounded concept where we see our investment in the parish as part of a larger presence.  Being a part of our parish is shown by giving of our time in one on the many ministries offered at St. Joseph the Worker.  Everyone does a little so that the load is less upon all members.  If people are busy (and most of us are more than we like) they might bring food for a funeral, or help with Vacation Bible School in June, or take a role in the Masses on the weekend where they are going to be here anyway.  Others take on leadership roles on one of our boards or councils.  Many of these people came to a planning session for the parish on October 28.  We had a great discussion about the things that make St. Joseph the Worker unique.  We talked about how we could continue to reach out to millennials, the youth, and the many immigrants who have moved into Maple Grove.  How do we make all feel welcome?  How do we invite them to be a part of this dynamic parish?  Thank you for the time you spend giving back to the parish.  Your generosity of time and dollars is greatly appreciated.

Fr. Mike

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What is the cost?
The Gospel readings this time of year turn to the final days of Jesus before he dies on the cross.  They present the question: “What is the cost of discipleship?  We find that everything has a cost. If I eat too much I gain weight. If I become an engineer, I do not become a doctor. If I get married to this person, then I do not get married to someone else. If I have children, they cost me food, schooling and extracurricular activities. Being a disciple of Jesus costs me in some sense. I don’t follow other religious leaders. I am not a Catholic/Christian only on Sunday. Our parish program of Commitment to Parish Life is the invitation to invest in one or more of the many activities centered in our faith community. Hundreds step forward to work in our faith formation program. Many hundreds more work in our social justice activities. Still others help in our liturgies and in our pastoral ministries. When many people become involved there is less for others to do because everyone gives a little bit.  To make all of these activities successful, we depend upon you. Thank you to those who  contribute time and money to the success of St. Joseph the Worker. 

Fr. Mike

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The price of the things we value.
In our society today we see the value of paying for things we need.  We pay for a new car or furnishing for the house.  We pay to send our kids to a specialty camp for a week in the summer.  We pay for our children to attend Faith Formation classes.  In a church, however, there are so many hidden expenses that we do not see and yet we are dependent upon.  Our staff works full time to see that things are just right for your children on the hour each week that they attend.  We spend hours each week cleaning and polishing things so church building is ready for visitors on the weekends and when visitors come to the building.  It would be foolish to charge the cost for all of our hidden expenses for each time an individual needs our services.  That is where our Commitment to Parish Life is so important.  Your financial gift each week is one way to say “Thank You’ to God for the many ways that God has said to you: “You are my beloved.  On you my favor rests!”  With God giving us  that kind of pat on the back, 
what do we give in gratitude?

Fr. Mike

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So much more than meets the eye
Commitment to Parish Life (CPL) encompasses all aspects of our parish.  While many people in the parish are involved in visible ministries, like things done at Mass or Faith Formation, many others are involved in things that are invisible.  Virtually no one sees the more than two dozen Stephen Ministers who visit those in need of some one-on-one time.   These folks give up personal time to sit with parishioners who needs some TLC.  We have a large number of folks who come to help with funeral luncheons.  Hardly anyone knows their name, but this ministry touches the hearts and families of those who are grieving the death of a loved one.  Our garden ministry group spend hours each week watering and pruning the many gardens we have on our property.  All of these things put Christ into action.  And virtually not one of these people get recognized.  Your financial support allows  our parish to train and support folks like this so that our parish continues to be a welcoming and vibrant community.  
Thank you for your time and your support of our parish.

Fr. Mike

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Children are watching... and learning

Thank you for sharing your babies and older children with the community of St. Joseph the Worker.  What a delight to hear them sing and praise God in their tiny voices.  Even the littlest among us know how to share in our faith family the joy of loving and serving God.  It is inspiring to see the little ones use the holy water.  It is fun to watch them try to learn the complicated sign of the cross.  It is apparent that you share with them the value of being a part of this big church family.  It is also exciting seeing them put into the collection the money you give them, as they learn the need to return to God a portion of what God gives them.  God is obviously generous with us.  The change of seasons.  Nature that we can experience with our senses.  Your children are listening and watching everything you do.  Do you speak to them about how generous God is to us?  Do you let them know how much you put in the Sunday gratitude basket as it passes down your row?  They quickly grasp when they understand what we do and why we do it.  Remember to speak to them about your commitment to Christ, because of His commitment to you!

Fr. Mike
 

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Your commitment makes all the difference.


Everyone is deeply committed to something.  It is visible in the dedication to the work place.  One sees it in the dedication to the activities our children are involved with and the parent’s commitment to coach, attend and/or drive the kids to these activities.  We might be committed to our exercise time and group of friends we make there.  It becomes visible in our churches when the city of Maple Grove commits to the use of purple lights during October as we promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  That sort of commitment makes all of these activities successful.  The same is true for our church.  Your commitment to attending Mass, to the multiple ministries we promote and give people the opportunity to participate in, and to the financial strength of our parish, makes St. Joseph the Worker a successful organization.  It is YOU that makes this parish work, and work well.  In our city, in our Archdiocese, in Bouzy, Haiti, 
around the US, our parish is known for living and practicing the Gospel in a vibrant way.  

Thank you for your commitment to St. Joseph the Worker.



For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Most of us have seen the damage caused by the hurricanes in the southern states of the US, and of the many islands in the Caribbean.  We need to continually pray for them as we extend relief aid to them.  They will need much assistance in the months and years ahead.  Your financial giving to the parish of St. Joseph’s is essential for us to continue to support our sister parish in Haiti, damaged, but not broken by the hurricane that swept past them.  While they need your support, our parish thrives on your giving of time and talent so that our ministries remain vibrant.  Along with working in these many ministries we also need your financial support to fulfill our obligations to these ministries and our other many expenses.  If you are grateful to God for all that you have received, that gratefulness should be reflected in your giving to the parish so that these ministries carry out your intentions. 

Fr. Mike

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It takes the commitment of a community!

People of St. Joe’s:  I hope you had the opportunity to join us for our outdoor Mass and picnic.  We had about 700 people who participated at both events.  Plus we were very successful in raising more money for our sister parish St. Catherine’s in Haiti.  It is visible that people from the parish have made a huge commitment to the life of the parish.  There were so many who took on the multiple roles of preparing for Mass, setting up outdoors, cooking the food, bringing food items to share, participating in the Fun Run for Haiti and even cleaning up.  There were many visitors and possibly some new members.  What a great way to show others how this parish celebrates the goodness of God.  If you took pictures of this event and are willing to share them with the parish, please send them to me.  I will see that they are posted on our web page, other social media and we will try to get some for showing at our coming Masses.  Your financial contributions make this possible.  The parish provides the meat and buns and most of the condiments.  Your generosity allows us to celebrate who we are.  As we begin a new school year I would like to remind you that we need about $37,000 each weekend to be able to fulfill our commitments to our many ministries.  Thank you for your part in this gathering.

Fr. Mike
 

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Sharing our Gifts!

The parish of St. Joseph the Worker began our Commitment to Parish Life about 7 years ago.  We have successfully pushed for folks and families to make a commitment of time and talent to at least one of the many ministries we offer at St. Joseph’s.  As a result we have become a beacon of Christ’s light to the northwest suburbs.  Our children love to come to Faith Formation classes.  Your teenage sons and daughters have taken a much more active role in ministries at the Sunday evening Masses.  Families are working with our Mobile Home groups, our Habitat for Humanity building and our Families Moving Forward.  More people are stepping up to assist in our ministry to St. Catherine’s in Haiti.  More people are getting involved in the ministries at our regular weekend Masses.  Have you made your commitment yet?  CPL is simply a way to keep track, for you and for us, of what we are doing to thank God for the blessings He has first given to us.  Does the commitment of time and talent, as well as financial commitment to the parish, reveal how thankful you are to God?  Use your CPL sign-up form to make a pledge to yourself, your family and your church so show your commitment to following Christ.  

Fr. Mike

It’s your commitment that keeps SJTW vibrant!

The school year is right around the corner.  Families are once again preparing for children to go off to school, younger children to begin a new school year, and parents to get relief for constant supervision of their children.  Our parish has fruitfully embraced Commitment to Parish Life, (CPL) to provide the many ministries we offer at the parish.  Families of all ages participate in multiple ministries.  They find that by giving to another person, they, themselves, are enriched.  They see more clearly how much God has given to them.  They are reminded of their blessings.  In your giving of talent and time to the parish, do not forget the financial aspect.  All of our ministries operate on a budget that is possible only because you make a commitment to the parish.  We are slipping behind last year’s revenue.  Look to see if you are giving as you intended.  We need you to give all of yourself so that as a parish we can do our best job in all of our ministries.

Fr. Mike
 

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Is your Commitment to Parish Life current?



The school year is right around the corner.  Families are once again preparing for children to go off to school, younger children to begin a new school year, and parents to get relief for constant supervision of their children.  Our parish has fruitfully embraced Commitment to Parish Life, (CPL) to provide the many ministries we offer at the parish.  Families of all ages participate in multiple ministries.  They find that by giving to another person, they, themselves, are enriched.  They see more clearly how much God has given to them.  They are reminded of their blessings.  In your giving of talent and time to the parish, do not forget the financial aspect.  All of our ministries operate on a budget that is possible only because you make a commitment to the parish.  We are slipping behind last year’s revenue.  Look to see if you are giving as you intended.  We need you to give all of yourself so that as a parish we can do our best job in all of our ministries. 

Fr. Mike

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It’s your commitment that makes SJTW unique!
It is always delightful to see and meet so many new people who come to our church.  When we get visitors from other parts of the nation they wonder if we are Catholic because our building is so different from their church.  But once they celebrate with us they come away with the experience of Christ in our worship services.  You make that happen.  Your participation in the Mass, the friendliness you show to new people, and your willingness to search out ways to help new people makes this parish unique.  Your giving at collection time is critical to making these things happen.  Money makes our world move.  Since the beginning of the new fiscal year which started on July 1, our collections are down about $1500 per weekend.  That would mean a $75,000 short-fall for the year if the trend continues.  I would ask you to assess if your physical commitment to the life of the parish is matched by your financial commitment to the parish.  Our piggy bank is limited.  Please pray as you assess your pattern of giving to the parish.  Truly CPL (Commitment to Parish Life) has been a blessing to us, allowing us to remove nearly all of our second collections, maintain our ministries, and generously  reach out to support others beyond our faith community.

Fr. Mike
 

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Baptismal Font Update: Under Reconstruction. 
Sisters and brothers, you probably heard the font running the past few weeks.  That is because we are making progress.  The old font was made from fiberglass.  The basin was supported by 2X4’s on edge.  Somehow the concrete shifted and the basin became separated from the plumbing fixtures.  So we drained about 2500 gallons of water into the ground bellow.  When we pulled everything out, including the big rock, two pipes were cracked.  The first was the water coming into the font.  The second was the one going out.  We thought it was fixed shortly after Easter, only to discover these two pipes had cracks in them.  When we first filled the font there were leaks under the rock.  When we decided to replace the fiberglass with granite, the interior was rubberized.  The rubber went around the steps.  Apparently the angles were too sharp for the rubber.  When we filled it up after being repaired we discovered there were a couple of leaks in the rubber pad.  This week we have taken the steps out completely.  The granite will now cover the entire interior of the font.  With no steps there will be no more acute angles.  Instead we will have steps that are removable.  They will only be used when someone is being baptized in the big pool.  We have drained the font for now.  It will take a couple of weeks to put down the new rubber and seal it to the rest of the rubber already installed.  When the rubber is dried then the rest of the granite can be installed.  We do anticipate this will be completed by Labor Day.  At least that is what I am praying and hoping will happen.  As Fr. Don has pointed out, this font and our lives are pretty similar.  We are frequently under reconstruction with the grace of the Holy Spirit.  When we think we are done, God always has more in store for us.  That is true in my life and his.  As people tell me their stories, it seems to be true in their lives also.  So happy reconstruction! 
Fr. Mike

Ministry takes Investment

Families Moving Forward

The parish of St. Joseph the Worker utilizes Commitment to Parish Life (CPL) as the primary method for identifying the ministries we begin and hold on to because of their value.  To do these many ministries well requires a financial commitment from parishioners.  Our budget is nearly two million dollars.  A little over $300,000 of that is for our mortgage.  The largest portion is for salaries.  We have a large staff because through them we facilitate these groups to know why we are doing this ministry, how to do it well, and to evaluate how we can improve upon our involvement.  Many of you are professionals.  My experience is that you are very good at your job.  For us to attract quality people to lead the ministries at St. Joe’s, we also need professional people.  As the new fiscal year has recently begun, I am asking you to reflect upon your pattern of giving to the parish.  You permit and encourage the ministries found at St. Joe’s by your generous financial support for the parish.  We try to use your investment wisely.  I am asking to consider prayerfully your financial  commitment to the parish.  We need you to join us in seeing our Commitment to Parish Life as a commitment to the whole of the parish.  

Thank you for investing in SJTW!

Fr. Mike