A heartfelt thank you to all the parishioners and volunteers who helped make this special day possible. Your time, effort, and love for our parish made it a truly memorable event!
My name is Monsignor Martin Heinz. I am the Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and as the spiritual leader of our Parish and Christ's ambassador within our Community, I am often called upon to comfort those experiencing grief, anxiety, and loss.
During those times of darkness which we all experience, I urge everyone to banish feelings of worry and stress by remembering the words found in Jeremiah 29:11, speaking of God's love for us. "For I Know The Plans I Have For You, Plans to Prosper You and Not to Harm You, Plans to Give You Hope and a Future." More important than confronting grief in the moment, however, is preparing for it by establishing a firm foundation in faith as a means of bringing about peace in our lives.
Bad things will happen to us. There is no way of knowing the time or the severity, and the key to dealing with any catastrophe is in how we choose to soothe our pain so we can carry on. Instead of seeking temporary solace in material excess, substance abuse, or sexual promiscuity, I urge each and every one of you to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ, seek his counsel, and live your fullest role within God's plan. In this way you become prepared, so you can find the richness and fulfillment of true peace in the midst of anguish.
If you've been a Catholic all of your life, it's time to delve deeper into your faith. If you are just awakening spiritually, and want to present yourself before the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ, our Church is waiting to welcome you. Daily Masses are at 8:00am, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with a Communion Service at 8:00am Thursday. The Saturday Vigil Mass is at 5:00pm. Sunday Masses are at 8:00am and 10:30am. Confession is offered from 4-4:30pm on Saturday afternoons. The 8:00am daily Mass on the First Friday of the month includes Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions. There is an additional daily Mass on the first Saturday of each month at 8:00am with Confessions and Veneration to St. Peregrine, the patron of those suffering from Cancer.
I believe that with our eyes solidly on the Lord, we can all turn any time of tragedy and isolation into a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our souls and grow spiritually. Don't waste the opportunity. Don't wait another day. Say yes to the invitation given to you by Jesus!