An Invitation to Confession

Posted by St. Joseph

This week we have another wonderful opportunity to go to Confession before Christmas.  At each parish there will be several priests.  Take some time to examine your conscience properly.  If you have to, write them out so as not to forget what you really need to say.  Never fear ... Read More »

2nd Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

Today’s Gospel tells us to “prepare the way of the Lord”.  St. John the Baptist cries out as a herald of both joy and challenge.  The consequence of truly “preparing” our heart for Jesus is joy!  Doing it, regularly and faithfully, is the challenge.

To grow in our spiritual ... Read More »

1st Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

I can’t believe that the Advent Season is upon us!  It must be a consequence of growing older, but, time seems to be really moving fast.  These Advent days are a great way to prepare for Christmas.  This Advent is a wee bit shorter.  So, there will be less ... Read More »

Christ the King

Posted by St. Joseph

A few years back, a former Vicar for Clergy in our Diocese, sent me a strongly worded letter to the effect that “we don’t talk about Jesus as Victor! Such language is of the past!”  I informed him that the advanced degree in theology he attained was an obvious ... Read More »

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted by St. Joseph

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m already slipping into a tryptophan induced coma of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and stuffing.  My taste buds are exploding in this very writing.

Family, friends, faith, and food are all part of this day.  I want to thank God for the many blessings which ... Read More »

The Principle of Tithing

Posted by St. Joseph

Tithing is the biblical precept that 10% of our income (before taxes) should be given back to the Lord in gratitude for the many blessings which come our way.  It is not a principle only for the rich.  A 10% tithe is a gift back to God, no matter ... Read More »

The Young Voice

Posted by St. Joseph

Our young people are a great joy to me here at St. Joe’s!  No matter what age, it seems to me that they are striving to do the good and holy things in life.  I pray for you and appreciate you! 

At Religious Ed classes, we gave the students ... Read More »

All Saints and All Souls

Posted by St. Joseph

Two great celebrations for the faithful Catholic are upon us.  (Neither are Halloween, or trick or treat.)  The Solemnity of All Saints and The Commemoration of All Souls celebrate the promise of Heaven (All Saints) and the mercy of God (All Souls). 

All Saints is a Holy Day of ... Read More »

The Mass and Its Roots--Part II

Posted by St. Joseph

This is the second part explaining the Mass.  May it be a great help to giving God true worship.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The word “Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving.”  In this part of the Mass we celebrate two ancient traditions:  Bread-breaking and a sacrifice offered to God.

The ... Read More »

The Mass and Its Roots--Part I

Posted by St. Joseph

I thought it would be good to explain the Mass.  The more we know, the more we can give proper and holy worship to God.  So, this week and next I will give some general understandings to why we do what we do.  I hope it is ... Read More »