Dear Community of Saint Joseph's:

 

Silence

 

Do you feel the need for silence in your life?  As I grow older I recognize the need for stillness and contemplation the same way I require sleep, proper nourishment and companionship.  I went to a meeting recently where there were so many people speaking at the same time I could not concentrate on the purpose of our agenda.  I believe our lives are so filled up with noise and activity that we get confused about who we are and what we think.  All that confusion can make it difficult to hear God's voice.  

 

Since the Jubilee Year Saint Joseph's has provided an experience of silent communion with Jesus in the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  On Sunday evenings our parish family room is transformed into the Mercy chapel.  A consecrated host is taken to this chapel.  From that moment until the vigil Mass of Saturday evening the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for silent prayer and adoration.  A sacred time and space is created  where people can go and be with the Blessed Sacrament in silence.  

 

Within the chapel there is a notebook where the participants can journal thoughts and experiences regarding their hour of devotion.  In these pages you will read repeated expressions of gratitude and transformation on behalf of the people who spend a silent hour each week in prayer, contemplation and adoration.  That weekly hour has significantly changed their lives for the better.  

 

In order to be able to continue providing this spiritual opportunity we need more participants in order to maintain a twenty-four hour - seven day a week experience.  This weekend we will be having a special sign up opportunity for those of you who might be interested in giving an hour of your week in prayer and contemplation.  In the foyer of the church we will have a table set up with information and a schedule of hours needing support throughout the week.  Please stop by and consider the possibility of experiencing this remarkable opportunity for peace and holiness.  If you are interested in participating, but cannot stop by for information this weekend please feel free to contact our Mercy chapel coordinators, Sondra and Andy Geyer at 464-9270.

 

Come to the Mercy Chapel and spend some time there.  In the aftermath of that visit see if you do not feel more peaceful, more understanding.  I suspect that silent time alone with Jesus is just what you need.

 

It is what we all need.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor