Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

 

Congratulations to our Confirmation Candidates as they celebrate the Sacrament this weekend with Bishop Ryan.  Also, our best wishes to those students who are graduating and moving on to new schools and communities. 

 

Summer is a time in which we begin to reorient our usual schedule.  Change is always a dreaded state of being – and yet it is a familiar and necessary aspect of life. 

 

We on the parish staff are experiencing some significant change at this time.  For the last eight years, Sister Joan Derry has shared her gifts of teaching, counseling, formation and hospitality at Saint Joseph’s as the Director of the RCIA and our Adult Education Series.  Under her leadership we have enjoyed outstanding educational programs and presentations.  She has recruited and trained sponsors for the Catechumanete, she has formed an excellent “Adult Education Team,” she has been a faithful and hopeful member of the parish community.  Lastly Sister Joan has always been a bright, shining personality who brings joy, hospitality and laughter to our parish life!

 

Sister Joan is a member of the Holy Family Community of Religious Sisters.  Every year Sister’s ministry with Saint Joseph’s is facilitated through a contract reinstated annually.  For a variety of reasons it is not possible to renew Sister Joan’s contract this year.  This is not a financial decision but rather a contractual resolution. 

 

Because this is a recent development I have not had time to find a new person to oversee our adult education program, however, this summer I shall be searching for an individual to continue the excellent work developed by Sister Joan and her ministerial team.

 

We are planning to honor Sister Joan and her years of service to Saint Joseph’s on Sunday May 24 at the 11:00 liturgy. Please join us as we offer prayers of gratitude for all the many blessings Sister has shared with us and as we ask God to continue to bless her with all good things.

 

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor