Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s:

 

We have so many beginnings in our calendar.  The Church year begins in Advent.  Our calendar year commences in January.  Spring is a new occasion for nature.  But somehow, perhaps because of all the time we spend in school, fall always feels like the beginning of a new time to me.  It seems to be a moment in which we determine how our lives are going to be spent until summer.  Consequently, it seems that now is the perfect time to acquaint you with all the various options for Religious Education and spiritual development at Saint Joseph’s. 

 

This last week we mailed a packet of information regarding our Religious Education Program to all of our registered parishioners.   The packet contains details and registration forms for children in preparation for First Reconciliation, Eucharist and Teens interested in Confirmation and Youth Ministry.   The packet also includes invitations from the RCIC and RCIA which are separate process for children and adults interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. 

 

It may be that in your home there are no children or adults needing the initial celebration of the sacraments, however, I hope you would peruse the material regardless.   It is important for each member of Saint Joseph’s to understand and know how one enters the community.  In every encounter of your life you have an opportunity to communicate the goodness of God.  When people experience your fairness, your compassion, your prayerfulness, these are powerfully attractive traits.  Those qualities will lead people to inquire about your spiritual practices and it would be vital that you are able to knowledgably invite and welcome your friends and neighbors into the life of our community.   Understand that to be a Christian is to be a person who evangelizes.

 

Please always be welcoming and encouraging to the possibility of a person in your circle who might be interested in our Catholic life.  I ask you now to join me in welcoming our new Director of Religious Education, Cathie Gabrio.  Cathy, along with her husband Jeff, has raised her family of four children in our Community and has been actively involved in their education.  Cathie is sharing her talents with Saint Joseph’s and Good Shepherd Catholic School where she teaches full time.  She has been a passionate volunteer in a variety of ministries in our community. 

 

Whenever a new Director arrives, it provides a new opportunity to join the process.  If you have an interest in supporting religious education and spiritual development for young people, I know Cathie would love to meet you and have you join her team.  You can reach her at 475-9510.   And remember that every day at work, at home, in traffic, the spirit of God resides in you and is to be shared with every person you meet.  When we commit to following Jesus it means that we commit to welcoming and encouraging the neighbor and the stranger…….every day.

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor