Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

Our friend Father Howard Bleichner has published a new book entitled “In the Circle of Mysteries – the coherence of Catholic Belief.”   In his review of the book, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington D.C. writes, “Father Bleichner’s work In the Circle of Mysteries presents a fresh synthesis of the Catholic faith, pulling together the central mysteries from a historical perspective in a way that is accessible to Catholics today.  Using Sacred Scripture, the documents of the Church, and the great theologians of history, Fr. Bleichner presents the faith as a systematic whole with the goal of leading the believer to an ever deeper act of faith. For anyone looking for an engaging and faithful presentation of the Catholic faith, In the Circle of Mysteries is a welcome and fresh contribution.” 

 

Next Sunday after all the Masses Father Howard will be in the vestibule signing copies of the book for our parishioners.  Please pick up a signed copy of the book and offer Father Howard congratulations on his hard work and great success.

 

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Last week on the Feast of All Souls I quoted a poem by Nancy Wood from her collection entitled “Many Winters.”  Many of you requested a copy and here it is ~

 

 

Today is a very good day to die.

Every Living thing is in harmony with me.

Every voice sings a chorus within me.

All beauty has come to rest in my eyes.

All bad thoughts have departed from me.

Today is a very good day to die.

My land is peaceful around me

My fields have been turned for the last time.

My house is filled with laughter.

My children have come home.

Yes, today is a very good day to die.

 

 

I quoted the poem is in my homily where I spoke of being unafraid of death.  As faithful followers of Jesus Christ we believe that we shall rise when this life is over.  And so when we awaken each morning we should strive to live in peace with our God, our neighbors and ourselves.  To enjoy and savor each moment of life and to live fearlessly regarding the end of our lives …… we can be fearless because we believe in the compassion of our God

                                     and the desire God has to be with us forever!

                                                             

 

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor