Notes from the Pastor’s Pen – May 22, 2022

Dear friends,

The May Crowning will be celebrated at the outdoor shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located between the church and rectory, this Sunday morning, May 22, at 10:15 a.m. The students of the Parish School of Religion will be participating and all parishioners are invited. This celebration presents a wonderful opportunity to invoke the intercession of her who is the mother of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the mother of mankind in the order of grace (cf., Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 183).

This past year Miss Emily Kopff served well as the Director of the Saint Joseph Parish School of Religion program. Soon, however, she will be leaving us to take up the full-time responsibility of serving as the Director of Religious Education at Saint Joseph Parish in Imperial. Succeeding her here will be Mr. Gary Lang who has served in education—at the elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels—for 42 years. Mr. Lang holds graduate degrees from Washington University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He currently trains teachers and other leaders on restorative practices for the classroom and has a deep passion for sharing the faith. If you know of anyone interested in serving as a catechist or substitute catechist in our program for the coming year please let me know.

Our retired priest in residence, the Reverend Michael Donald, will be celebrating a Mass in honor of the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood this Sunday afternoon, May 22, at 1:00 p.m. On this occasion, we give thanks to God for the fifty years of priestly ministry that Father has given to the Church and we ask the Lord Jesus to continue to bless him in his ministry.

In Christ,
Father Bené

Notes from the Pastor’s Pen – May 15, 2022

Making All Things New

Although we are five full weeks into the celebration of Easter, today’s readings focus on newness. Our Easter food leftovers may be long gone, but the readings insist on every moment’s freshness in the risen Jesus. The Acts of the Apostles depicts Paul and Barnabas reflecting on all the innovative work that God has done with them. They have traveled hundreds of miles, introducing faith in Jesus Christ to all who listen, even Gentiles. For the dutiful Jewish scholar Paul, preaching to Gentiles is a completely unique development. Jesus calls Paul, and us, not to be afraid of new challenges: as John the Evangelist reports in Revelation, Jesus promises to “make all things new.” In the Gospel reading, Jesus even gives us a new commandment. The Hebrew Scriptures overflow with commandments, but Jesus knows we need one more, perfect mission: “love one another.”

© J. S. Paluch Co.

Notes from the Pastor’s Pen – May 8, 2022

Dear friends,

The Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) has recently begun and continues through June 3. The ACA sustains ministries and services throughout Saint Louis and 10 surrounding counties.

The ACA helps a lot of people in untold ways. Catholic Charities, Respect Life, Family & Social Responsibility, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and the Office of Youth Ministry are just a few of the many ways in which the ACA helps. Detailed information regarding how your gift is used can be found at this webpage: https://www.archstl.org/annualcatholic-appeal/programs-we-support

Those who have donated in the past should have already received a donation card for this year’s contribution. Donations can be mailed or placed in the Sunday collection. May I kindly ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to the Annual Catholic Appeal. May the Lord bless you for your generosity.

Work has begun on repainting the walls in the sanctuary of the church, something which has not been done for many, many years. A shade of the color taupe is being used to afford a contrast to and thus highlight the Crucifixion scene in the sanctuary and the statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph that will soon be placed therein. The color scheme was recommended by Ms. Michelle Bowman of Restorations Plus who has worked in church restoration throughout the country for many years now. Your patience is greatly appreciated as the work is done.

In Christ,
Father Bené