Dear parishioners, visitors, guests and benefactors—
This time of the year the church honors two popular saints. On March 17, many like to honor St. Patrick; especially the Irish. On March 19, the church honors St. Joseph. The parish in Hayward is named after St. Joseph. To emphasize and make the feast day special, we would like to do the litany of St. Joseph at each of the masses. There will also be a table with a display of bread exhibited in front of the church this weekend. There has been a long tradition of many St. Joseph churches throughout the world where tables of bread have been blessed and then given to the poor and elderly. St. Joseph, pray for us.
This week St. Joseph Church hosts the blood drive. Again, we welcome our guests and thank so many who help serve in many capacities during the blood drive. And, of course, thanks to all those who donate blood.
Two weeks ago I received a letter from the Diocese of Superior in reference to World Mission Sunday. As you know, the 3rd Sunday of October is World Mission Sunday when we take up a second collection. I am happy to announce that St. Joseph Parish in Hayward donated the most money of any parish in the Diocese of Superior; that includes every parish that has more families than Hayward. Our parish donated $4,399.00. No other parish in the diocese even came close to that amount. I am humbled and proud of you at the same time. Your generosity is a true testimony of your commitment to Jesus and the larger church, which includes the missions. May God continue to bless you for your generosity.
As ever—