Dear parishioners, visitors, guests and benefactors—
HAPPY EASTER! I want to wish each and every one of you a very blessed Easter. The Paschal Mystery; suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, is central to our faith. I pray that each of you experience the Risen Lord in your personal lives. May this Easter deepen your relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life.
You are welcome to take some blessed holy water with you at the end of Mass. As a Catholic, you are encouraged to bless yourself, the house, the bedroom, etc. with holy water.
Good Friday starts the novena for Divine Mercy Sunday. You are encouraged to pray the novena. We will have another Mass offered next weekend at St. Joseph’s for Divine Mercy; devotions to follow. The Mass does count for your Sunday obligation. If you attended mass earlier that weekend, you are still encouraged to attend the devotional prayers at 3:00 pm. We will end with benediction.
Next weekend will also be First Communion for the second graders at St. Joseph Parish. Please pray for those making their First Holy Communion as they continue to walk close with Jesus.
Next weekend there will be a second collection for the Catholic Home Missions. As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
This week on Wednesday afternoon, I expect to take a van full of youth to Superior for the youth rally. The diocese puts on and encourages youth to attend the youth rally. These activities are ways we can support the youth in their faith.
On Thursday afternoon I plan on driving to St. Paul, Minnesota, to attend the 50th anniversary of St. John Vianney College Seminary. St. John Vianney Seminary is on the campus of the University of St. Thomas. I attended St. John Vianney Seminary from 1978-1982 for my undergraduate degree. I am looking forward to reconnecting with some old classmates and friends. I pray that the seminarians today grow in grace and holiness.