Catechetical Sunday

This Sunday is Catechetical Sunday. It is a special recognition of all those who give of their time, effort and skills to see that our parishioners have the opportunity to be properly formed in the faith. This includes all those   involved   in   St.  Joseph/St. Robert School – teachers, principal, administration, staff, and volunteers. We also recognize and thank those involved in faith formation in our CCD program, including our program director and catechists, assistants, staff and volunteers. In addition we are grateful for the members of our RCIA team and youth formation team. They play a crucial role in preparing and instructing our youth and adults to come into the faith, or complete their initiation. We thank them for all they do in handing on the kingdom. Please pray for them and ask God to bless them for the very good work they do. This year, the theme is: “Say the Word  and  My  Soul  Shall  be  Healed.” The past year has highlighted the urgent need for healing–physical, spiritual, emotional–in ourselves and in our world. As our world struggles to heal, complete healing is not possible without Jesus as the Divine Physician. When our souls heal, all heals, despite our suffering.

The words we pray at Mass, “Say the Word and My Soul Shall be Healed,” have the power to remind us of, to open our eyes to, the healing that Jesus offers us in the Eucharist which is essential, eternal, and ever open to us. We humbly ask him to say the word, and with that prayer, we have faith that, with the fantastic and improbable prospect of Jesus entering under our roof, our souls shall be healed.

As a reminder, we are all catechists, and we should all join together in passing on the faith. If you know someone who is considering joining the Catholic Faith, or someone who maybe simply needs to be asked, now is the time. We are holding our special Night of Inquiry Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 p.m. in classroom 18. Anyone interested in finding out more about the faith is invited to join us. Please call the rectory if interested, 215-672-3020.

As part of our 100th Anniversary celebration, we are looking to publish a new parish pictorial directory. It is a powerful tool in our church to help each of us know each other better. Our last directory is now out-dated and it is time for a new one. Please make an appointment to have your picture taken by following the link on our church website, www.saintjosephchurch.us. If you do not have access to our website, you can contact the rectory Monday thru Thursday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm and Mary Beth will schedule your session. Your participation will help the church and yourself. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the 100th anniversary directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today! The two days chosen for photography sessions are Friday and Saturday, November 19th and 20th. Portraits will be photographed here at St. Joseph. Additional portraits can be purchased and will be available in time to give as Christmas gifts.

I am also very pleased to announce that St. Joseph Parish will soon be registering with The Augustine Institute for the FORMED Program.  With this enrollment, each member  of the parish will have access to the many spiritual programs offered over the internet. Please keep an eye on the bulletin  for more information.  Our access should begin in the month  of October.  More details will follow.

God Bless you,
Fr. Bordonaro