Happy Labor Day and Back to School

My Dear Parishioners,

Happy Labor Day! It is hard to believe that this day is here already. It is good to rest from our Labors and to recognize what a blessing it is to be able to work. This is part of God’s plan for us and it helps us to realize who we are called to be. This weekend it is important to thank God for the grace to work as part of our human condition and to improve it. We also remember that the blessing of work is not an easy one. While we are grateful for the opportunity to work, we also recognize in these difficult times that many people are unemployed or underemployed and we include them in our prayers too.

Labor Day also means an end to our summer vacation. Our SJR students started back this week and our CCD will soon be in operation. I hope that you had an enjoyable summer vacation with family and loved ones. We pray for all students returning to class at this time, whether at our school or elsewhere. Thank you to the parents and to all our teachers, staff and volunteers for providing a great education and formation for our young people. Last year really challenged us, and hopefully this year will be better. I especially want to thank you, the parishioners of St. Joseph. It is through your generosity, along with the parents who sacrifice, that we are able to provide these young people with a quality instruction in the faith. Every child that goes to our school or CCD program does so with your financial assistance. Thank you for supporting our regular collection, which helps to provide our youth with an excellent formation in the faith.

We are preparing to offer the RCIA or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults this year. This is the special program where those who are interested in becoming Catholic, whether they have never been baptized or were raised in another faith, can learn more about our faith and receive the sacraments to become a Catholic. There will be more information coming, but if you know someone interested, please have them contact the rectory about attending our Night of Inquiry on Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 p.m. in classroom 18. No commitment is necessary, it is just to find out what is involved.

We are in real need of adults who are interested in our faith and willing to become members of our RCIA Team. You don’t need to be a professional speaker or teacher, but just someone who is in love with our faith and willing to share that with others. This year we will be using the “leader friendly” DVD series Symbolon. Team members will show the instructional video and then facilitate some discussion and sharing about the faith. Many times, the leaders tell me that they receive just as much from the work as the candidates and catechumens. If interested in joining our RCIA Team, please call me at the rectory 215-672-3020 and register.

God Bless You!
Fr. Bordonaro