THANKS FROM ZACCHAEUS HOUSE

We are most grateful to our loyal parishioners for their recent contributions to Zacchaeus House. As you know this is a local facility, under the direction of Bishop Joseph Perry, which helps homeless men in transition. Later this week we will deliver this donation to Bishop Perry personally. As always, your generosity is outstanding.

WHEN YOU’VE BEEN AWAY, PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR PARISH

As you can see from the figures, both the Sunday collection and the number of envelopes used were significantly down. If you’ve missed coming here because of vacation or other plans, please remember that our bills continue all year long. We respectfully ask that you make up for offerings to Saint Joseph’s which you have missed.

RCIA ONLY EIGHT WEEKS AWAY

Traditionally we’ve had good participation in RCIA during past years. As you know, RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a series in which persons who wish to embrace or to explore the Catholic Faith are given formation and information about it. Classes begin in late September and continue till Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil. It is at this liturgy that persons are baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming Catholic, please contact one of the priests in order to register or to obtain additional information.

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY!

This request which the disciples made to Jesus is one with which we can easily identify. We know how vital prayer is to our relationship with Jesus. Yet often times so many other concerns can get in the way.

It is necessary to establish a regular regimen if we are to learn to pray better. The first thing we need is a specified time each day or evening when we can have some moments of calm and quiet. Whenever that time may be for you, stick to it “religiously!” Next remember that prayer is as much listening to the Lord as it is speaking to him. If the Lord were standing at your side, how would he ask you to grow? What would he ask you to do? Finally, remember that prayer is loving conversation with your very best Friend. We all know how easily one can spend many minutes, or even hours, on the phone. Then why not set a few minutes each day for loving conversation with Jesus? “Lord, teach us to pray!”

Saint Joseph, pray for us, and let us pray for one another!