Parish Update -- September 3, 2021
Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph:
Today is the feast of St. Gregory the Great. He was pope in the 6th century, an excellent administrator, and a man with a true heart for the poor, and totally reliant on the gifts God gave him. He initially left his life as a Roman Prefect to take vows and become a Benedictine monk, but was ultimately called out of that life to serve in a greater way.
In a homily on Ezekiel, Gregory said: "So who am I to be a watchman, for I do not stand on the mountain of action but lie down in the valley of weakness? Truly the all-powerful Creator and Redeemer of mankind can give me in spite of my weaknesses a higher life and effective speech; because I love him, I do not spare myself in speaking of him."
Pope St. Gregory was sure of his love for God and God's love for him, with great humility, he relied on that love to live a prophetic life of virtue. May we all have the grace to do the same.
1. Baptisms! -- Congratulations to the following children who were baptized in the last few weeks: Gabriel Ramos, the son of April and Emmanuel Ramos, who was baptized July 4, 2021. Ellie Cruz Buys, the daughter of Katie and David Buys, who was baptized on July 10, 2021. Gabriel McPhail the son of Laura McPhail, who was baptized on August 21, 2021. Sterling Josef Wilczynski, the son of Sanina and Mitch Wilczynski, who was baptized August 22, 2021, and Bridgers Mitchell, the son of Sarah Mitchell, who was baptized August 29, 2021.
2. Welcome Back -- We have postponed the welcome back until November.
3. Time and Talent -- This weekend we will be distributing the Time & Talent Forms to sign up for the various ministries and apostolates that we are involved with. I have attached the form along with the bulletin, if you would like more time to consider the options. Please prayerfully consider how you can make and offering of your time and talent to the parish and the greater community, and ultimately to God.
4. First Saturday Mass -- We will have Mass tomorrow at 10 AM. Confession is available at 9:30 AM.
5. Gameday Parking -- CYO will be parking cars this weekend. Be careful not to park your car here early tomorrow morning. There is a risk vehicles could be towed.
6.
RCIA -- Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and perhaps becoming Catholic? RCIA inquiry sessions have begun and we are meeting at 6:30 PM in the Parish Hall.
Preregistration is encouraged (but not required). For more information, contact Dave Monts, (662) 263-6946 or email him at
rcia@stjosephstarkville.org.
7.
Religious Education -- It's not too late to sign up for religious education.
Online registration is available. Classes begin September 19, 2021.
Peace,
Fr. Jason