Parish Update -- September 16, 2022
Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph:
It was a pleasure to be able to be present at the retreat with our college students this past weekend in Anniston, AL. We were in a beautiful location, and everyone had a wonderful, safe time getting to know each other and taking the time to grow closer to God.
Catechetical Sunday -- This coming Sunday is Catechetical Sunday. The Church in the United States has taken "This is my body given for you” (Luke 22:19) as this year's theme. This theme connects us to the Eucharist, a life centered on the Eucharist, and helps us see the role of catechist as a witness as well. This Sunday will help us reflect on the role that each person in the parish community plays by virtue of their Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.
Religious Education -- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Religious Education begin after the 9 AM Mass this Sunday.
Casserole Kitchen St. Joseph Catholic Church will be cooking casseroles for the Casserole Kitchen at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection on Tuesday, September 20th. If you would like to help with this ministry, please contact Deacon Jeff at deaconjeff@stjosephstarkville.org.
Becoming Catholic (RCIA) The next Becoming Catholic (RCIA) inquiry session will be on Wed., Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. The topics will be sacraments and sacramentals. It is not too late to join. All are welcome!
Thank you! -- Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our recent blood drive. We collected 29 units of blood product. Our next blood drive will be in 2023.
Ladies Luncheon -- Tuesday, September 20th at 11:30 am, at Elise McKinley’s home (129 Oriole, Starkville, MS). Co-hosts are Mary McCoy and Marsha Obringer. All women of the parish are invited. Please bring a dish to share.
Adult Ed -- This year's topic will be "The Cathedral" a Great Courses video series led by Dr. William Cook, a professor emeritus of medieval history at SUNY Geneseo.
From Gregg Twiietmeyer:
The study of the history of Cathedrals will enlighten your faith. The Gothic cathedrals are the apex of Christian architecture, both aesthetically and spiritually. This is no small fact. As Pope Benedict XVI argued: “I have often affirmed my conviction that the true apology of Christian faith, the most convincing demonstration of its truth…are the saints and the beauty that the faith has generated” ("The feeling of things...", 2002, para. 15). The Good, the True and the Beautiful point us directly towards God. If that's right, then a beautiful space like Notre Dame, isn't just historically important, its beauty -- like all genuine beauty -- is a foretaste of heaven and the direct presence of God (Beatific Vision) which it offers. If you'd like to learn more as well as have the opportunity to discuss the lectures with other parishioners, join us for class on Sunday mornings (during religious ed.) at 10:15am in the parish hall. Class starts today, September 18th.
Quilt Raffle -- The LouAnder’s Quilting Group is selling raffle tickets for a quilt. All proceeds will benefit the St. Joseph Food Pantry. Ladies of the LouAnders will be selling tickets in the gathering space after the morning Masses.
HVAC Unit -- In the last couple of months one of our 10-ton units in the Church building has failed. This will be the second of five units that will be replaced since the Church was built. This means the older units are around 24 years old. The first was replaced for around $11,000 in 2019. Now, in 2022, the cost of this work is upwards of $20,000 to have this one replaced. You should see the replacement of the unit soon.
Lighting -- We are also focused on lighting throughout the campus of our facilities. There is an ongoing effort to upgrade lighting to LED and strategically place lighting in areas needed for safety and security.
Peace,
Fr. Jason