"Walking Together in Faith"

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish,

           With a heart filled with joy, gratitude, and deep humility, I write my first bulletin message to you as your new pastor. I want to thank Fr. Jesse, Fr. Felix, and the parish and school staff for their dedicated service, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation of faith, service, and fellowship here at St. Joseph. Before arriving, I met some of the staff and volunteers. Their dedication to the parish was evident, and I look forward to working with them. I also can’t wait to meet those who serve behind the scenes and to become part of the school community—students, families, faculty, and staff—who help make Catholic education a vibrant expression of our parish’s mission.

            Fr. Jamie and I are happy to be here! As we begin this new chapter together on this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Word of God speaks directly to this moment of transition, revealing how we are called to walk together. In our first reading, a prominent woman from Shunem recognizes the prophet Elisha as a "holy man of God." She and her husband don't merely offer him a passing greeting; they build a special room on their roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp so he always has a place to rest.

           This beautiful act of radical hospitality is a model for our parish life. As your new pastor, I am deeply moved by the warmth and welcome you have already shown me. This scripture reminds us that when we welcome the priest, the missionary, or the stranger, we ultimately make room for Christ Himself. Thank you for opening the "upper rooms" of your hearts to me and Fr. Jamie. Together, let us continue to expand the hospitality of St. Joseph's so that anyone who walks through our doors encounters a community ready to receive them with the love of Christ. Invite others to join us. Let's collaborate to ensure St. Joseph remains a warm and welcoming home for everyone.

           Transitions in parish life can bring a mix of emotions—sadness at saying goodbye and excitement for the future. Saint Paul reminds us that our faith is never static. Every day, especially in moments of transition, the Holy Spirit invites us to renew our commitment to our baptismal promises. We are not merely maintaining a beautiful historic parish; we are a living, breathing body of believers called to live dynamically for God. Let us embrace this "newness of life" by deepening our personal prayer lives and reenergizing our parish ministries.

          My dear family, my primary mission among you is to help you hear and respond to the call to intentional discipleship. Being a disciple requires us to put Christ at the absolute center of our lives—above our preferences, comfort, and plans. It means taking up our daily crosses together. Yet, as the Gospel promises, the rewards of this total self-giving are beyond measure.

         As we look to the future, I want to get to know each of you, hear your stories, and labor alongside you to bring our community ever closer to Christ. Let us echo today's Responsorial Psalm: "Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord." God has been so good to St. Joseph Parish for over 170 years, and His faithfulness will surely guide us in the years ahead. I entrust our beloved St. Joseph Parish to the fatherly care of our patron. St. Joseph

         Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we start our journey in serving as your pastors. We hold you and your families close in our daily prayers and at Mass. We’d love to get to know you better—so please don’t hesitate to come forward and introduce yourselves!

In Christ our Lord,