Pope Pius XI: “In a life of faithful performance of everyday duties, [St. Joseph] left an example for all those who must gain their bread by the toil of their hands.”

To think about: We all have manual labor to do as part of life, either at our job or at home. Sometimes we don’t appreciate how we serve God even when we are doing yard work, housework, and such. From the beginning God gave man work, to ‘till and keep’ the garden. Do we perform our manual labor to glorify God as we work? Do we appreciate the importance of our work?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Milo, Sparky, Precious, and Champ need blessings, too. Even horses, llamas, iguanas, and geckos. All animals of every species are welcome to our annual Blessing of the Animals this year on Saturday, October 2 at 10:00am on the rectory lawn (corner of Park Ave. and York St. next to Old St. Mary’s). (The blessing occurs annually on or near the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.)

St. Leonard of Port Maurice: “All Christians belong to Joseph because Jesus and Mary belonged to him.”

To think about: All believers are part of the body of Christ, which would make Joseph our caretaker. Joseph was diligent in caring for Mary and for Jesus, and he will be diligent in caring for us, too

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of the many things I was able to pray about on my recent retreat was how truly blessed I am to be here at St. Mary’s among such faith-filled, wonderful people. As promised, I prayed for you every day and specifically offered Masses for you and for your intentions over the thirty days. As many of you have expressed your thanks at my return, know that I return that gratitude and love to you all – the infinite, healing love the Sacred Heart of Jesus offers each of us. I realize what a true privilege it is to be able to be away for a full thirty days for such a retreat. This was due to the generosity of many others that made it possible. I’m extremely grateful to Fr. Francisco, Msgr. Willie, our deacons, and our dedicated staff for “holding down the fort” while I was away. To all who helped – thank you from the bottom of my heart!

St. Peter Julian Eymard: “We may well call St. Joseph the martyr of the hidden life.”

To think about: St. Joseph doesn’t say anything in scripture, and nothing is mentioned about him except in relation to Jesus or Mary. He had a “hidden life.” Sometimes we may feel like no one listens to us, or even cares about us, unless it affects the other person. Go to Joseph! He can give you strength!

Dear St. Mary’s family,

This is the 24th Sunday in ordinary time and on Tuesday, we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross to honor the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

The Story of this liturgical Feast:

Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. She demolished the 2nd century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on that same spot. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. Legend has it that the one on which Jesus died was identified when its touch healed a dying woman.

The cross immediately became for all believers an object of veneration. At a Good Friday celebration in Jerusalem toward the end of the 4th century, according to an eyewitness, the wood was taken out of its silver container and placed on a table: Then, “all the people pass through one by one; all of them bow down, touching the cross, first with their foreheads, then with their eyes; and, after kissing the cross, they move on.”

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade: “Just as [St. Joseph] led the Son of God in his travels, may he be your guide on the voyage of this life until you arrive at the haven of eternal happiness.”

To think about: Man’s life is often described as a voyage; scripture calls us ‘strangers and sojourners’ on earth, on our way to Promised Land / Heaven (1 Chron 29:15; 1 Peter 2:11). Joseph led Jesus to Jerusalem several times, plus to Egypt, all quietly and cautiously. He can lead us to Christ on our journey now. Get to know Joseph!