The Grateful Heart

The Grateful Heart 

The vicars have noted in their recent “Vicar’s Corner” that winter, especially winter after the Christmas Season, can be very difficult and hard for many. While I will not add to their practical advice, I simply want to express my thanks for the care they have shown to the parishioners of St. Joseph, Pillar of Families. What a beautiful testament to the love Christ shows us through the priesthood, that they want to help encourage and strengthen the people of God in the universal call to holiness.

Gratitude is so fundamental to keeping a hopeful and charitable outlook in life. This is especially true during difficult times when it is easy to lose sight of blessings and the Lord’s providence. “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Each of us has been called according to the purpose of our Loving Father in heaven. He has a plan for something beautiful and life giving in your life, even in the face of the difficulties and suffering we encounter. (Jeremiah 29:11) I would daresay that life’s beauty and goodness when we confront life’s calamities with hope and courage as God calls us to do. Remember to practice gratitude in your life and to find God’s blessing amidst the drear we encounter. “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2)

Again, I encourage you to think about what you will do for Lent. Perhaps look at areas of your life where you are attached and ask Jesus how He may be inviting you to surrender and let go in that area of life. Also, please continue to be on the lookout for the Lenten schedule and I encourage you to get to confession early in Lent. Our Family Mission will be on February 25-28 (Sunday-Wednesday) each evening and will begin at 6:30 PM at one of our four churches. We will see you there!

Please note that in the coming year we will be adjusting the seating capacity at each of our four churches to fit the new guidelines provided by the Archdiocese. Due to projects on each campus and the approaching Lenten Season we will not be addressing this particular point until after Easter to focus on what is most important which is to put Christ at the center of the family.

Please also be aware that there may be priest movement in our Family of Parishes this coming July. I believe that we will retain having four priests, but unexpected things can happen, and priests must be open to coming to our Family of Parishes. Which is good reminder to support and pray for your priests and to continue prayer and fasting for vocations.

Thank you to everyone who has shown support for St. Joseph, Pillar of Families Parishes, and its priests. Your generosity and goodwill are greatly appreciated. We should have every confidence that St. Joseph intercedes upon our behalf and watches over us as he watched over the Holy Family. Again, thank you for the abundant support you provide to the St. Joseph Family.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Jarred Kohn