Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 1 of 78)

“Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal, Pursue a Lasting Love!” 

During the observance of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (February 8), let us pray for a culture of life and love, that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. During the observance of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (February 8), let us pray for a culture of life and love, that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.

Ash Wednesday February 18, 2026
Holy Mass, with distribution of ashes, will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM

LENTEN FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Mandatory Fasting Days

Ash Wednesday (February 18) and Good Friday (April 3) are mandatory fasting days for Catholics aged 18 to 59, consisting of one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal another full meal.  Liquids (including water, coffee, and tea) are permitted, but eating between meals is not allowed. Medications are also permitted.

Mandatory Abstinence Days

All Fridays during Lent, including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, require abstinence from meat for Catholics aged 14 and older.

Exemptions

Children, pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, the sick, and those whose health or work would be seriously affected are exempt from fasting and abstinence. The Church encourages common sense and pastoral discretion—no one should endanger their health to fulfill these obligations. 

For the week of February 2 – 6, 2026, we welcome the “Skiing Priests” to St. Joseph Parish.  Daily Holy Masses will be celebrated that week as follows:

                Monday, February 2 4:00 P.M.

                Tuesday, February 3 4:00 P.M.

                Wednesday, February 4 4:00 P.M.  -No Adoration-

Thursday, February 5 4:00 P.M.

Friday, February 6 4:00 P.M.

This annual celebration,  established by Pope Francis in 2019 through the apostolic   letter Aperuit illis, is observed on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time and is dedicated to the “celebration, study, and dissemination of Sacred Scripture.”  The theme for 2026 is “The word of Christ dwells among you” (Colossians 3:16).  This emphasizes that Scripture is not merely a historical text, but a living, active presence within the Christian community. The day highlights the essential relationship between the Risen Lord, the Church, and the Bible, reminding believers that “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (St. Jerome). We are called to listen attentively to God’s Word at     Holy Mass and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, engage in daily prayer and study of the words and faith provided to us through Sacred Scripture.