Dear Parishioners and Visitors:
“What a friendly and welcoming church,” is one of the many positive comments I hear each weekend as people are leaving Mass. I think that’s because our ministers here at St. Joe’s believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and that inspires them to BE the Body of Christ – they’re not just volunteering to do a job. Our ministry team receives and relates to the people who come here in a Christian manner – you are what you eat!
At the 10:00 A.M. Mass last Sunday, we celebrated our parish ministers. Their goal is always to be Christ for others as Christ is for us, as the hymn goes. This is what they bring to their ministries, whether they:
· Prepare altar linens, tend gardens, help behind the scenes with repair work;
· Help you in the parish office or serve on parish committees;
· Pass on their love for God in faith formation classes;
· Provide outreach to God’s poor;
· Lead us in songful worship;
· Set up for Mass and serve at the altar;
· Distribute Holy Communion or proclaim the Word of God;
· Help collect or count the weekly offertory;
· Greet people arriving for church or distribute bulletins and wish you a good week as you leave.
They see you – not as just another customer – but as the reflection of themselves, as members of the Body of Christ! And for that, we recognize them and thank them. “Behold who you are, become what you receive — the Body of Christ, given for others!” (St. Augustine of Hippo).
With thanks and prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney