“Laudato si’, mi’ Signore”—“Praise be to you, my Lord.” 

In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home, God’s vineyard, is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.

Whether you are visiting St. Joseph’s Parish or live in the area all year long, you cannot help but to admire the beauty of God’s creation – especially this time of year when He paints the local vineyard with brilliant color to remind us of the depth of His Universal Love for us.

In your bulletin today – and at the entrances to the church – you will find postcards of our beautiful little church nestled in the fall foliage.  Please take some home to post on your refrigerator, prop up on your desk, use as a bookmark, or send to a friend.  Thank you for joining us this weekend in the Lord’s vineyard!

Let us labor to protect the environment always – His vineyard and our common home. 

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

The Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air.

Following the 10:00 A.M. Mass on Sunday, October 3, we will gather in the church parking lot for the annual blessing of pets to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, which is Monday, October 4. Last year, among the many humans in attendance, we were joined by cats, dogs, a beautiful horse who enjoyed snacking on Table Talk pies, and a cute little pig named “Oliver” who oinked a few times when splashed with holy water! Of course, the birds were chirping from their roosts in the nearby trees. St. Francis would have been proud!

Psalm 147:9 tells us that God is concerned for all His creation, including the animals He created. We can take from Scripture that if God takes care of animals, then so should we. Many parents introduce a pet into their home to teach their children responsibility and other positive qualities, such as unconditional love, forgiveness, and steady companionship. That’s why pets are taken to hospitals and nursing homes to interact with people in need. They help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

We can learn an incredible deal from animals.

Good St. Francis, patron of animals, you loved all of God’s creatures. To you they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness. Watch over our pets. Keep them – and their human companions – safe, healthy, and always in God’s loving care.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney