Dear Friend in Christ,

Thank you for taking the time to visit our parish family.

If you have ever taken the time to read the words on currency, you may have noted the saying “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning“out of many, one.” It’s certainly reflective of our country, where we come from many backgrounds to form America, but it also something that is so important in our Catholic faith. Every time we gather at Mass, we receive the Eucharist, God’s love given to all in the same way. And receiving the Eucharist, we are called to be mindful of how we come together as one body to love and serve one another.

At our parish, we strive first and foremost to help people experience this love of God that is given to all. Masses are the cornerstone of our week, where we hear God’s Word come alive, and receive Him in Holy Communion. We have daily Mass, numerous opportunities for prayer and the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation and anointing of the sick. We have a strong faith formation, so our young can learn about the faith, coupled with an excellent school where children learn not just the subjects to prepare them for high school, but about God and their faith to prepare them to become saints. In so many ways, our parish helps people see what it means to say “I believe in God” by opening hearts, minds, and ears to God’s presence.

We then strive to help others come to know God’s love in their lives, living out the words of our Lord, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Our saying,“We are Saint Joe’s” is reflective of our philosophy that we all have gifts to share for the building up of the Body of Christ. We have a commission structure that allows for collaboration on new ideas for our parish so we can come together to serve the greater needs of our parish community. We have countless ways people are involved over the course of the year, with a wide array of ministries. And we have many opportunities for fellowship so parishioners can truly come to know one another as a family.

I think you will find that Saint Joseph’s is a remarkable parish where the Holy Spirit is so very much alive, where you can grow in your faith by coming to know God at a deeper level and find ways to help make Him known to others. I hope you always feel welcomed in our parish, and that wherever life takes you, you will never forget the truth of Saint Paul’s words in Romans 8, that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ, and that Jesus journeys with you every step of your life. May His love fill your soul always.

God bless,

Fr. Paul Kammen, Pastor