From the Pastor's Desk
Since the arrival of Fr. John Connell in 2023 he has communicated to the parish through a series of Pastoral Desk Issues. If you would like to read and discover his thoughts look below :
2025, current issue
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever."
Psalm 107:1
Even though today is Halloween, this article is not about ghosts and goblins, rather it is about the month that begins tomorrow. As I revealed last year, November is the month that every single day I take a person or persons (living and dead) and pray for them intently on that day and give thanks for the gifts they are to the world, the church and to me.
This upcoming Wednesday, November 5th, we will have our 2nd annual Volunteer Banquet which gives me an opportunity to thank everyone for dedicating so much time and energy to ministry here at St Joseph.
As we travel through the month of November, I offer you these little things to do throughout the month to show love for the Lord. They are not hard and many of you are already doing these things.
Prayer Life: The best way to say thank you to the Lord is in prayer. Make that prayer daily and intentional. You will notice I am not saying how much time you need to spend in prayer, only that you pray. That prayer can be scripture, the Liturgy of the Hours, time in adoration or time in reflection. Or do what I do and choose 30 people to pray for throughout the month.
Fast: Although November, especially around Thanksgiving, is not traditionally a time of fasting, I encourage you to fast a little. This does not have to be like fasting during Lent, but fasting in the sense that you opt for prayer rather than to fill your stomach. Put the Lord first every day by sacrificing a little to say ‘thank you.’
Practice Generosity: Many of us think that December is the month to be generous, but one sure way to give the Lord thanks and receive his mercies is in living a generous life. Find a way to be generous this November and help the poor.
Be Content: Many plans are made during this month of Thanksgiving. Often, plans change and are altered and it can stress one out especially in the month in which we are focused on family. Be content with what happens or does not happen. It’s all a gift from the Lord.
Seek the Lord’s Mercy: As you reflect, pray and give thanks this month for that which you have received, seek the Lord’s mercy in your life and offer that mercy to someone close to you. November is a great time to mend fences by writing someone who needs to hear from you, or make that call to a long-lost friend or neighbor. Design your gifts of mercy around the way the Lord is speaking to your heart.
“Heavenly Father, every November we come before you with a spirit of gratitude. Thank you for the gift of life, for your constant presence, and for the quiet beauty of this season. May your light shine ever more brightly in our hearts. Teach us to pause and reflect on your goodness throughout the year. Help us to remember those who have gone before us—loved ones now in your eternal care. Comfort all who grieve, and give us hope in your promise of eternal life. Make us generous in spirit, quick to serve, and eager to love. Fill our homes with your peace. May these November days be a time of renewal, gratitude, and grace. THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD.”
FATHER JOHN
