“By listening to the dreams God has placed on his heart, St. Joseph is able to bring his family safely home.”
Celebrating Saint Joseph
April 28th, 2021
This coming Saturday is May 1, the Feast of Saint Joseph. This week I wanted to take a moment to review some of what we know about Saint Joseph from scripture and look at the example he can be for our lives - especially in these moments as we come back out of the pandemic and into some sense of normalcy. Of course, I realize that this stage of returning is complicated in a very major way as I prepare to find myself in another parish establishing new relationships. In the same way, I suspect that it is equally complicated for the community.
I always think of Saint Joseph, quite literally, as a visionary. His visions and dreams guide him to the most unexpected places, and yet it seems he is always where God calls him to be. It is important to know that his dreams are not just his hopes, stirred into visual fantasy. The scripture depicts him listening to dreams that are not “his own” in the sense that they come to him unsolicited and not as a part of actively imagining what he wants in each given moment. The dreams are depicted as being from God.
I’ve been spending some time trying to remember where I was 17 years ago as I wondered what it would be like when I arrived here at this parish, following a dream I had not constructed by myself in my own head. As I struggled to let go of the community at Saint Rose of Lima, I remember mostly being overwhelmed with the task ahead, in the midst of the grief of saying goodbye. I was very much unaware of the 17-year blessing that lay ahead of me at the time. And so, Saint Joseph is a great image for me to keep in my mind in the weeks ahead, and I hope that he might provide you with a similar focus and comfort.
This week I also want to draw your attention to our annual ACA effort here in the parish. The Archbishop's Catholic Appeal funds the maintenance and upkeep of the archdiocese to which we belong, as well as its ministries. It is what allows us to remain connected to the universal Church. I hope you’ll take a moment to be part of this year‘s campaign and pray about how you might support this effort. Click below to donate and please be sure to identify your parish.
Give to the ACA
Give to the ACA
The song I chose this week, “Church Of Justice“ reflects, for me, the importance of campaigns like this one. It reminds me that each parish must take care of the wider church to the extent that it is able. It acknowledges our dependence on, and belonging to, something larger than ourselves. We are supported in various, unnoticed ways by the larger structure of the Catholic Church and, especially in moments of transition, the stability offered becomes even more important. So I hope you will take some time to listen to the song and explore the link included in this week’s Touchstone.
Of course, I also hope you will have some time to reflect on the marvelous image from scripture that is Saint Joseph. I believe he is one of the most overlooked characters in our gospels.
God Bless,
Fr. Pat
Midday Pause & Pray
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard and shared the news that after seventeen years at MPB, Father Pat will be reassigned to Holy Family Parish. We will welcome Father Daniel and Father John in July. Change can be hard, yet navigating change can be less challenging when we walk through the transition in community.
On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, the MPB Ministry Team invites you to meet virtually with other MPB Parishioners to pause and pray over the lunch hour. We will gather via Zoom from 12:00-12:30. During our time together, we will pray, share scripture and provide a space for quiet reflection on this time of transition. Join us, so that together we may prepare in prayer to say goodbye to Father Pat and to welcome Father Daniel and Father John. No registration necessary.
Midday Pause & Pray
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:00-12:30pm
Click here for more information and the Zoom link!
Click here for more information and the Zoom link!
Matthew 1:18-25
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
"Church of Justice" sung by the MPB Choir
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