From the Rector’s Desk…

 

The Second Sunday of Lent always provides an account of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain in the presence of Peter, James and John.  In the first reading from Genesis, Abraham is asked to uproot his life in his old age and journey to a new land - Canaan, modern-day Israel. Through the childless Abraham, God reveals that he will make of Abraham a great nation, make his name great (as in a dynasty) and all the nations of the earth will find blessing in him.  This is quite a prediction!  We know that Abraham obey and because of his faith, the nations of the earth became blessed.   The revelation of the true God was passed on to the world.  It is also important to realize that our faith is important.  Through it, God will bless the world.  Even in our small circle, our faith will have a ripple effect.  May our faith and our life be a blessing to those around us.  

The Transfiguration account follows Jesus’ prediction that he will go to Jerusalem, suffer and die on the cross and then be raised.  For the disciples of Jesus, especially Peter, James and John, Jesus’ Transfiguration foreshadowed his Resurrection and was a glimpse of his divine glory that he shared with the Father.  The disciples would remember this after the resurrection.  It became a reminder that despite the crosses that we all must bear in life, we too can share in Jesus’ resurrection.  It part of journey of faith, our pilgrimage in life.   There is a transformation that must happen in our life.  Our crosses that we bear will be nothing compared to the glory the Lord wishes to give us.  

St. Joseph Cathedral Town Hall Meeting  
 

As you know a transition team, members of parishioners and staff from St. Joseph and Holy Cross, have been meeting for several weeks now to discuss the joining of St. Joseph Cathedral and Holy Cross Churches into one parish, with two sites.  Some sub-committees were formed to address issues of collaboration, such as faith formation, worship schedule, activities and events and evangelization outreach.   We are planning a “town hall” meeting with each parish to discuss these and other topics and get the views and suggestions of parishioners.  The “town hall” meeting for St. Joseph Cathedral will be on Sunday, March 19th, at 11:30, following the 10:30 Mass.  It will be in the undercroft and food will be served.  I hope you are able to attend this very important event.

 

St. Joseph Day

 St. Joseph Day is usually March 19th.  It has been moved to Monday, March 20th this year because the 19th is the Fourth Sunday of Lent.  Our Mass for the Solemnity will be at 12:05 pm.  St. Joseph is also the patron saint of the universal Church.  It is fitting that we ask St. Joseph’s intercession and protection for our families, our parish and our diocese.  He, who held the Lord Jesus and guided him as he grew to manhood, will certainly watch over and pray for us.  As we prepare for our patronal feast day, I offer to you the following prayer from St. Bernadine of Siena.  You could pray it as a novena from March 11 through March 19.  

 

O my beloved St. Joseph, adopt me as thy child.  Take charge of my salvation; watch over me day and night; preserve me from the occasions of sin; obtain for me purity of body.   Through thy intercession with Jesus, grant me a spirit of sacrifice, humility, self-denial, burning love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet and tender love for Mary, my mother.   Saint Joseph, be with me living, be with me dying, and obtain for me a favorable judgment from Jesus, my merciful Savior.  Amen.

 

 

Have a blessed week.

 

Fr. Kitsmiller