Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This past Thursday marked the one year anniversary of my arrival as pastor of St. Joseph Parish. I said on that weekend that I was happy to be here, and I can report to you today that I am still happy!
I have to first give a shout out to our marvelous parish secretary Patty Jarzembowski, and to our wonderful Deacon Gary Blue who serves as both a pastoral associate as well as our buildings and ground manager. It has truly been a joy to work beside them, and I am deeply indebted to them for their support and service.
I am also very grateful to Fr. David Krolczyk for his faithful assistance in celebrating each weekend as well as on Mondays. I know that his parishioners from St. James and Sauk Village appreciate the opportunity to continue their spiritual relationship with him.
It has been a wonderful year of getting to know people, participating in the meetings of the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, the Women’s Ministry, the Men’s Ministry, the Knights of Columbus, and the building committee. I have appreciated the dedicated service of those who fulfill our various liturgical ministries, including those who care for and decorate our beautiful church. I am inspired by the wonderful witness of those who give of their time and effort in the Food Pantry and the Helping Hands outreach ministry. And there are those who work behind the scenes counting the weekly collection, cutting the grass, and making sure that the snow gets plowed.
It has been a privilege to have buried your loved ones, baptized your children, and visited those who were sick. I have to mention the beautiful ministry of those who take Holy Communion to the nursing homes as well the homes of our ailing parishioners. I have listened to countless confessions, serving as an instrument of our Lord’s forgiveness, and I have sought to counsel those who have sought my guidance.
Most of all, it has been an honor to pray with you during our Thursday evening Holy Hours, Divine Mercy Sunday, and especially at daily and Sunday Masses.
Everything we do as a parish flows from and leads back to the offering of the Holy Eucharist, and I am truly blessed to be pastor of such a prayerful parish family.
God bless you,
Fr. Peter