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November 9, 2021Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
One of the most important aspects of our ministry as priests is to be available to people, especially in times of sickness and death. Our presence with and anointing of the sick or the dying is deeply appreciated by families.Another family expressed gratitude to me and to the Minister of Care who brought their mother Holy Communion for many years when she was no longer able to attend Mass in person. Often Ministers of Care develop deep and loving bonds with those to whom they bring the Eucharist; they become part of the family.
Between Fathers Emanuel, Martin, and myself, we make hundreds of sick calls each year, most of them to Condell Hospital. It is essential that we do this because, sadly, often peoples’ suffering affects their understanding of God. For some, during their illness or difficulties, God can be experienced as indifferent, distant, judgmental or threatening. Jesus came to change this understanding of God and to share His vision of God whose heart is pierced when people suffer. Through the Anointing of the Sick or the Ministry of Care we convey God’s enduring love, mercy and compassion and console vulnerable and distressed people and their families.
Jesus came into the world so that we would experience God’s love for creation and know of his desire for solidarity with us. Jesus came to communicate the true God. He used parables to reveal an authentic image of God, whose basis for dealing with us is unconditional compassionate love, no matter how hard that may be for us to fully comprehend.
This ministry to the sick and dying is just one of over 100 ministries here at St Joseph’s; all of them help people experience God’s enduring love. Your financial donations support our ministries. I often note that St. Joseph’s parishioners are among the most generous in the archdiocese. Until recently, our collections have been steady, especially during our first year under lockdown. This is incredibly inspiring to me and to all who are involved in ministry. It sends a clear message that what is important to God and to the ministers is equally important to our faith community and I thank you for your generosity.
To remain a vibrant community of faith, we need to encourage as many people as possible to financially support St. Joseph’s. Unfortunately, our donations have been declining. This trend, and the fact that we have been very dependent on some longtime generous donors, compels us to raise awareness about our current financial situation.
To ensure that St. Joseph’s remains a place where parishioners encounter God’s compassionate love through the sacraments and in a vast array of ministries, where vulnerable people are treated with dignity and respect, where all experience God’s peace and joy, we ask you to intentionally and prayerfully consider contributing on a regular basis if you are not yet doing so.
As of mid-October, our weekly collections are down $90,000 to budget and the gap is growing. Help us close the budget gap by the end of the year. Consider joining a ministry and attending Mass regularly. Thank you for your prayers and support.
In gratitude,
Father John Trout
Pastor
