My Dear Parish Family,

      A little over a week ago I returned from a vacation in Nova Scotia with three of my classmates from seminary. All four of us were ordained as priests in 1989 for our respective dioceses: Washington, DC; Rapid City, SD; Wichita, KS and Trenton, NJ. After much reminiscing and laughter, whale watching and delicious lobster dinners we made our way back home relaxed and ready to resume our roles as pastors. Each day we offered Holy Mass together and prayed for so many intentions. One of the real joys for me was to have the time to share with my priest brothers and reflect on the good work God has called us to do in his name. I feel so blessed to have these men as my friends – good, holy and human brothers in Christ. Thank you, Lord.

      Our second week of Summer Religious Education Academy closed on Friday! Such an effort! Another 500 young people came each day and spent joyful times learning more about our faith and its beauty. The joy I experienced in seeing so many of our little ones gratified me to no end. I hope that all of them and their families have found a true home in our Saint Joseph parish family.

      Please make sure to join your fellow parishioners this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for our Faith, Freedom and Apple Pie Mission. Dan Palmieri of JMJ Missions will be our guest speaker for what should prove to be a wonderful midsummer spiritual recharge for us all. God bless you and Oremus pro invicem.

Fr. Scott Shaffer