ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, after listening to the Cardinal’s recorded message, we shall again conduct the “in-pew” process for the Catholic Appeal. As we mentioned last week, the Appeal not only helps sustain the many ministries and good works of the Archdiocese of Chicago, it also helps us here at Saint Joseph’s. As you know, the rebate we have received from last year’s Appeal will be used to pay a portion of the cost of the repair to the foundation of our school building. This facility serves not only the 200 children enrolled in our Parish School, but also the 300 CCD children who receive religious education each week, as well as the many sports, social and spiritual programs that take place there. If we can exceed our goal again, as we have done for the past four years, we will receive another rebate and Saint Joseph’s will continue to benefit.

The theme for this year’s Appeal is taken from today’s Gospel: “They left everything and followed him.” The disciples’ generosity in following the Lord should be a pattern of our own. Please consider prayerfully your participation in this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. Thank you in advance for the generosity which you have so consistently shown.

“THEY LEFT EVERYTHING . . . ”

Today’s Gospel recounts the Lord’s call of his first disciples. To follow Jesus they had to leave much behind: family relationships, familiarity and security, the ability to make their own choices and live life as they thought best. Each day the Lord calls us to follow him. To respond to his call, we too must leave much behind. For to choose one thing means to reject other choices. What is the Lord calling us to leave behind so that we might better follow him? Anger, judgment of others, fear, dependency, having our own way? The answers to this question are many yet individualized. Think about this and pray about it.

Saint Joseph, pray for us, and let us pray for one another!