What can I give back to the Lord for all His goodness to me?
- Psalm 116:12

August 23, 2006

Dear Parishioners,

Would you believe it has been nearly a year and a-half since I begun my ministry as Director of Music here at Saint Joseph’s? Some of you may not have even noticed a transition from the previous musician to me. I have purposely tried to keep a low profile. For the most part I have spent the last 17-months in discernment, listening, learning, praying and gently sharing myself and my faith experiences with you. Your patience and support during this time has been appreciated. It is not often that a Music Director finds a parish as wonderful as Saint Joseph, and for this I am truly blest.

As many of you recall, this past May we celebrated our parish May Crowning in a special liturgy that doubled as a graduate recital fulfilling credits towards my work for a Master’s degree in music. The event, which many of you attended, was an awesome experience for all of us,… the musicians, the students from our parish school and Religious Education, the ministers, and especially myself. For me this event was the culmination of 16-years of catholic education leading to a life of service to God and the church. I was honored to have Saint Joseph’s host this special celebration, even more so I was in awe of the number of parishioners that chose to participate by attending this celebration. The compliments I have received and continue to receive are overwhelming. Relatives and friends from other churches, states, and even faiths, have remarked time and time again on how impressed they were with the parish and parishioners of Saint Joseph’s. The efforts of all contributed to the “A” I received from my professors.

NOTE: Audio and video recordings of the May Crowning are now available for purchase.  Call (708) 798-0622 for details.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the countless hours of preparation by our dedicated parents and parishioners – all of whom are volunteers. These individuals volunteer time and talent to serve as greeter, usher, lector, altar server, choir member, librarian, director’s assistant, artisan, sacristan, custodian, and a whole host of other positions that are not outlined in any parishioner manual. These volunteers’ help to fulfill needs that keep Saint Joseph’s an active, vibrant, and meaningful place to worship God. Without them, and without you, our lives,…my life, would be radically different.

On the weekends of September 9/10 and 16/17, Saint Joseph’s will again be recruiting men and women of all ages – adults, young adults and children to volunteer for a parish ministry. These ministries, all of them, are desperately seeking good people like you to help fill a need in the spiritual life of the parish. Without a healthy influx of both new and previously experienced volunteers, our parish’s life, our church’s future is threatened. I urge you to consider yourself a candidate for service here at Saint Joseph’s. Please, share your time and talents!

God calls each one of us to serve him in different ways with different gifts. My calling to a life of music within the church is one which has brought us together. I thank God for this parish and for you everyday for I could not imagine a life more fulfilling than the one I live right now.

May Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus continue to foster Christ’s presence in our lives today, and every day!

God Bless You!

John Ligda
Director of Music