March 3, 2024
Third Sunday of Lent
by Fr. Boniface Endorf, OP
Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,
This week is our annual Cardinal’s Appeal in-pew weekend. The Cardinal’s Appeal supports the work of the Archdiocese of New York. That includes funding the services it provides, its tribunal and administration, the financially struggling parishes and schools it supports, its charitable outreach, the training of Diocesan priest (not Dominican Friars though), and much more. Please consider giving to this appeal, and make sure to mark St. Joseph’s as your parish. The Archdiocese considers not only the amount given, but also how many people give, so large and small gifts are much appreciated.
This Friday we’re starting a new ministry called NightFire. We’ll keep the church open from 8pm to 11pm and have young adults on the church steps and adoration with music in the church for that whole time. The goal is to evangelize our neighborhood by inviting those walking by the church to come in and light a candle or pray with our parishioners in the church. We’ll also have a friar hearing confessions that whole time. Consider stopping by or praying for the success of this ministry.
Our annual St. Joseph parish dinner is coming soon! It will be Saturday, March,16th, after the 5:30 Vigil Mass (ie: 6:30pm). March 16th is also the 190th anniversary of the dedication of our church building! Monte’s, our local Italian restaurant will be providing us a great meal again this year. Tickets are on sale after this Mass, and all Sunday masses, until they sell out. I hope to see you all there!
Mass Tidbit:
As we head toward communion, the priest next prays: “Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever.” Here the priest offers the prayer of Christ for those who follow Him—that they may share in the peace of Christ. We ask Christ to look on our faith and judge us with His mercy. We also ask for peace and unity within the Church. Christ told us to reconcile with our brother before approaching the altar (Matthew 5:23-24) and here we ask for that unity as we approach Christ together, as Christ prayed that we may be one (John 17:21).
After this prayer, the priest offers everyone peace from the altar: “The peace of the Lord be with you always,” to which the people respond: “And with your spirit.” They pray for him in his office as a priest conformed to Christ and able to bless in the name of Christ. The priest then says: “Let us offer each other the sign of peace,” thus helping us to reconcile and be one before we approach the altar for communion.
God Bless,
Fr. Boniface
