From the Pastor’s desk— August 17, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

Tell everyone you know! — Festival of Nations is this Saturday! I’m so excited about it!

It’s not easy to travel around the world to visit all the places that are represented in this parish. The Festival of Nations is a time when some of the tastes and sights and sounds inherited by this community are on display for us all to experience in our own back yard. Each bite of food transports us to someone’s family kitchen in another country far away. Each of the dances and songs gather us together with our brothers and sisters in festivals all around the world. I may never get to go to all the places these traditions and foods came from, but I can come to the festival of nations! It’s such a gift to others like me who won’t be able to travel and to our youth who see their heritage being celebrated.

          In the last few weeks, I’ve been more outspoken about the pain and confusion birthed by immigration attitudes, policy and enforcement in our country. There is fear and discouragement present now that wasn’t with us a year ago. That’s why I hope this year’s festival is one of our best, ever. Every generation of immigrants to this country have faced difficulty and at times felt unwelcome. This is our time to be happy in our unity as a parish of people from many different countries. What makes the festival beautiful is the dignity that each person has in God which cannot be taken away.

          As I’ve said before, I encourage everyone to consider how you can contribute. Even if you can’t volunteer, be sure to invite a friend. Thank you to everyone who is already helping to prepare the event. See you there!

         

           

 

             

  

Fr. Joseph