The façade in the rotunda above the tabernacle was refurbished when we installed this high altar back in the spring of 2011. Great care was taken to get as much of the original design as possible. The façade for ordinary time is the one we could not get to, so we decided to put the image of the Holy family on until we could get to it later. The image of the Holy family was made available to us by the person who restored it for us for free. It was pasted on so that it would come off without having to take a scraper to it, with the intentions of restoring it to the original. Since then, many people have become attached to this image, which makes it harder to let go of. This makes sense, since it is probably the only image a person can see from the pews. So I am not sure we will get around to restoring this façade to the original. Continue reading “Symbolism in the Church #10”
The Symbolism in St Joseph Church #3
Jesus leads us through the storms of this life: all our uncertainties, sufferings and joys, both individually and communally. Sometimes we “see how strong the wind {is, we} become frightened” (Mt 14:30) and start wondering why He is leading us to such turbulent territory. We question if He is even leading us or if He cares. But He has the helm. He has His boat under control. He is leading His Church to the safety of the dock. The winds and the waves may be pushing this old barc and our very lives around, but we still have nothing to fear as Jesus is the one who leads us. He is the one who saves us (Mt 14:30-31). Continue reading “The Symbolism in St Joseph Church #3”
Genesis to Jesus Bible Study During Lent
St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is offering a FREE video Bible Study this coming Lent 2019 titled: Genesis to Jesus!
This program usually is not offered free, and it originates from St. Paul University Steubenville with Dr. Scott Hahn and multiple theologians. This study presents the whole sweep of salvation history, and helps you make sense of the Bible, literally.
If you have internet, you may register by contacting mail@stpaulcenter.com and have it streamed into your homes.
We will also be studying and discussing Genesis to Jesus during our Saturday morning bible study beginning on March 2 at 10:30am in the Holy Family Community Center. This will be led by Fr. Barr and Joanie Williams. Please feel free to join us as we journey through Lent together.
Confirmation 2019
Confirmation was great
The Symbolism in St Joseph Church #2
The three spires of St Joseph Church should remind us of Mount Calvary on that Good Friday as Jesus was crucified with the two thieves, each one to the other side and Jesus in the middle. But instead of on Mount Calvary, St Joseph is on Piety Hill.
The white of the church is the symbol of purity. How every time when we enter this church for Mass or confession, Jesus purifies us of our sins. It is a place where His mercy is found without failure. Even when we come to adoration or any other event, we are raised up to Him who saves us and we are made whole once again. Somehow, when He lifts us up, we are purified and all the evils of this world no longer matter; we are with our God. How good it is to be raised up to His heart! Continue reading “The Symbolism in St Joseph Church #2”
2022: 150 Years of the St Joseph Church Building
It is hard to imagine, in the year 2022, less than four years from now will be the 150-year anniversary of the St Joseph church building. Just ten years after the official founding of St Joseph parish community, the people of the parish built the church we have today. This community has seen a lot of changes in the world since that time: cars, planes, electricity, phones, computers, and space travel. America looks quite different too. From Jesse James, the purchase of major lands from Mexico, to putting an American flag on the moon, a Catholic president and a German pope. Freeport has changed too. Lots of hard work gave way to prosperity. Now we experience the hard times on Freeport and its residents. Families built this church; many are still here, and many are not. Continue reading “2022: 150 Years of the St Joseph Church Building”
FACC Christmas Basket Blessing
The Freeport Area Church Cooperative has completed the sign-up for its annual Christmas Basket Blessing. St Joseph Church is being asked to provide 250 boxes of macaroni and cheese and St Mary Church is being asked to provide 250 cans of green beans to help fill the baskets. Any excess items will be incorporated into FACC’s food pantry, which is desperately low on food. Additionally, if you are interested in supplying gifts for the baskets, please call Robert Varner at FACC at 815-233-0435 (ext. 1). Please bring your donations to church by Sunday, December 16.
Delivery of the baskets to those who signed up will be Saturday, December 22, from 10:00am until completed. We will deliver from Holy Family Community Center. Volunteer delivery drivers are needed.
If you have any questions concerning this year’s Christmas event, contact Dean Wright at FACC at 815-233-0435 or by email at deanfacc@aeroinc.net.
Daylight Savings
Don’t be late for Mass!! Daylight Savings Time is next weekend. Set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on March 10!
Spaghetti Dinner!
The Madonna Renewal Center is hosting a delicious Spaghetti Dinner to benefit their renovation efforts. Treat your Valentine, or yourself! Come and enjoy some great food, great company, and support our very own amazing Blue Nuns! Carry out will be available. Place: St Thomas Aquinas O’Neill Center Date: Tuesday, February 13 Time: 4:00pm to 7:00pm Tickets: $8.00 before the event/$9.00 at the door Tickets will be available at Mary’s Mantel, Gemorifics, Christensen Hometown Realtors, St Thomas Aquinas Office, St Joseph/St Mary Church Office, and after Masses the weekends of Feb. 3 & 4 and Feb. 10 & 11.
NORTHERN
In Loving Memory of FATHER JOHN W. CAHILL
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