The high altar does not stand alone like the front altar. Most noticeably, it has what is known as the reredos. They are decorations that extend from the back of the altar to help focus on the sacrifice on the altar, the same sacrifice that lives in the tabernacle. Ours here at St Joseph is very rich in symbolism and teaching moments, more than in most I find.
First, the gold reminds us of the majesty of God. It is most evidently a golden palace. How many grandparents take their grandchildren to church here and the kids get it? It’s a great castle! Yes, a great golden castle for Jesus. That is truly where He lives, at the very center, the tabernacle. And in this majestic castle, we are invited to live, too, because in this castle there are many rooms for us (John 14:2-3). Jesus has prepared a room for you. Which room is it? Are you like the foundation or pillars and sturdy? Are you close to the heart of God, in the center? Has God risen you to lofty heights? Or are you by the arms of the reredos, always in His embrace? Or are you by the slain lamb from the long suffering of this life? … Continue reading “Symbolism in the Church #6”
Annual Spaghetti Dinner!
The Madonna Renewal Center (MRC) is hosting a delicious Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the women and children at the Madonna Renewal Center. Come and enjoy some great food, great company, and support our very own amazing Blue Nuns!
Place: St Thomas Church, 1400 Kiwanis Dr., Freeport
Date: Tuesday, March 5
Time: 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Tickets: $8.00 before the event/$9.00 at the door
Tickets may be purchased from MRC committee members, Christensen Hometown Realtors, Gemorifics, Luecke Jewelers, St Joseph/St Mary Church Office, or by contacting Mary Julius at 815-238-0695 or Sister Laurenti at 815-616-9672.
Pre-arranged carry-outs will be available by calling Colleen at 815-275-6378. Please drive to the back of the Church Hall for all carry-outs.
Help St Vincent dePaul
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4KPKOSaxcU]
The Symbolism in St Joseph Church #5
The seven windows that remind us of the seven sacraments illuminate the altar and the sacrifice that happens there. From this sacrifice, we can understand and gain the wisdom of God that good can come from such suffering. This is made more evident by the graces we receive in the sacraments because of the suffering of the cross that Jesus endured for us. Continue reading “The Symbolism in St Joseph Church #5”
Meals on Wheels
A huge THANK YOU to Ron and Roberta Schradermeier, who braved the snow and cold on Friday, February 1, to deliver Meals on Wheels for the St Joseph/St Mary parishes! Because of the snowstorm and deep freeze that followed, Meals on Wheels had to cancel deliveries for most of our scheduled week. I want to thank our new team members, Pat Weigel and Karen Hildebrandt. Also, our other volunteers, Jim Full, and Jane and Jacob O’Connor, who were unable to deliver due to the weather cancellations.
We are so grateful for your willingness to be a part of this wonderful ministry! Our next delivery week will be mid-May when the weather will be more cooperative! If you would like to be a part of this amazing group of caring and selfless people, please call Joanie Williams at 815-298-9705.
New Mens Group
We are starting a new mens group here in Freeport. St Joseph Church will be hosting the new group on the first and third Wednsdays of the month. They will officially begin at 7pm, but the doors will be open by 6:30pm. It is a time for men in the community to support each other in the issues that men face today. … Continue reading “New Mens Group”
Confirmation Students Display Their Saint Projects
Thank you to all Parents, Sponsors, Catechists, Parishioners & Fr. Barr for coming out to support the Confirmation Students on their Saint Projects. The Students did a great job on all their research and presenting of their Saints. Many were asked questions on how and why they chose that particular Saint. Confirmation this year will be Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 5:30pm at St Mary Church. A special thanks to all that provided the treats. Everyone enjoyed them.
Knights of Columbus Gifts Checks
Freeport Knights of Columbus got together on December 12 for their annual Potluck Christmas dinner. The KC’s distributed checks from the Tootsie Roll drive in September to Freeport Special Olympics, represented by Anne Schulz, Freeport Park District; Malcom Eaton, Brian Babcock, Marketing; and Presence St. Vincent, Diane Cushman. Fun was had by all and we are looking forward to next year’s fundraiser. Nils Sandstrom and Todd McKenna represented the Knights of Columbus.
Christmas & New Year Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve – Monday, December 24
- 3:30pm – Choir Concert with Community Singing
- 4:00pm – St Joseph Church – Fr. Barr
Christmas Day – Tuesday, December 25
- 8:00am – St Mary Church – Fr. Barr
- 10:30am – St Joseph Church – Fr. Barr
- 1:00pm – St Mary Church (en Español) – Fr. Ricardo
ARYL DAILEY FREE LUNCH
One hundred twenty-eight meals were provided at the November Free Lunch. We were overwhelmed by the generous donations of cookies, fruit, cereal bars and items of warm clothing. One first-time visitor remarked that she took a long time to eat her meal because “it was such a happy place with everyone smiling and visiting with one another.” Thank you for helping us to make all of this possible.
The December meal will be Saturday, December 15. We will need cookies/bars and fresh fruit. If you can provide any of these items, contact Mary Koppi at 815 232-4687.
We wish all a Blessed Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.