Pastor's Notes - 11/25/2018

 
As we celebrated Thanksgiving Day this past Thursday, it is a time for us to pause and think about what we have been blessed with. As a parish we have 184 years of Catholic presence in Washington, Missouri. We have 162 years of Catholic education for our children. We continue to have a strong viable parish with a faith community. We have been blessed with the sacrifices of the previous generation when they built a church, rectory, convent, two grade school buildings and a high school.  We currently maintain all these facilities and they are well kept up by your donations and our maintenance staff. 
 
What about being thankful for our Catholic faith? Jesus Christ establishing His Church upon the Rock, St. Peter, and the Apostles. The Church has been handed down from generation to generation through the Popes. Sure there has been rough times in the past as it is now through the clergy abuse, because the Church is made up of human beings who are sinners, and sin affects what and how we do. But the grace of God does persevere and overcome sin, just as Jesus died for us and our sin.
 
We have the seven sacraments which nourish and enhance our faith journey on this rocky road. Satan, the Devil, wants us to abandon the path and go our own way, which seems to be correct and makes more sense at times to us.  Jesus Christ is our Head and the Holy Spirit accompanies and guides us through these times to stay true to Jesus and His Church.

Let pray for those who are lost or struggling in their faith and following the teachings of Jesus and the Church.
 
Grateful for all you do! 

Fr. Joe Wormek, Pastor