Not long after my brother’s first child was born, a beautiful little girl named Mary Elise, I asked him what it was like. Was he nervous? Overwhelmed? He said, “When I first held her, I was in such shock. I think I just said, ‘I am your dad. I am your dad.’” That moment marked a deep transformation for him. He was not just holding a baby; he was stepping into a new identity. Over the years, I have seen him live his fatherhood with quiet sacrifice, joy, and faithfulness. It started with that moment of truth.
This, I propose, is a glimpse of what Jesus means when he prays, “Consecrate them in the truth.” (John 17:17) To be consecrated is to be set apart in love, not taken out of the world. Consecration sends us into it with a new identity, always one that binds us to him and to others in love. Our bond to Jesus and others is the deep truth that he continually renews.
Whenever we speak deep truths about ourselves, we experience this renewal: “I have sinned;” “I need help;” “I forgive you;” “I take you as my husband;” “I believe in one God…” Whether in confession, in the liturgy, or in a recovery group, truth heals and transforms.
And the deepest truth of all? That we belong to the Risen and Ascended Christ. Our lives are no longer just ours. We are his and he is ours.
Name one truth you need to step into more deeply, about yourself, someone else, or God. Maybe put it on a note on your mirror. Let that truth consecrate you this week.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
General Mass Notes
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to St. Joseph,
As we begin our liturgy, we would like to extend a special welcome to everyone visiting our parish for the first time. We also warmly welcome all of you who are here today. We are so grateful and blessed to have you with us. As we settle in and prepare our hearts for Mass, please take a moment to make sure your cell phones are turned off so as not to disturb our prayer.
(Wait a few seconds to allow people to turn off their phones)
Let us now take a moment to prepare for Mass and open our hearts and minds to the message we will hear today. The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and for…
Please stand and greet those beside you.
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that in word and in deed we may witness to the love and mercy we know in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For those in public office, that they serve well all the people for whom they are responsible, particularly those on the peripheries, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, immigrating, imprisoned, ill, or otherwise in need, that we may see our Lord in them always, let us pray to the Lord.
D. That we may listen more closely for Jesus’ summons to a greater degree of discipleship, whether in ordained, religious, or lay ministry, and find the courage to follow his call, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For the newly baptized members of our congregation, that they may always be a sign of God’s grace active in our world, let us pray to the Lord.
F. For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts; for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, and for (read all intentions from 1st page), let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
Today, we have our second collection for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund. This fund is to help the “neediest of the needy,” those for whom no other resources exist. Provision of food, shelter, one-time assistance to families in crises. We thank you for your generosity.
The St. Vincent de Paul truck will be in the school parking lot today from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or until their truck is filled with your donations. Due to limited storage space, we ask that you not leave your donations at the parish office. We appreciate your generosity.
A replica image of the Holy Child of Atocha from Zacatecas Mexico will be visiting our Parish on Monday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 26.
