I was 22 years old, lying in bed one night while on a pilgrimage, when I suddenly sensed an idea in my mind: “Go to the seminary.” There was no voice, no vision, but a gentle and unmistakable clarity. I simply prayed, “Lord, if that’s from you, let me find great joy in it.” Three days later, my heart was bursting with joy. I dropped everything and entered the seminary. The older I get, the stranger my rather careless and hasty departure seems to me. I followed not because it made sense, or because I was especially brave. I went because the Lord called me.
Something like this happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus walks by Simon, Andrew, James, and John and says, “Come after me” (Matthew 4:19). And immediately they leave their nets and follow. There’s no explanation, no hesitation … just movement. Why? As St. John says, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10). They do not leave their nets because his call made perfect, calculable sense. They left them because they were called. And Jesus’ call is powerful.
Take a moment this week to remember when Christ first called you. However small or quiet it was, recall it, and give thanks. The more we marvel that Christ has called us personally, the more passionately and freely we will follow him.
— 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 we may shine a light on poverty, injustice, and neglect, so that the world notices the plight of those living in the gloom of those conditions and spurs a movement to alleviate the darkness, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That world leaders may lift the yokes that burden those who are oppressed, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For students, teachers, and staff of Catholic schools, that every day they may learn something new that heightens their curiosity about the world and their growth as the Lord’s disciples, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For women religious worldwide, who have responded to the call of discipleship by nurturing and using their talents in order to serve others more fully, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For those murdered in the Holocaust, that their memory may spur us to stand up against evil and genocide, and may change the hearts of those filled with hate, 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
1. (Only read at the 10:45am Mass and 12:30pm Mass.) The 8th Grade St. Joseph School Class of 2026 is selling raffle tickets for $5 for a chance to win a basket filled with a variety of gift cards. All proceeds will go toward supporting their 8th grade retreat and other fun end-of-the-year activities. Thank you for your support, and good luck!
Today, the parish school invites you to take a tour of the classrooms and talk with the teachers so you can see the blessings of a Catholic education and consider enrolling your children. The school will be open today from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
