This week the Church celebrates two beloved saints whose witness still speaks powerfully to our lives today: Saint Patrick on March 17th and Saint Joseph on March 19th.
In a parish like ours rich in both Irish and Italian heritage these feasts stir deep cultural pride and cherished traditions. Yet beyond heritage, the lives of these saints reveal something even more important for us during this holy season of Lent: the power of invitation.
Our parish Lenten theme this year is “Return.” We are praying for those who have drifted from the faith and asking the Lord to draw hearts back to Him. But the saints remind us that this work of evan-gelization is not passive. God often chooses to work through us. Saint Patrick shows us this clearly. After being enslaved in Ireland as a young man, Patrick encountered Christ in the solitude of prayer. Years later, after escaping and returning home, he heard a spiritual call from the people of Ireland asking him to come back. Patrick could have remained safe where he was. Instead, he courageously returned as a missionary.
What did he do? He invited people to Christ.
Through preaching, friendship, and patient witness, Patrick introduced countless people to the Gospel. Entire communities discovered faith because one man answered the call to invite others into a relationship with Jesus.
Saint Joseph reveals another side of missionary discipleship. Joseph never preached publicly, yet his quiet “yes” to God changed the course of salvation history. When the angel spoke, Joseph acted. When Mary needed support, Joseph stepped forward. When the Child Jesus needed protection, Joseph provided it.
Joseph reminds us that discipleship is not passive. Faith means responding to God’s call with courage and action especially within our own families.
Together, these saints teach us something important about evangelization today. Patrick shows us the boldness to invite. Joseph shows us the faithful leadership to create space for Christ in our homes.
Saint Paul once asked a powerful question:
- How can people believe if they have never heard?
- And how can they hear unless someone proclaims the Good News?
God’s grace moves hearts but very often it begins with someone willing to speak, to invite, or simply to say, “Come with me.”
This Lent, the Lord may be asking each of us to take that step. Someone in your life a family member, a friend, a neighbor may be waiting for a simple invitation to return.
As we celebrate these great saints this week, all are warmly invited to join us for Mass:
- Saint Patrick’s Day Masses – Monday, March 17th
6:45 AM – Lourdes Campus
8:15 AM – Rosary Campus - Saint Joseph’s Day Masses – Wednesday, March 19th
6:45 AM – Lourdes Campus
9:00 AM – Rosary Campus
May the missionary courage of Saint Patrick and the faithful strength of Saint Joseph inspire us to play our part in helping others return to the Lord.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!