July 28, 2024

Seventeenth sunday in ordinary time

by Fr. Boniface Endorf, OP

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

I’m back in town and happy to return to St. Joseph’s! Fr. Jonah is now on tour for the next few weeks playing with the Hillbilly Thomists. Please keep them in your prayers as they spread the Gospel through music.

I’m currently going through my huge email pile, and I came across an incredible testimonial to the adoration chapel at St. Joseph’s. This young man heard the Lord calling him during his time with Jesus in our chapel. He writes:

“I relocated to New York this year with much excitement, but many open questions about the future. I discovered St. Joseph by accident, but after learning the parish had a perpetual adoration chapel, I knew it was where I belonged. Over time, the St. Joseph chapel became a homing beacon for me in the city - the starred location on my phone map that I could visit morning, afternoon, or night. I would drop in to visit Jesus anytime I was in the neighborhood, and I discovered new depths in prayer thanks to the chapel's peaceful, distraction-free environment, and (most of all) the Real Presence.

The St. Joseph chapel was especially impactful as I began to feel God's inspiration to leave my business career and discern the priesthood. In regular holy hours before the Blessed Sacrament, I received clarity from the Lord that this was His plan, and courage to take the next step and enter the Seminary. I am so grateful to St. Joseph for providing this chapel, this shining light over the city, that helped lead me to Jesus and to my purpose. I implore all fellow Catholics from every state of life to take advantage of this great blessing and devote time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, especially those seeking God's guidance on important decisions.”

Please consider spending time in the chapel—it will certainly change your life as you encounter Jesus Christ and His love for you.

God Bless,
Fr. Boniface