Welcome to St. James

I appreciate all the work the Oktoberfest team is doing to prepare for our parish fun and fundraising event on October 2nd. I encourage you to participate in the preparations; cook a turkey, serve on one of the teams, donate to the ticket drawing and come to enjoy our parish family by being a part of this important community building effort!

This weekend we will celebrate “Catechetical Sunday” with the theme "Prayer: The Faith Prayed". Those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry at a special 5:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday evening. Everyone in the parish is invited to attend this outdoor Mass (if the weather cooperates, if not we will be in the church). Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. I am grateful for all those who have responded to the call to serve in this important ministry. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.

This week the pre-12th grade religious education classes began the Wednesday night schedule. We have 270 pre-5th grade, and 134 6-12th grade youth in our religious education program and 69 catechists and aids. I appreciate the commitment of parents for being involved in the parish and attending weekend liturgy. I offer praise and thanks to God for the service of our catechists to this important ministry of passing on our faith!

I AM Joseph your brother!
Fr. Joe Hannappel