St James Catholic Church

Every year on July 25th we celebrate the patronal feast of St. James the Greater, apostle and martyr.  We always pick the weekend closest to that date.  Thinking about what I myself write about for the bulletin, why not write why I love St. James Parish family.  I will list some reasons not necessarily in any particular order.

First, and perhaps foremost, the people.  The first time I attended Mass here, (not wearing a collar) walking through the door I immediately felt the hospitality and welcoming warmth of this congregation.  As one of our new parishioners said about the assembly, “Everyone seems so happy.”  What goes right along with that is how everyone prays, participates, sings, and responds so well.  Even listening attentively to my homily and putting up with my corny jokes.  I am also amazed at the great sacrificial giving here.  Each year we over-reach our budget, meet our goal for the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, the amazing donations on Sharing Sunday, the support of our sister parish in Peru and our St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, and of course our annual rummage sale.  We should complete our pledge to pay off our remodeling debt by the end of the year.

The church is most church when it is gathered for the Eucharist.  Greeters, ushers, lectors, servers, Eucharistic ministers, cantors, choir, handbell choir, musicians, live-stream recorders of the Mass for the homebound and manning the Information Desk all creates a moving spiritual experience.  Even with Covid-19 our attendance numbers are good and growing.

I just love our worship space that has been created through our renovation project.  The new stained glass windows, statues, stations of the cross, tabernacle, pews and chairs, sound system, and the beautiful decorations that are created by our Environment Committee.  What was once a gymnasium is now an inspiring and prayerful environment for worship.

Last but not least, our parish staff, Fr. George, Fred, Carl, Donna, Mary Jo, Linda, and Dale are wonderful co-workers who guide,     direct, serve, and exercise their ministries (going over and [above] and beyond) the call of duty.  Along with these are the Finance Council, Chuck and Ellen, our trustees, our Pastoral Council and other sub-committees and volunteers on every level.

One of the components missing in this year’s St. James Feast Day is an after-Mass celebration.  Part of the reason is we need more helpers.  So often the work falls on our staff and the same familiar volunteers.  Our theme for this coming year is “The Harvest is Great, Workers are Needed.”  We simply have to enroll more volunteers to lend a hand.

For my priesthood and my being called to minister here at St. James, I am grateful and treasure and love our parish family.  Maybe you could tell me what you like best about our parish and even where we can grow and improve.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob