As we gather for the Eucharist on this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we remember in our prayers all those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. As we commemorate the fourth anniversary of that terrible day in our country, we also pray for all the current victims of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast. We pray for those who have died, those who are currently homeless, and all those suffering in the aftermath of this horrific natural disaster.

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak to a person who had lost her home in Slidell, Louisiana due to flooding. She has come north to be with relatives in the Leavenworth area. I also spoke to parishioners who are heading south to help with relief efforts. Let us keep all of these people in our prayers. Many thanks, also, for your generosity in last weekend's second collection to allow Catholic Charities to assist the hurricane victims as quickly as possible.

This weekend we welcome Fr. Vernon Malley, O.Carm., to the parish from Tucson, Arizona. Fr. Vernon will be preaching on our Carmelite missions at all our Masses this weekend. Fr. Vernon's brother, Fr. John Malley, O.Carm., was the Prior General of the worldwide Carmelite Order from 1983-1995, and is currently in charge of fundraising for all of our foreign Carmelite missions around the world. Please be generous in today's second collection.

This Sunday, we will begin our Religious Education Classes, Kindergarten through 8th Grade, at 9:15a.m., at the St. Joseph Parish site. The Children's Liturgy of the Word Program will also begin anew at the 8:00a.m. and 10:30a.m. Masses. We are also opening a Nursery Program at the 10:30a.m. Mass for parents who would appreciate having their little ones cared for during Mass. More details will be available at Mass. Finally, we will have our monthly High School Youth Mass this Sunday at 7:00p.m. in St. Joseph Church.

Our Parish RCIA Program begins this Wednesday, September 14, at 7:00p.m., and our School of Faith Adult Education Classes will begin at 7:00p.m. on Thursday, September 15. Both will be held in St. Joseph's Kinzler Hall. If you know of anyone who is interested in joining the Catholic Church, this is the time for them to come forward! If you have any questions regarding the Adult Education Classes sponsored by the School of Faith from Lawrence, Kansas, please don't hesitate to ask myself or Brother David.

Don't forget that next weekend is the St. Joseph Parish Bazaar, our biggest fundraiser for the entire year! Plan on taking advantage of the take-home barbeque beef sack suppers on Saturday night, and the roast beef dinner on Sunday. Check out the bulletin flyer for all the details!

God bless you always!