St. Joseph "Serve Like Jesus" Ministry Fair

One foundational characteristic of Jesus’ personality is his natural inclination to serve. Some say Jesus’ whole mission can be summed up in these words: “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). We are called to follow Jesus in this way… we are called to love because Jesus first loved; we are called to serve because Jesus first served.

When Jesus talks about service, he is talking about something greater than just the desire to help others. He is talking about obedience to the will of God—serving others is part of God’s will for each of us. There is something purifying about offering our humble service, something even tied to our salvation: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” 

There are times in our lives when our service is confined to our immediate family due to young children or elderly parents. There are times when our work schedules will only permit our financial support of the Church’s mission. But there are other times when God frees us to roll up our sleeves and do the incarnate work of “love your neighbor.” It is our hope  at St. Joseph that we can strive as a parish to “Serve Like Jesus.”  We want to provide opportunities for you and your family to make service a part of your weekly or monthly routine. We have so many different ways to serve... a way that fits every heart and every kind of giftedness. Please take some time this week to discern how the Lord is calling forth your gifts to benefit our greater community: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1Pt 4:10). Then next weekend, join us in Marian Hall after any mass for our Ministry Fair where you can talk with ministry leaders, sign up to serve, and get a free “Serve Like Jesus” volunteer T-shirt! Let us be in agreement as a parish family on this: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).