All are Welcome

Shrine Summer Schedule  begins June 8.

Morning confessions will be from 

10:30-11:45 AM

All other ministry remains the same.  

The Gift Shop will close  at 4:00 PM daily.  

July 5, 2026

Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận was appointed Archbishop Coadjutor of Saigon in April 1975. Just days later, after the fall of Saigon on April 30, he was arrested by the Communist government. He spent the next thirteen years in prison, including nine years in solitary confinement. Despite these hardships, he never lost sight of Christ. His witness and his writings continue to inspire Christians throughout the world.

Cardinal Nguyễn Văn Thuận reflected on how pollution slowly damages the beautiful Gothic churches of Europe. He compared that pollution to sin, which slowly destroys communion between people.

 He wrote:

"The atmosphere of communion is polluted when I egotistically seek my own interests and not those of my brothers and sisters, and those of the Lord; when I oblige others to follow my will and not God's; when I take back what I have already offered with generosity; when I judge my brothers and sisters unjustly; and when I lock them into their deficiencies."

He then reminds us where true communion is found:

"Lord Jesus, we are in communion when you are among us, because you bring your life into ours. When we go away from you, we also abandon our brothers and sisters, and communion is broken. If I substitute your presence, Lord, with selfishness, prejudice, self-love, or jealousy, I put love to death and communion is broken."

His words invite each of us to examine our own lives. Do I build communion with others? Or do selfishness, pride, resentment, or jealousy separate me from God and from those around me? The answer is found in Christ. Each Sunday, the Lord invites us to gather around His altar.  There we receive His Body and Blood. We also offer our lives to the Father. There we learn that love is expressed not only in extraordinary acts, but also in the faithful acceptance of the ordinary crosses of daily life.

Carmelite Sister Ruth Burrows expresses this beautifully:

"The most valuable form of asceticism, because it is the actual exercise of love, is the patient acceptance of the hardships and sufferings of life."

Patiently accepting life's hardships slowly wears away our selfishness. Even the monotony of daily life can become a cross that draws us closer to Christ. As we accept it with faith, our lives become a true expression of our dedication to God. May we always seek the communion that only Christ can give. As we grow closer to Him, may our hearts be renewed, our families strengthened, and our love for one another reflect the love He has shown us.

You pray for me. I pray for you.

I remember you at Mass.

July 4th Holiday at the Shrine

 Observed Friday, July 3.

There will be a regular ministry schedule on Friday, July 3

The Giftshop/ and Business Office will be closed.  

The Shrine will follow a regular ministry schedule on July 4..  

          St. Joseph the Worker Shrine 2026

          Christian Worker Recognition Award

Each year, St. Joseph the Worker Shrine selects a person in the community at large for a special Christian Worker Recognition Award. 

Established in 2016, on the 60th anniversary of the Shrine’s dedication, the award celebrates the person who embodies the virtues of St. Joseph, in their home, workplace, and community at large.

Would you help us to make this year’s selection a worthy one? 

                                 Link to 2026 Nomination Form  

Special Collection for Venuzuela July 12 Weekend

As you have likely seen, the people of Venezuela are suffering enormously from devastating earthquakes. As of today, nearly 1,000 people have lost their lives, and more than 3,000 have been injured. Some media reports note that more than 40,000 people are missing. These numbers will only grow over the hours and days ahead. 

The Catholic Church, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is working through Caritas Venezuela and the local Church to quickly deliver emergency shelter, food, safe water, medical care and other critical relief to those affected. 

To help meet this expanding need, Archbishop Henning has asked the parishes of the Archdiocese to consider a special collection to support our brothers and sisters in need in Venezuela. 

The special collection for the Shrine will take place the weekend of JULY 12. Please address your checks to St. Joseph the Worker Shrine with “Venezuela Relief” in the memo. 

The Shrine will forward the collection to the Archdiocese where the funds raised will be sent to CRS. Your generosity has been essential during previous natural disasters. Any consideration you can give is greatly appreciated. God bless.