We are a community of Catholics and in our own imperfection are attempting to follow the way of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are seeking a perfect church with the perfect congregation you will not find it here. If you are seeking to become perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect then you are welcome to join us. Ours is a road of repentance, we follow in discipleship and by Grace live in Joy, Hope and Love.
Please view this important message from Bishop Mark Brennan regarding the spread of the COVID-19 and what the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is doing during these uncertain times.
All activities and Masses are cancelled at the church building, St. Joseph the Worker Day School, Grade School and Madonna High School until further notice. No meetings will be held in those buildings. The Parish office will be closed until further notice. Personnel are working from home regarding essential needs, e.g. funerals, etc. Father Dennis is available for sacramental emergencies. Call the rectory at 723-2054 and dial 1.
Important Message from Fr. Dennis
Thursday April 2, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
I wanted to give you an update and also ask for your assistance, particularly with identifying those individuals who may be isolated, or are in need.
Please remember to visit and share our website at stjoeweirton.org or just go to Google and type in St. Joseph the Worker Weirton and it will come right up. The website will have our updated bulletin, and any additional information.
We do want to keep in our prayers those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith over these last weeks, including, Cindy Alongi, Vince Deluca and Lester Rokisky.
Remember you can participate in the following opportunities via live streaming at St. Joseph The Worker Grade School Facebook. page: 7:30 daily Mass on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 9:15 am children’s Mass on Fridays.
Confessions are available at the regularly scheduled times in the bulletin or by appointment. Because the churches are supposed to be locked and we want to honor social distancing, Father Tony and I will be in our car in front of the church at the scheduled times. You’re welcome to approach the passenger window where you can maintain social distancing while giving your confession and receiving absolution.
As I’ve said in the past, Father Tony and I have given 50% of our March salaries to the churches in addition to our regular giving. I want to thank all those who have continued to give. I do understand for those who can’t give that you will remember us in your prayers. Everyone employed at the church is continuing to receive their full salary as they continue to work either at home or behind closed doors. I truly appreciate your generosity!
I am happy to announce that all seven of our seminarians will be at the Franciscan House, the old convent at Sacred Heart of Mary. They will stay there for at least two months. They continue their studies and are doing projects around the parishes. They are keeping all of you in a special way in their prayers.
Most especially, I would ask that you would identify and call the parish office with the names of people who you think may be isolated or need encouragement. We will gather groups of people to contact these individuals to encourage them and to make sure that their needs are met. I am aware that many ministries within the church are already doing this. Please help us in this manner.
A big thank you to Amy Granato and all those Madonna students who participated in the CARE-avan. This was a caravan escorted by the police in an effort to encourage all the residence at Wyngate, Geriatric Center, Serra Manor, and Grace & Hope Cottages, that we remember them in our prayers and that we are thinking of them! It was wonderful to see so many cars and especially, the bright faces of all the residents.
The Lord is truly within each one of us through our baptism and confirmation. At this time of challenge, may this gift of faith in the Lord’s presence, strengthen us to live great lives of creative and compassionate service!
Do you need help? Do you know someone who needs help? Can you help?
Need to go to the store but you are at risk? Or are you healthy and at low risk and can make that grocery run? Are you feeling alone and just need to talk?
With the imposition of “social distancing” our normal networks of communicating have been disrupted.
In this time of crisis we need to help each other. It’s just that this is new to everyone. We are learning as we are going and one of the first steps is staying connected locally while we try to keep ourselves healthy and safe.
The rectory is closed however you can still contact us if you need assistance or if you can give assistance.
Phone: 304.723.2054 (8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday)
Email: stjosephtheworker229@yahoo.com.
Fr. Dennis Homilies
Pray for one another.
James 5 13-16
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
Following the advice offered in the Letter of James, please feel free share your prayer request with us. You can also express your gratitude in a prayer of Thanksgiving. editor.stjoeweirton@gmail.com
The Windows of St Joseph the Worker Parish
The stained glass windows adorning the north and south walls of the church were cre
ated and placed b
y Pittsburgh Stained Glass Studios of Pittsburgh PA. The artist was Peter Brahm, and his craftsmen. The installation of the windows began in 1969.The twelve windows follow the theme of Salvation History, starting with the Creation window. This window is on your left as you enter the church, above Station of the Cross #6 (Veronica wipes the face of Jesus). The Creation window is somewhat dark with subdued colors, but with each window progressing toward the Sanctuary, the windows begin to brighten until the Sanctuary windows glow with a golden light.
The Rose Window, the Symbols of the Apostles
The Rose window, which faces the setting sun, was installed during the construction of the church in 1961 and 1962. The church was dedicated on May 1st, 1962 by Archbishop John Joseph Swint. The panels, although there are no names or human images on the windows portray the twelve apostles. Each window depicts the symbols of one of the apostles. The windows depict the eleven faithful apostles (Judas Iscariot is left out of the group and St Paul was put in his place to complete the number 12) The Rose window as created by Poremba Stained Glass Studios from Warrensville Heights, OH. The windows were donated by the Christian Mothers.
