Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
As we continue to celebrate this year in honor of St. Joseph, we consider his example and life as role models for shepherds in the Church. His life was one of sacred responsibility over the true Body of Christ as he daily guarded the Redeemer. St. Joseph showed how future priests should teach, sanctify and govern the Mystical Body of Christ as he fathered the Lord, Head and Shepherd of the Church.
Priests and bishops must teach the doctrine of the Catholic Faith handed on to us by Our Lord Himself. The teaching of Jesus is the truth because He is the truth. Priests cannot change His teaching to make it easier on the priest or the people. The truth is the standard by which all of us will be either saved or condemned. St. Joseph always let Jesus and Mary speak because their teaching guided him in everything.
Shepherds also sanctify the faithful by means of the Sacraments, especially the Most Holy Eucharist. By offering daily the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the priest calls down heavenly grace to increase his own holiness and that of the whole Church. St. Joseph practiced perpetual adoration as he was in the presence of Jesus day and night. He shows us how to be holy as God is holy.
Priests and bishops should also govern the Church after the example of St. Joseph. He guided Jesus and Mary through earthly dangers and human persecutions. Shepherds must lead the faithful to heaven, a place of safety and peace. Our goal is to get to heaven. Priests and bishops need to show the faithful the way, Jesus Christ. The blessed life of St. Joseph gives shepherds a holy and manly example to follow.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 