Dear Parishioners
Each year I have made it a custom to write to you in this blessed season. As I reflect back on the year, I recall so many blessings in our parish life. The School is excelling in so many ways. Our dedicated staff teach and care for the students as if they were their own. I am sure you have read the numerous articles about the school’s achievements in the bulletin and the “Beltsville News”. As they attend Mass or act as the lectors, servers, or gift-bearers, their reverence and devotion reveal how aware they are of this sacred gift from the Lord. Tom Keane and the dedicated members of the Home and School Association offer invaluable aide and support in our children’s education.
The Religious Education Program for our young people also continues to pass on the most precious gift of faith to our young people under the direction of Denise Young. Students are preparing to receive First Reconciliation and the Bishop’s imparting of Confirmation. Brother Jeff continues teaching and interacting with our students and providing training for those who serve at the altar. The ministry of his very “presence” is so important to our young people as they witness one who has responded to God’s call of religious life.
Under the guidance of MM Teague and Edie Fafard, the Parish Prayer Chain and the Charismatic Prayer Group continue to meet each week to pray for those intentions placed in the book at the back of the church, and we continue Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of the month. This is a wonderful quiet time before our Sacramental Lord and I know that their prayers for our intentions provide numerous blessings to the parish. The Ladies of Charity continue to bring the Lord to our nursing home residents each week,
With Susan Rohrer’s assistance, our parish continues its outreach to individuals and families who come to us in need of food, clothing, or other assistance. Your donations of food left in the church foyer truly help these individuals make ends meet. The needs never end, so we must continually attempt to reach out in service.
The Bereavement Ministry meets with families who have lost a loved one and assist them in their moment of need and in the planning of the funeral Liturgy.
The Children's Liturgy of the Word, now under the generous guidance of Laura Irwin, offers our young children the Gospel presented at their age level, while the priest is preaching to the congregation. I would ask and hope that you consider involving yourself in one of the so many ministries within the parish.
The Pastoral, Finance Council and School Advisory Board continue to dedicate their time to provide me with input and advice involving the direction and administration of the parish. I don’t know how but Marie Bohorfoush and Jennifer Tansey keep on top of the day to day tasks in the parish office. Week after week the lectors, ushers, servers, choirs and Eucharistic Ministers offer their services to the Lord to enhance and beautify our worship of the Lord in our beautiful Church- so often coordinated by the tireless efforts of Warren Taylor. Our worship, our Eucharist, is the source and the summit of all that we do. We cannot adequately express how grateful we are for all of the individuals who are so very involved in these sacred rites and parish life. In this season of giving, could I ask that you consider lending a hand in some parish ministry?
With Christmas Eve on a Sunday, it will indeed be hectic. The Christmas Masses will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 5:30, 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. and on Christmas day at 9:00 and 11 a.m. Please keep this for reference. If you know of someone who has drifted from the practice of the faith, consider inviting them to attend Mass. What better Christmas gift could you offer? Your Christmas donation to Saint Joseph’s is truly an important collection for us. I ask that you remember whose birth we are celebrating and then reflect on what might be an appropriate gift to the Lord on His Birthday. I thank you in advance for your generosity.
I am so very grateful for the many acts of kindness, support and encouragement that you have shown me throughout the year. I am truly blessed to be your pastor. On behalf of the Deacons and all of the parish staff, I want to express our very sincere wishes for a very happy and a very holy Christmas for you and for your loved ones.
In His love,

Rev. J. Michael Quill