Solemnity of the Feast of St. Joseph was celebrated March 19th in a simple but joyful manner for all who participated. Priests in the Diocese of Denver were invited to join in the Eucharistic celebration followed by a traditional service of the Residents’ meal in our two dining rooms. Most Reverend Monsignor Bernie Schmidt, our main celebrant, concelebrated Mass with Fr. Tim Kremen, our chaplain and our two Resident priests, Fr. Jan Mucha and Fr. John Canjar, along with 17 other priests. The grandmother of one of the priest present passed away in the Home last year at the age of 101. The celebration was enhanced by our Residents’ choir.
Following Mass our priest friends, dressed in the typical white apron used for this occasion, were led to the different dining rooms to help with the Residents’ meal service. After willingly serving the Residents they joined them for the delicious Feast Day meal prepared by our kitchen staff. Various Residents enjoyed visiting with priests they had known over the years.
In the afternoon, the Association Jeanne Jugan Members (an association of lay people who help the Little Sisters in their mission of caring for the elderly poor) hosted the ‘St. Joseph’s Table’ in the auditorium. Residents enjoyed the various assortments of homemade treats prepared by the AJJ. During this encounter Residents and Little Sisters shared anecdotes about the different providential interventions of St. Joseph in their own lives and how devotion to him has strengthened their faith.
Feast of St. Joseph … a Day of Celebration