It’s good for us to spend some time thinking about Catholic Schools and the difference they make in our lives, in the lives of our families and the lives of the people who live in our communities. I’m committed to our Catholic Schools and brag about them every chance I get. I’m also very thankful for your teachers and others who work so hard to make sure you are getting the best education possible. Every day I pray for you and I pray for the success of our Catholic Schools.

Many of your mothers and fathers went to Catholic Schools and are now giving the gift to you. Some of your teachers are graduates of a Catholic School and are now sharing their love of Catholic Education. I graduated from a Catholic School many years ago. Many others who make our Catholic Schools possible have themselves benefited from Catholic Education.

Every year, our Catholic Schools make a big difference in people’s lives. Not only do you learn how to do many things, you learn how to become a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus. In the Bible, you hear about the disciples who followed Jesus and learned from His teachings. Today, there are many disciples who learn about Jesus and want to live and act in a way pleasing to Him. I hope you want to live as a disciple of Jesus.

One disciple of Jesus is St. Joseph. St. Joseph took Mary as his wife and became the Foster Father of Jesus. This year we are remembering St. Joseph in a particular way to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of his being declared patron of the universal church. Many of you know he is the patron of our diocese and our Cathedral is named in his honor; the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. This year I’ve asked everyone in our diocese to pay particular attention to St. Joseph and there are many ways you can learn more about him and pray to him for his help in your life. One prayer is the Memorare to St. Joseph.

This week is a great time for us to celebrate our Catholic Schools and to celebrate our Faith. God has made each one of us, and every day you are learning about His love. Let us ask St. Joseph to watch over us with his fatherly care by praying the Memorare to him:

Remember, O most pure Spouse of the Virgin Mary, my noble protector St. Joseph, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I come to you, my spiritual father, and fervently commend myself to you. Despise not my petition, O Guardian of the Redeemer, but in your goodness hear and answer me. Amen.

    For the time being, we will offer Mass at 4:30 on Saturdays and 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 on Sundays.     When attending Mass at St. Patrick's, face coverings will be required for everyone entering the Church.  Everyone in attendance will need to enter through the canopy door by the elevator and exit through the ramp door.  We ask your patience and understanding in the event that we have reached our 25 percent capacity limit and have to ask people to come back for a later Mass.   Please also understand that we will have to lock the church doors between Masses for the sanitizing procedures.  We look forward to seeing you at Mass!