Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. - Prayer of Pius X

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Saint Joseph's House: What is it?

What should SJH be? Here’s my brainstorming. I want to discuss all of this and I’m set on nothing…

A place in which the Miller marriage is able to grow and thrive – however that looks. Perhaps one night a week Lisa and I get to have the place to ourselves.
A place that Crete can call home.
A place that might eventually offer nightly beds to a couple other folk.
A school for training in the gospel.

Ordinary language, roundtable discussions for the clarification of thought – what are we doing and why are we
doing it. Must be accessible to everyone. And probably very practical. But this is not a separate “school” apart from
the church. It is just a different venue probably with a focus on what are the more “radical” parts of the Gospel.
Maybe we could start b discussing the Catholic Worker’s "Aims and Means?"

A place where we are changed by rubbing up against the other.
A place were the poor are served before the rich.
A place where people can take showers.
A place that has a pot of soup or a casserole ready to go those who come in.
A place that takes donations to allow the rich to give to the poor, to do good for goodness’ sake.
A place where we learn how to beg.
A place with a core of committed “associates.” Many hands make lighter work.
A place that is a ministry St. Joe's. and under the authority of its clerics.
A place that other clerics frequent to lead discussions, celebrate the Eucharist, etc.

So:

I suggest that we start with JR’s suggestion of small communal meals with the Guys, as frequent as weekly if we can afford it.
I further suggest that we start roundtable discussions about what SJH should be ASAP.
Anyone's contributions to these are valued.

2 comments:

Colin said...

A place where the poor, parishioners, neighbors, friends, associates, and residents can come and find a place to work, a place to talk, a place to study, a place to be.

Colin said...

A place the prays Matins and Vespers at St. Joseph's.