All are Welcome

September 27, 2026

This weekend we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, a day to pray for our priests and to thank God for the gift of the priesthood. For me, it is also a day to reflect on what a privilege it has been to serve God's people as a priest and as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate.

A priest is invited into some of the most important moments of people's lives. We baptize children. We celebrate marriages. We anoint the sick. We bury those you love. We celebrate the Eucharist with you. And sometimes we simply sit with you when there are no words that can make things better.

Here at St. Joseph the Worker Shrine, I am especially reminded of the gift of the priesthood through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. So many people come through our doors seeking God's forgiveness. Some have been away from confession for a few weeks. Others return after many years. What a privilege it is to be able to say those beautiful words: “I absolve you from your sins.”

Priests are human. We have our strengths and our weaknesses. We make mistakes. We need your prayers just as you need ours. But God calls ordinary men and entrusts them with an extraordinary responsibility—to bring Christ to His people.

On this Priesthood Sunday, please pray for your priests. Pray for our Oblates here at the Shrine. Pray for our retired priests and for those who have gone before us. And especially pray that more young men will hear God's call and have the courage to answer it. After all these years, I remain grateful that God called me to this life. I am grateful that He called me to serve you.

I pray for you. You pray for me.

Prayer to Saint Joseph for Workers

Please come and honor the Patron of our Shrine before each Sunday Mass and Saturday vigil Mass. 

Ten minutes before each Mass all are invited to pray the prayer on the back cover of the missalettes. The prayer was written by our late Shrine Director, Fr. Terry O’Connell, OMI.

This prayer time is a good preparation for Mass and a reminder that there are many in need of our prayers to obtain a good and meaningful job to provide for their loved ones.

Oblate Associates

Interested in answering the call and living a life that matters as an Oblate Associate?

Go to the link to read more information about  a  life as an Oblate Associate.

MATTHEW 21; 28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion? 

A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards changed his mind and went.

The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, 'but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."

Ms. Katerynne Patino          

2026 St. Joseph the Worker Award Recipient

The Award was presented to Ms. Patino by Father Mike Amesse at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, September 12.  She was joined by her family and friends on this joyous occasion. We are blessed to have selfless people working among us in this 21st century. Thanks for the work that she does on a daily basis.

Born in Colombia, Katerynne Patino came to the United States as a young adult, bringing with her the values of humility, compassion, service, and faith that were nurtured through her Catholic education with the Franciscan Sisters.

Katerynne never forgot what it felt like to be new to this country. That experience became central to her work with immigrant families. She began her career with Lowell Public Schools as a Family Liaison and later served districtwide as the Spanish Bilingual Family Liaison in the Office of Equity and Empowerment. Families trusted Katerynne because she understood their struggles, spoke their language, and made certain they knew they were not alone.

Today, she continues her commitment to children and families through Project LEARN, helping expand educational opportunities throughout Greater Lowell. Her service also extends beyond her professional life.  Katerynne is an active parishioner at St. Francis Parish in Dracut and serves her community as a member of the Dracut Finance Committee.

Through her work, her Catholic faith, and her love for others, Katerynne beautifully demonstrates that caring for our neighbors is one way we live out our faith. For her lifelong commitment to serving others, St. Joseph the Worker Shrine is honored to recognize Katerynne Patino as our 2026 St. Joseph the Worker Awardee.