Thanks Be To God !

I have sat here at my computer for twenty minutes trying to find out what to technically call Salem St. Joseph's community and how many years they have been in existence. I know it has something to do with the 'historial society' or 'heritage foundation' and that the number 160 keeps popping up in my mind. Then, laughing at myself (which I frequently do...often with others....) I realized that I am 'allowed' to refer to Salem St. Joseph's and people will know exactly who I am talking about and that the number of years isn't really as important as the fact that they will continue to have celebrations for a long time.


So, I will write that the good people from St. Joseph's celebrated their heritage with a mass and a pork chop dinner today. I did not attend the mass but was able to partake in the dinner. I could not help smiling at the wonderful feeling of fellowship that greeted me as I walked up to the dining hall. I can only actually recite the names of a very small percentage of those parishioners present. Yet, I recognized them. I recognized the people who took the battle for their church to the courtroom and came back with not only their building, but their community as well. I recognized those who never gave up the notion that God did not forsake them because they had not blindly followed those whose only wish was that they fall in line. They heard their Master's voice and followed the Good Shepherd. I recognized a caring and dedication that I will never, never forget.

I recognized the Spirit. Thanks be to God.