From the Pastor


Welcome to St. Joseph the Worker Church. We are a multicultural parish in the heart of Berkeley brought together by our unifying desire to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic Tradition. My name is Fr John Direen and it is my privilege to serve as pastor of this diverse and devoted community. I was appointed pastor by the Bishop of Oakland, Most Reverend Salvatore Cordileone, and began my ministry on July 1, 2009.

Msgr. John Sweeny (+ 2005) once told me that he always felt edified by the faithful who come to church regularly to pray and strive to practice their faith in their lifelong journey towards eternal life. I have come to experience this for myself as I meet and get to know the faithful of this parish with the variety of talent, gifts and needs they bring. Together we discern how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives so that we can give glory to God by revealing the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, within our own generations and neighborhood. Please join us as we continue the good work that has been entrusted to us while we too make our journey toward the ultimate destination of being completely one with our Lord in heaven forever.

Fr. John Direen, Pastor




Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 19, 2012

From the Pastor

Thank you for your generous participation in the start of our annual Bishop’s Appeal last weekend which raised $1,175.23. Our goal this year is $9,449.24 and I am confident we will be able to make our goal for the first time in many years.

Thank you also for your participation in the restoration of our stations of the cross, which is now complete. Linda & Ralph Avila did a wonderful job these past 3 years with your help. We will bless these stations on Friday, February 24th at 6:30 p.m. and then pray the stations of the cross.

Please see in the bulletin the architectural drawings to add ramps in our sanctuary. We are in the process of securing a permit from the city of Berkeley and hope to complete this project within the next few weeks, again thanks to your generous donations.

Fr John Direen
Pastor


Presentation Sisters Mission in Guatemala

Thank you for participating in the Christmas Stocking appeal for the Presentation Sisters Mission in Guatemala. Your generous donations raised $1,198.61. It is time again for our annual Lenten appeal for this same purpose. Small Lenten bags will be distributed after all the Masses next weekend. Please take one home, fill it with your donations during Lent and return it at Easter time. Thank you for your generosity towards this worthy ministry.