Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

Peace and All Good!

It feels strange to be writing the “Pastor’s Letter” before I arrive at Saint Francis. I will be at Saint Francis next weekend. I am happy, honored and excited to become the pastor of such a fabulous church. My name is Fr. Joe Juracek, perhaps some may remember me, as I was stationed at Saint Francis about 20 years ago. I was vicar of the friary and started the counseling center working there for six years. I absolutely love being a Franciscan priest. My life has been filled with blessings and happiness. I can’t wait to share my joy of knowing and loving Jesus with you.

In the long form of today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds and the good seed: “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom.” I look forward to us “good seeds” working and growing together, moving forward from our community of Saint Francis to teach, witness and spread the Good News of
Jesus Christ.

Peace and all Good,

Fr. Joe, ofm