Dedication of St. Joseph's Church

Dear Parishioners,

This year, we celebrate the 106^th anniversary of the Dedication of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Colon.  The dedication of a church serves as a profound symbol of unity and identity. It is a visible manifestation of the community's faith and commitment to live out the Gospel. As a consecrated space, the church becomes a central place for gathering, worship, and the celebration of sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of Christian life.  The church acts as a spiritual home where the faithful are nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and community. It is a place where individuals and families can come together to support one another, grow in faith, and participate in various ministries and outreach efforts.   Moreover, the church building itself stands as a witness to the broader society of the enduring presence of Christ's Church in the world. It reminds the local community of their mission to be salt and light in the world, living out their Christian calling in everyday life. (Mt:13-16).

As we celebrate this year’s anniversary, I invite you to reflect upon a homily by St. Caesarius of Arles. 

“My fellow Christians, do we wish to celebrate joyfully the birth of this temple? Then let us not destroy the living temples of God in ourselves by works of evil. I shall speak clearly, so that all can understand. Whenever we come to church, we must prepare our hearts to be as beautiful as we expect this church to be. Do you wish to find this basilica immaculately clean? Then do not soil your soul with the filth of sins. Do you wish this basilica to be full of light? God too wishes that your soul be not in darkness, but that the light of good works shine in us, so that he who dwells in the heavens will be glorified. Just as you enter this church building, so God wishes to enter into your soul, for he promised: I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridors of their hearts.

These powerful words inspire in me a desire to care for the temple of my body and soul, so that it may be a beautiful edifice to welcome Christ at any time!  This celebration gives us pause to rejoice in our local community, while challenging us to prepare for Christ to come into the home of my heart.   May God bless you all on this joyous day!

In Christ,

Fr. Luke Fleck