stjosephchurch-richmond-il-01-1169

30th Anniversary and Mother's Day

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:57:32 GMT

This May 21st I celebrate 30 years as a priest of Jesus Christ! Next weekend I ask you to help celebrate this milestone (NOT mill stone). It is also 10 years as your Pastor. I have never regrated this call or my vocation. The Lord has been way too gracious to me. Still, I know He has blessed me to be his instrument in bringing souls closer to Him. The celebration of the Sacraments—most especially The Holy Mass—has been a privilege and a joy! My 10 years with you have been an honor. So many great people doing good thing for the Lord. We are a wonderful little, happy, and generous parish. So, thank you for making St. Joseph church a shining star in Richmond and beyond.

It is also Mother’s day today! So, Happy Mother’s Day! May all our Mothers who are now gone, there among us, and goon to be, be blessed and filled with contentment and love. Thank to my mom, now 87, and to all mother who love us, pray for us, and even challenge us. Blessing on you all!

Memorial Day

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:56:21 GMT

Memorial Day

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. With sorrow and joy we remember all those who sacrificed (joy) their lives (sorrow) to defend our country and the precious and sacred rights we have given to us by God (not the government)!

Cemeteries across the country and around the world have Americans from all our wars in them. I ask that we take a moment to reflect on such willingness to sacrifice and defend. These are noble virtues that must be passed on to every generation. War is sometimes necessary. It usually occurs because of a failure to communicate, or when people project their own inner conflicts onto the world.

Good men and women, throughout our Country’s existence, have answered the call to serve. We appreciate their service and take time to remember and give thanks! May this weekend be enjoyed by all of us. May the Souls of the Faithful Departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen!

Yours in Christ,

Monsignor Martin Heinz

Pastor

Mass Intentions

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:55:06 GMT

Mass Intentions

We have a wonderful problem: Too many requests for Mass Intentions offered at weekday and weekend Mass times. I already offer the chance for people to double-up at these Masses with their intentions.

Some rules have to be set in place, as many people want these intentions. Therefore,

No parishioner may have more than one intention requested per month, with a maximum of 12 per year.
Personal prayer intentions are restricted to one every two weeks per parishioner.
The stipend for the intention remains at $10.00 per intention, per Diocesan policy.
No intentions may be doubled-up without both of those requesting the intention agreeing. First come, first serve.
Please state the reason for the intention: e.g. for the deceased or living (birthday, anniversary, healing)

I want to remind you that we do have a prayer request list in the bulletin. Perhaps some prayer intentions can be handled in this way. There are many parishes that cannot fulfill intentions due to lack of requests. I’m very glad that we have a parish that desires such prayers for our loved ones.

Yours in Christ,

Monsignor Martin Heinz

Pastor