Homily & Music from the 175th Anniversary of St. Joseph Parish - 9/15/24

"Who do you say that I am?"  Jesus asked his disciples that question, and they had some legitimate answers.  But then Jesus asks them personally, individually: Who do YOU say that I am?  Catholics in Elkader, Iowa have been asking themselves that for 175 years this fall.  From the earliest beginnings in the 1840s and the establishment of the parish to the building of two rock churches, from the construction and deconstruction of schools to the many outreach ministries present today, the Catholic Church in Elkader has seen good times and bad.  Throughout its storied history though, and in a myriad of ways, St. Joseph has demonstrated who Jesus is: the center of our community.  Happy 175th anniversary to St. Joseph Parish!  Ad multos annos! 

Also included in today's episode is the St. Joseph Choir singing Jubilee Song, a piece written by St. Joseph's former pastor, Rev. Paul Peters, on the occasion of the Year 2000.  Becky Gundacker is featured playing the organ.  Ending today's episode is the Choir singing Is He Worthy? by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive, arranged by Heather Sorenson.  It features soloist John Uhal.  Both pieces are accompanied by Kristin Fitzgerald and conducted by John Uhal.