Dear Friends,

May the grace and peace of the Holy Spirit be with us for ever!

As we enter this holy season of Advent, our hearts turn with longing and hope toward the coming of our Savior. The Church gives us these weeks of waiting as a sacred invitation — a time to slow down, make room in our hearts, and prepare a place where Christ can dwell.

At the Shrine of Saint Joseph, Advent is a season of quiet miracles. Every day we witness God touching lives — in the flicker of a candle lit for a loved one, in the tears of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, in the joy of families gathering for Mass, and in the peace of pilgrims renewed in faith.

This holy ground has become a home for those who carry burdens, seek healing, and long to feel close to God. The Shrine stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and love — a place where hearts are lifted, lives are renewed, and souls are reminded that God is near.

One visitor shared, “I came to the Shrine at a time when I felt lost. I sat in the chapel, and it was as if God was waiting for me there. I left with peace in my heart.”

Stories like this remind us why the Shrine exists — to be a place of encounter where people experience the mercy and love of Christ in tangible ways. Every prayer offered, every confession heard, every Mass celebrated continues the angels’ proclamation at Bethlehem.

This sacred mission depends on the generosity of friends like you. Your gift helps sustain the Shrine and its ministries — preserving the beauty of our sacred spaces, supporting liturgies and outreach, and offering comfort and guidance to all who come seeking God’s peace.

Together, we live the call of our founder, Father Thomas Judge, C.M.: “Let every heart be an apostle of the love of Christ, bringing His hope to the world.” Through your generosity, you become part of that legacy — a partner in sharing God’s love with all who seek Him.

As you light your Advent wreath, remember the light that shines here at the Shrine — sustained by your prayers, your faith, and your giving heart. Your gift this season is more than a donation; it is an act of hope and a reflection of love for God’s work.

May your Advent be filled with peace, your Christmas with joy, and your New Year with the presence of Christ. Be assured that you and your loved ones are held in our prayers and remembered in the Masses celebrated at the Shrine.

In the Most Holy Trinity,