08/31/2026
My dear friends in Christ,
Last Sunday, I delivered my Pastor’s Report. Thank you for taking the time to listen.
You have heard me say many times in my homilies that I love being a priest, but I do not always love being a pastor! I say this with a smile because being a pastor brings challenges that require me to constantly ask God for strength, wisdom, and humility.
Being a priest is, above all, about serving God’s people with compassion and a commitment to justice. It means being present to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the sick, and those who are in need. These are the parts of my priesthood that I deeply love, and I remain very passionate about serving you.
When I first came to St. Joseph’s ten years ago, I promised that I would be there for anyone whenever I am available and circumstances allow. That commitment remains. This is why we have an emergency number, 510-803-9347, which you may call when you need a priest. Fr. Joseph and I will do our best to be there for you. If we cannot be physically present, at least you will be able to reach one of us for guidance, prayer, and support. Over the years, I have gone to hospitals in the middle of the night and early in the morning because being there for you has always been one of my greatest priorities.
At the same time, my responsibilities as pastor sometimes make that difficult. Much of my work involves the administration and business of the parish—buildings, finances, maintenance, planning, and many other decisions. As pastor, I carry the responsibility of making difficult decisions, and balancing these responsibilities with my priestly ministry can sometimes be challenging. I ask for your prayers, patience, and understanding.
I have never claimed to have all the answers. We all have strengths and weaknesses, including me. I believe that a good leader must be willing to listen, remain humble, recognize his or her limitations, and seek the wisdom of others. When something is beyond my knowledge or expertise, I am not afraid to seek counsel from those who know more than I do.
My challenge to all of us at St. Joseph’s is simple: Let us not be people who stand on the sidelines. Let us be people who participate, contribute, and build together. It is easy to criticize or point out what is wrong. It is much more meaningful to ask, “What can I do to help?”
We have accomplished much together, including significant improvements to our parish property, and we will continue moving forward. Of course, challenges and unexpected problems will always arise—the doors, bathrooms, roof, and many other needs remind us of that. But instead of focusing only on what is lacking, let us also recognize and give thanks for what God has already allowed us to accomplish. A grateful community is a stronger and more joyful community.
September is a busy and exciting month. St. Joseph’s School and Faith Formation have begun a new year, and we are preparing for our Oktoberfest Weekend on October 3 and 4, which requires the participation of many hands. Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered. I encourage all of us to find a way to become more engaged in the life and ministries of our parish.
Coming to Mass is the most beautiful thing we can do as a Christian community. The Eucharist is the “summit and high point” of our Christian life.But our faith also calls us to go forth and serve. The work of the Church cannot be carried by only a handful of people. Each of us has gifts to offer.
So, I invite you to reflect on one simple question:
“What have I done for my parish community?”
As Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
May we begin this new season of our journey together with humility, gratitude, generosity, and a renewed commitment to one another.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Geoffrey
